Best Campgrounds near Spooner, WI

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Spooner, Wisconsin provides a variety of camping environments across its established campgrounds and public lands. Campers can find full-service campgrounds like Red Barn Campground with 71 sites offering modern amenities, or more rustic experiences at locations like Earl Park Landing where tent and RV camping is permitted. Shell Lake Municipal Park operates seasonally from May through October with water and electric hookups at every site, while Anchor Woods Campground offers full hookups in a quieter setting. Options range from primitive dispersed camping to fully developed resorts with cabin rentals.

The camping season in this region typically runs from early May through mid-October, with most established campgrounds closing during winter months. Weather conditions vary dramatically through the seasons with warm summers and cold winters typical of northern Wisconsin. One camper noted, "Sites are tightly spaced but mostly perfectly level. All of the sites I checked had at least 30A electric; most also had 50A." While many established campgrounds offer electrical hookups and water, dispersed areas like Chinty Lake Roadside Camp provide free camping without amenities. Cell service can be inconsistent in rural areas, and weekend reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites.

Waterfront camping represents a significant attraction in the Spooner area, with several campgrounds offering lake or river access. Shell Lake Municipal Park provides lakefront camping with convenient access to town amenities and beaches. Multiple reviewers mention the quality of water recreation opportunities, including floating on the Namekagon River. According to one visitor, "They will bring you up the river to float down and land on their nice sand beach." For those seeking more solitude, dispersed camping options exist but may have limited facilities. Families particularly appreciate the child-friendly amenities at several campgrounds, including playgrounds, beaches, and organized activities. Most campgrounds welcome pets, though specific rules vary by location, and many provide fire rings and picnic tables at individual sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Spooner, Wisconsin (183)

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Recent Reviews near Spooner, WI

369 Reviews of 183 Spooner Campgrounds


  • Mindy B.
    Nov. 20, 2025

    Morris Erickson County Park

    Grassy lakeside space convenient to the Ice Age Trail, but little privacy

    Clean and well-kept, this is a very small park with mowed lawn but no separation between the campsites, and close to a highway. Quiet at night. We stayed there off-season, and had it mostly to ourselves.  It's convenient for an overnight stay while hiking the Ice Age Trail road connection nearby.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Pattison State Park Campground

    Love the sites, little expensive

    The sites are great, spacious and not to close. They are flat and grassy, which I like. Open sky at our site, so our Starlink worked. Parked with friends at a double site, it was huge! It was off-season so showers were off. And with no electric, $100 for one night at a double site seemed like a lot. The facilities look great though, and the falls was a short (10 minute) walk from our site. And they were beautiful!

  • 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!!!

  • Maria D.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Interstate State Park — Interstate State Park

    Lovely River, Too Much Hustle

    Interstate State Park has some nice features, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. Many of the exterior loop sites have river access, which was a highlight, and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes thanks to being right on the water. The nearby towns are also very charming and worth exploring.

    That said, the campground is small and very crowded, likely because it’s so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise, and in the fall, migrating geese can be very loud (which didn’t bother me, but might for some). The ranger office had limited hours, and since firewood is locked up, there’s no self-serve option. Another downside: a riverboat cruises by frequently, blasting music in the evenings and giving tours during the day.

    The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but just too small and busy for my preference—I don’t think I’d return.

    Best sites seemed to be 21 (great river views, less private), 23 (fun detached tent pad), and 18 (most private). Sites 4–5 were also lovely but close to the bathrooms and camp host, so expect more foot traffic.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    Free parking, no water, no gray dump, no trash.

    This is the trailhead for a very beautiful mountain biking trail and the roads that lead up to this area are incredibly gorgeous especially in the fall. The red building in the pictures is an emergency cabin. You can go in it and look around if you want. It's not at the trailhead, it's about 10 minutes from it on your way in.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Eagle Point Park

    Quiet lake campground

    I stayed here one night while traveling. The bathrooms seemed fire. I could not find a dumper on site. There is a dump station. Plenty of tent only camping areas. All sites require some leveling. Some of the sites have water hookups. Lots of people use the park during the day. It was very quiet at night.

    There is a coffee shop about a 20 minute walk from the park. There is a public swimming beach less than a 10 minute walk from the park.

    You might be able to get a large rig into the first few spots. But if you try to drive the loop around to the other sites, you might not make it. But I did not have trouble in my 25 foot motor home.

    I had great 5G signals from Verizon and T-mobile here.

  • Hayli B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Perch Lake Recreation Area

    4 Night Stay

    We reserved site #4 on the North Loop at Perch Lake Campground - a wonderful place to stay. The sites are relatively private, some have little pathways connecting them. Our site was flat but gravel. Had direct access to the water, which made this site perfect for Kayaking. It appeared most sites had an access point to the water. There’s also a boat launch. There are pit toilets, which were clean and maintained. Downside is there are no showers, have to drive a while to find some. The campground is quiet and provides a relaxing environment. The stars are beautiful at night. No T-mobile cell service within 20 minutes.

  • Hayli B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Perch Lake Campground (Drummond, WI)

    4 Night Stay in August 2025

    We reserved site #4 on the North Loop at Perch Lake Campground - a wonderful place to stay. The sites are relatively private, some have little pathways connecting them. Our site was flat but gravel. Had direct access to the water, which made this site perfect for Kayaking. It appeared most sites had an access point to the water. There’s also a boat launch. There are pit toilets, which were clean and maintained. The campground is quiet and provides a relaxing environment. The stars are beautiful at night.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good


Guide to Spooner

Camping sites near Spooner, Wisconsin range from primitive options to full-service campgrounds throughout the Washburn County area. The region sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation with clay and sandy loam soils that drain moderately well after rainfall. Most dispersed camping areas don't require permits but typically limit stays to 14 days during peak season.

What to do

Water recreation on multiple lakes: Shell Lake provides excellent swimming beaches with dedicated swimming areas. At Log Cabin Resort and Campground, visitors can enjoy river floating experiences. "They will bring you up the river to float down and land on their nice sand beach," notes camper Drew G.

Hiking nearby trails: Several campgrounds connect to local trail systems through wooded areas. Dongola Campground offers "groomed/mowed trails that wind through the beautiful 40 acre property, great for walking, bicycling, or golf carts," according to Chad & who "even saw a bald eagle during our stay here."

Family farm activities: Local agricultural tourism opportunities exist minutes from camping areas. Red Barn Campground offers unique entertainment options for children. "A huge playground, pony rides, animal parades and mini golf are only a few things that happen at Red Barn. The 126 year old barn on the premises holds barn dances, and indoor movies," reports Courtney C.

What campers like

Quiet, spacious settings: Many campgrounds offer peaceful environments away from crowded camping experiences. Nancy J. describes Dongola Campground as a "hidden gem" with "sunny spots, shady spots & just an all around beautiful spot."

River access points: The Namekagon River provides canoe and kayak opportunities with multiple access points. Nickole D. describes Howell Landing as a "clean, well kept little campground, which consisted of one large group site. Tent only with access to the Namekagon River. Plenty of parking."

Full hookup availability: Many RV sites offer complete utility connections. Debbie V. from Anchor Woods Campground shares, "For the 1st time doing a full hook up, it was great!!!! Even the dogs had a great time."

Convenient town proximity: Several campgrounds balance natural settings with easy access to local amenities. Kerry M. notes that Shell Lake Municipal Park provides "a serene and peaceful base from which to enjoy hiking among the autumn colors."

What you should know

Site levelness varies significantly: Terrain throughout the area can present leveling challenges. Max P. warns about Anchor Woods Campground: "This campground is great if your wanting to work on your camper leveling skills. You know you have a collapsible shovel tucked away somewhere, here's your chance!"

Roadside camping realities: Free dispersed camping options may not match expectations. Aly E. describes Chinty Lake Roadside Camp as "literally just a roadside pull off not really a campsite (and the road was kinda busy)."

Off-peak tranquility: Camping outside summer high season offers different experiences. Kerry M. visited Shell Lake Municipal Park in October and notes: "The first night we were alone; the most others we've seen were 3 more. I'm sure in summer this will be a very bustling, active place."

Variable site spacing: Campground density differs greatly between locations. One reviewer notes that at Anchor Woods Campground "you'll get to park super close to your fellow neighbors," while others offer more separation.

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated children's activities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to younger campers. Red Barn Campground "revolves around children" with playground equipment, organized activities, and entertainment options just "5 min to the nearest beach and cute downtown Shell Lake."

Consider noise levels: Road proximity can impact sleeping quality, particularly with young children. Tori K. reports that at Shell Lake Municipal Park, "The main road nearby is a little noisy but everything else was great!" noting its "very nice beach and located in a very walkable area."

Check river recreation options: Supervised water activities provide family-friendly options. Drew G. emphasizes that Log Cabin Resort and Campground has "a nice inflatable park for the kids" and offers river floating with transportation service.

Verify campsite locations: Some campgrounds have misleading site descriptions. Nola R. cautions about Earl Park Landing: "Most of the sites are not by the parking area. They aren't overly far away, but you're definitely lugging your stuff 100-300 feet at least."

Tips from RVers

Check electrical service capacity: Power options vary significantly between campgrounds. Kerry M. notes that at Shell Lake Municipal Park, "All of the sites I checked had at least 30A electric; most also had 50A."

Reserve lakefront sites early: Waterfront locations fill quickly during peak season. Christopher H. recommends Whitetail Ridge Campground for being "close to trails and fishing. Nice beach in shell lake."

Consider seasonal options: Many campgrounds offer extended-stay arrangements. Whitetail Ridge Campground has "lots of seasonal campers" according to visitors, which can affect availability for short-term stays.

Verify dump station access: Not all campgrounds with hookups have on-site dumping. Shell Lake Municipal Park has "a very good dump station by the boat ramp" making it convenient for longer stays with full tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV campgrounds with full hookups near Spooner, Wisconsin?

Wildwood RV Park & Campground accommodates RVs and offers amenities including mini golf and a seasonal outdoor pool. Sites are relatively close together but functional for RV campers. Anchor Woods Campground also accommodates RVs, though campers should be prepared for uneven terrain that may require leveling skills. For additional options with full hookups, Whitetail Ridge Campground & Backwoods Saloon and Red Barn Campground both accommodate big rigs and offer reservable sites with water and toilet facilities within a reasonable drive from Spooner.

How much does it cost to camp at Spooner, WI campgrounds?

Camping costs around Spooner vary by amenities and type. Pattison State Park Campground offers wooded sites at state park rates, typically $15-30 per night depending on residency and amenities. Interstate State Park has similar pricing with standard state park fees that include vehicle admission. Private campgrounds like Log Cabin Resort and Campground typically charge $25-45 per night depending on hookups. Budget-conscious campers can find free camping at Earl Park Landing, though amenities are limited. Most campgrounds in the area offer both reservation and first-come-first-served options with varying cancellation policies.

Can I rent a camper in the Spooner area for my camping trip?

Yes, camper rentals are available in the Spooner area through several options. Lake Chippewa Campground offers on-site rental units for visitors who don't have their own equipment. For those wanting more flexibility, local RV rental companies in nearby towns like Hayward and Rice Lake provide travel trailers and motorhomes that can be rented and taken to your campground of choice. Some regional businesses also offer delivery and setup services where they'll bring a rental camper directly to your reserved campsite at places like James N McNally City Campground. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months.

How much does it cost to camp at Spooner, WI campgrounds?

Camping costs around Spooner vary by amenities and type. Pattison State Park Campground offers wooded sites at state park rates, typically $15-30 per night depending on residency and amenities. Interstate State Park has similar pricing with standard state park fees that include vehicle admission. Private campgrounds like Log Cabin Resort and Campground typically charge $25-45 per night depending on hookups. Budget-conscious campers can find free camping at Earl Park Landing, though amenities are limited. Most campgrounds in the area offer both reservation and first-come-first-served options with varying cancellation policies.

Can I rent a camper in the Spooner area for my camping trip?

Yes, camper rentals are available in the Spooner area through several options. Lake Chippewa Campground offers on-site rental units for visitors who don't have their own equipment. For those wanting more flexibility, local RV rental companies in nearby towns like Hayward and Rice Lake provide travel trailers and motorhomes that can be rented and taken to your campground of choice. Some regional businesses also offer delivery and setup services where they'll bring a rental camper directly to your reserved campsite at places like James N McNally City Campground. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months.

Are there RV campgrounds with full hookups near Spooner, Wisconsin?

Wildwood RV Park & Campground accommodates RVs and offers amenities including mini golf and a seasonal outdoor pool. Sites are relatively close together but functional for RV campers. Anchor Woods Campground also accommodates RVs, though campers should be prepared for uneven terrain that may require leveling skills. For additional options with full hookups, Whitetail Ridge Campground & Backwoods Saloon and Red Barn Campground both accommodate big rigs and offer reservable sites with water and toilet facilities within a reasonable drive from Spooner.

What are the best campgrounds in Spooner, WI for family camping?

For family camping near Spooner, Straight Lake State Park Campground offers a peaceful experience with hike-in sites near the water. The park provides carts to help transport camping supplies, and families can enjoy the Ice Age Trail that runs alongside the park. Another excellent option is Two Lakes, which features diverse sites with both forest and lake views. Families can enjoy fishing directly from their campsite, with boats that can be tied off at the water's edge. Shell Lake Municipal Park is also family-friendly with easy access to water activities and basic amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.

Are there RV campgrounds with full hookups near Spooner, Wisconsin?

Wildwood RV Park & Campground accommodates RVs and offers amenities including mini golf and a seasonal outdoor pool. Sites are relatively close together but functional for RV campers. Anchor Woods Campground also accommodates RVs, though campers should be prepared for uneven terrain that may require leveling skills. For additional options with full hookups, Whitetail Ridge Campground & Backwoods Saloon and Red Barn Campground both accommodate big rigs and offer reservable sites with water and toilet facilities within a reasonable drive from Spooner.

How much does it cost to camp at Spooner, WI campgrounds?

Camping costs around Spooner vary by amenities and type. Pattison State Park Campground offers wooded sites at state park rates, typically $15-30 per night depending on residency and amenities. Interstate State Park has similar pricing with standard state park fees that include vehicle admission. Private campgrounds like Log Cabin Resort and Campground typically charge $25-45 per night depending on hookups. Budget-conscious campers can find free camping at Earl Park Landing, though amenities are limited. Most campgrounds in the area offer both reservation and first-come-first-served options with varying cancellation policies.

Can I rent a camper in the Spooner area for my camping trip?

Yes, camper rentals are available in the Spooner area through several options. Lake Chippewa Campground offers on-site rental units for visitors who don't have their own equipment. For those wanting more flexibility, local RV rental companies in nearby towns like Hayward and Rice Lake provide travel trailers and motorhomes that can be rented and taken to your campground of choice. Some regional businesses also offer delivery and setup services where they'll bring a rental camper directly to your reserved campsite at places like James N McNally City Campground. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months.