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Best Tent Camping near Sarona, WI

335 Reviews

The forested landscapes surrounding Sarona, Wisconsin offer several tent camping options along the Namekagon River and nearby lakes. Straight Lake State Park Campground provides walk-in tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, accessible via well-maintained paths from two parking areas. Kirby Lake Primitive Campsite offers free, hike-in tent-only camping with minimal amenities for those seeking a more rustic experience. Phipps Landing near Hayward features three established tent sites along the Namekagon River with both drive-in and boat-in access options, making it convenient for paddlers and hikers alike.

Most tent campsites in the Sarona area are set on natural surfaces with minimal grading. Campers should bring water filtration equipment as drinking water is limited at primitive sites, though some locations like Phipps Landing and Howell Landing do provide potable water. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, but backcountry tent camping areas typically lack facilities. Spring conditions can be challenging with mud and insects, particularly ticks. Fire rings are common at designated sites, but campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival. Many locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis with typical 14-day stay limits.

According to reviews, Straight Lake State Park offers a particularly good tent camping experience. One visitor noted, "There are a small number of hike-in camp sites with nearby water. The park offered carts to help pack in camping supplies." The Ice Age Trail runs adjacent to this park, providing excellent hiking opportunities. At Phipps Landing, a camper reported, "Three established tent sites, one is more secluded than the others," highlighting the varying privacy levels available. Howell Landing provides a clean, well-maintained group tent site with river access, though some campers mention the lack of separation between parties. Mosquito populations can be significant in summer months, especially at lakeside locations, so appropriate insect protection is essential for comfortable tent camping experiences.

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Best Tent Sites Near Sarona, Wisconsin (37)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sarona, WI

8 Photos of 37 Sarona Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Sarona, WI

335 Reviews of 37 Sarona Campgrounds

  • Katherine T.
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Solid option with star gazing

    This is a solid state park offering. The sites are decently spaced with good tree cover. Noise seemed to travel between sites, I had some loud neighbors during the day but they settled down before quiet hours. The grass was easy to get tent stakes into. Bathrooms were your basic state park situation. Clean with warm showers so no complaints from me. The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance.

  • D
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Great spot for first time camping

    This was my first time camping EVER, and I wanted a balance of car camping ease with quiet wilderness. I stayed in the E loop. No electric sites, which cut down the number of big rig RVs, but there were plenty of small campers and trailers. To me, this means louder guests than tent campers. That said, people tended to quiet down by 9-10p. There was occasional noise during the day from crop dusters and motorized boat traffic on the St. Croix.

    Site 87 had nice privacy — less between sites 87 and 89 and much more between 87 and 85 (see photos). Site 89 is a double site, so be prepared for a little more activity if someone books there. If I went again, I'd try to snag site 85. Large trees and vegetation between sites, especially on the outside loop. Plenty of space for hammocks. The site itself was level and very spacious. We had a five person tent and could have put up a bug house easily. The fire pit was clean and had a grate on top. Pit toilets were clean and had plenty of toilet paper, especially for the end of a holiday weekend. Bugs were minimal, but could have been because the weather was on the cooler side (50s-60s).

    A couple random notes:

    • Firewood is $6/bundle. Self-pay available if the ranger station is closed. Bring exact change since you'll be paying by envelope.

    • The ranger station was open for window service, and they sold fire starters, soda, t-shirts, etc. Not sure when hours are exactly. They were open when I went around 3-4p Sunday and Monday to buy wood.

    • Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent.

  • amber N.
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded, River Front Buck Hill Site

    Backpack site Buck Hill is right on the river, beautiful view to the east. Circled by flowers (goldenrod in the late summer), brush and trees. End of the path so zero foot traffic / passersby. Fine size for us but if you had two tents maybe tight. Fire ring and picnic table of course. No drinking water (we brought a bladder). It’s a great place to star gaze. There’s a teeny somewhat treacherous path to the river- no beach or anything (water was super low when we went) - Just can get your feet wet.

    Down the path a little bit is an unenclosed toilet - not the best. The other direction down the path (only about 20 ft) is a smallish bear box.

    You can harvest your own wood (at this time) and that was really great - bring a backpacking saw!

    Only downside to the site— you can hear cars on both sides (river and opposite side of forest).

    It was a 2.37 mile walk from the parking lot, mostly shaded.

    Side note: we checked out Deer Creek site which is much closer to the car. It is a hike in / canoe site. It’s wayyy more spacious, and even has two separate clearings. Also has cool stairs down the to water, and a much more expansive view of the river. We will be staying there next time! We want to take a few days to canoe the whole length of the park, camping along the different sites. Next year! :)

  • Sarah D.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Secluded Backpack/Canoe Site with Sunrise Views

    I was looking for a secluded backpack in site where I could have a peaceful 48 hours of prayer and solitude, and this site was perfect! I also wanted one that wasn't too far remote, since I hadn't been on a proper backpacking trip since the pandemic hit. And as a solo female camper, I wanted a reserved site so that there would be a record of my location for safety reasons. I'm so glad I chose the Deer Creek site, and will almost definitely stay here again at some point!

    This site is accessible by either hiking or canoe. It took me about 30 minutes to hike in from the visitor center parking lot. There is easy access to river water to boil or filter from the canoe landing.

    This site was incredibly spacious. It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads (look out for widow makers, one of the tent pads is under a dead tree!). It also has a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock! (This would be a great site for hammock camping.) So if you're camping with a small group of people this would be a great site. It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.) I also found plenty of dead down and dry wood and birch bark on the ground for building fires.

    This site is great for a one nigjt stay on a longer backpacking or canoeing trip, but also great for camping out at for a couple of nights. I stayed for two, and it connects to all the major trails in the park, so I was able to use it as a great base for hiking and seeing the beautiful changing leaves. In the morning I hiked North to do the Riverside trail and looped back through the woods. Then in the afternoon I did the Deer Creek loop, which is a shared horse and hiking trail. It was so nice to he able to hike out to some of the best trails in the park directly from my site.

    This site felt remarkably remote for being only an hour from the twin cities and a mile from the parking lot! I stayed there Thursday -Saturday, and after leaving the parking lot on Thursday did not see another human being for the rest of the day, and Friday not until I hit the main trails! There was no one else staying within at least a mile of me. I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls. Two bald eagles had a nest across the river so I got to see and hear them the whole trip, too- it was absolutely magical!

    This site has a great view of both sunrise and sunset. Thursday night there was a gorgeous sunset over the woods reflected in deer Creek. Both mornings I woke up to watch the sunrise while drinking my coffee next to the fire (it was freezing!!!). Watching the sun rise over the river and fog roll over th water and evaporate while eagles soared was truly magical. Having an easy backpack in site surrounded by water on two sides and with views of the sunrise and sunset like this was so incredible!!!

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Group site with a view

    Group campsite one is a lovely open site right on the St Croix River. This is a walk in site but fairly close to the parking area. Plenty of grassy space to play and set up several tents. If the 5 group sites it is probably the farthest from the vault toilets but still not that far away. The sites are all right next to each other so there is no privacy and no guarantees another group won’t disturb your group at night or vice versa. The park is not very large but what it offers is lovely. In the river side you’ll enjoy rocky trails and the famous potholes and in the hill side you’ll enjoy views from way up high.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park

    No service

    Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home. Forgot to take my usual photos and video of the site all set up but had a few random to share. Nice campground. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are flush toilets and showers and the office has a store for any last minute needs.

  • A
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Rolling prairies along the river

    Some nice hiking and beautiful landscapes of wildflowers, grasses, and the river Typical state campground set up, not a ton of privacy but enough. Stayed 3 nights, tent camping. Biy certified firewood outside the park if you plan on using a lot. A nice weekend getaway close to the metro!

  • Lindsay T.
    Oct. 2, 2022

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Excellent, can't wait to return!

    Great campground with plenty of privacy and space between sites.  Excellent hiking trails along the river.  Restroom/shower building and vault toilets well maintained.

  • Bryce R.
    Apr. 22, 2019

    Two Lakes

    This is a wonderful State Park park your boat next to your site

    This is this is a wonderful State Park public Vault toilets in a beautiful Sandy Beach for swimming enclosed and marked off along with the Beautiful Clear Lake on one side perfect for boating fishing and watersports public access to the lake and there are many sites where you can pull your boat right up too without the need to launch and Recovery daily large and private sites there are no hookups but that's to be expected with a state park wonderful place if you look in to get away from society and enjoy your summer the right way

Guide to Sarona

Tent camping near Sarona, Wisconsin offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds. With options ranging from rustic sites to those with essential amenities, there's something for every tent camper.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Howell Landing, you'll find a clean, well-kept campground with access to the Namekagon River, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • K and C Country Air Campground features electric hookups and showers, making it a comfortable choice for those who want a bit more convenience.
  • Sawmill Park allows fires and has drinking water available, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

  • Camping at Kirby Lake Primitive Campsite is free, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers looking for a rustic experience.
  • Stinnett Landing offers affordable tent sites with access for both boat-in and drive-in campers, providing flexibility for your camping adventure.
  • For a more private experience, Straight Lake State Park Campground features reservable sites, ensuring you have a spot waiting for you.

Tent campers should check out the scenic views

  • The picturesque setting at Namekagon Trail Bridge offers beautiful river views, ideal for fishing and floating trips.
  • Hayward Landing provides a serene environment with picnic tables and access to nearby water, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of Earl Park, where you can set up your tent and soak in the natural beauty of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sarona, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sarona, WI is K and C Country Air Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sarona, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Sarona, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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