Stone Lake, Wisconsin sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet in the heart of Washburn County, positioned between several lakes and rivers that form part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway system. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with July temperatures averaging 80°F during daytime hours. Most tent campsites near Stone Lake, Wisconsin operate on first-come, first-served policies, requiring campers to plan arrivals during daylight hours, especially on summer weekends.
What to do
Fishing the Namekagon River: Access multiple fishing spots via the Namekagon Trail Bridge area, where the river offers excellent smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing. "Beautiful river! Instead of paddling down the river I'd recommend turning this into a nice float/fishing trip. They provide nice maps depicting where off shore camping sites are," notes Joseph L. about Namekagon Trail Bridge.
Multi-day paddling trips: Plan overnight journeys along the Namekagon River with numerous primitive campsites accessible only by water. "We spent 3 days and 2 nights in the river in our canoe. Caught great fish and camping off the rice banks was great," reports a visitor to Namekagon Trail Bridge.
Group camping excursions: Set up at Howell Landing's communal camping area, which accommodates several tents. "Clean, well kept little campground, which consisted of one large group site. Tent only with access to the Namekagon River. Plenty of parking," writes Nickole D. about her stay at Howell Landing.
What campers like
Combination of drive-in and boat-in access: At Phipps Landing, campers appreciate the flexibility of arrival methods. Arctic D. from Phipps Landing comments, "You can drive in and park at this site, or canoe down the Namekagagen and pull up. There are 2 small sites with fire pits near the parking & landing, and one large group site with fire pit to the far back."
Quiet atmosphere: K and C Country Air Campground receives praise for its peaceful setting despite having utility hookups. "Great place water sewer electric sites. Very quiet campground," notes Forest R. about K and C Country Air Campground.
Secluded campsites: Some tent campsites near Stone Lake offer more privacy than others. Paul H. observed at Phipps Landing, "Lovely spot on the Namekagan River. 3 established tent sites 1 is more secluded than the others."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent camping areas near Stone Lake operate with minimal amenities. "Bring your own water or filtration. No rubbish bins. Camping is free, FCFS," advises Arctic D. about facilities at Phipps Landing.
Seasonal bugs: Insect activity peaks during summer months, particularly at riverside locations. One camper at Namekagon Trail Bridge warns, "We stayed at the dog town campsite, very secluded, bring your bug spray!"
Campsite competition: During peak season, first-come, first-served sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Several campers note arriving by early afternoon on Fridays to secure spots at popular locations.
Highway noise: Some otherwise peaceful campsites experience occasional road noise. Paul H. mentions about Phipps Landing, "A little road noise from nearby highway."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Choose camping areas with multiple amenities when bringing children. K and C Country Air Campground offers showers, toilets, and trash service, making extended stays more comfortable with young campers.
River safety awareness: Families camping near the Namekagon should bring life jackets for children regardless of swimming abilities due to variable currents and depths.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Namekagon corridor provides excellent chances to spot river otters, eagles, and deer, particularly during morning and evening hours. Pack binoculars for wildlife observation from safe distances.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent campsites near Stone Lake cannot accommodate large RVs. Smaller campervans and pop-ups fit at select locations, but check ahead for length restrictions.
Seasonal considerations: Sawmill Park in Birchwood remains open year-round, offering options for cold-weather camping when other facilities close for winter.
Access limitations: Many river access points require RVers to park in designated areas and walk to tent-only camping areas. Plan accordingly with portable gear that can be carried from parking areas to riverside campsites.
