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Best Tent Camping near Sarona, WI

330 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

330 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! :)

  • 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

  • Susan M.
    Jul. 17, 2020

    Camp Waub-O-Jeeg

    Great little campground! One of our faves.

    We live in Minneapolis and love having this camp close to home, yet far enough to feel like we are up north. We come here a lot during the summer!

    The camp is rustic, in a good way. Lots of trees, nice sites with water and electric and a dump station (that’s not stinky!) Bathrooms have been renovated recently too.

    Depending on what type of camper you are, there are lots of options. What you won’t find is an RV Park that is open and on top of each other. There are sites big enough for large campers, there are drive-in tent sites (several have been upgraded with electric this year), and a few walk-in sites. There are some seasonal campers too who are friendly and willing to help out if you need something.

    A previous review mentioned the roads. They washed out one night when there was really heavy rain and big storms but the owners where fixing them right away the next day. They said that happens now and then because it is a dirt road but they have all the equipment to fix them promptly. You can tell they care a lot about the campground and they are very attentive. They are good about coming around and monitoring what’s going on. They enjoy good conversation too.

    It is a kid friendly campground. I often see kids meeting each other from different sites and then hanging out and playing games together. There are nice playgrounds on both the A and B hill.

    The campground owners are great and very helpful. They will help you get situated into your site and bring you firewood and even a cooked Heggies pizza! They are also great about explaining the different sites and making sure it will work for the type of camping you are doing. They truly are hosts!

    There is a walking path down to the river and the Lions Park is in walking distance. There is a big hill up into the campground, (because of the river) but there is parking at the Lions Park if you want to drive. The Lions Park also has a boat launch for the St. Croix and there is a parking lot at camp where you can store it during your stay.

    Taylors Falls is two miles away where you will find cute shops, ice cream and good dining. St. Croix Falls is right over the river where you have more restaurants, a grocery store, Menards and a Walmart.

    There are a few ATV’s and mini bikes but they mostly stay over on another hill where there are trails set up for them and no campsites are over there. If you enjoy riding, bring them along!

    For the most part, people are respectful of the 10pm quiet hours. If people are loud, the campground owners have asked that you call them no matter how late so they can take care of it. They appreciate k owing if others are not being respectful, day or night.

    The camp store has lots of necessities like ice, snacks, s’mores stuff and more. They have games you can check out and little items you may have forgotten at home.

    We often stay at State Parks. We liked this camp because it is similar when it comes to rustic and wooded, but they don’t have all the strict rules like the State Parks. We will keep coming to Camp Waub O Jeeg!

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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