Best Tent Camping near Trego, WI
The Namekagon River corridor near Trego, Wisconsin offers several primitive tent camping options with river access. Howell Landing provides tent-only camping with walk-in sites and river access, while Schoen Park in the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway features dispersed tent camping areas with picnic tables. Phipps Landing, located near Hayward, offers established tent campsites accessible by both vehicle and boat, making it popular for paddlers exploring the Namekagon River system. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and provide basic amenities suited for self-sufficient tent campers.
Most tent campgrounds in the Trego area feature natural, ungraded surfaces with minimal site development. Vault toilets are available at locations like Phipps Landing and Howell Landing, but potable water is limited or unavailable at many sites. Campers should bring water filtration systems or carry sufficient drinking water. Fire rings are provided at most locations where fires are permitted, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Sites typically accommodate 1-2 tents on natural surfaces with varying degrees of privacy. The camping season generally runs from late spring through fall, with some areas becoming difficult to access during wet weather.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Trego centers around water recreation and forest solitude. According to reviews, Phipps Landing offers "three established tent sites with one being more secluded than the others," though some road noise from the nearby highway may be noticeable. At Howell Landing, campers noted the "clean, well-kept little campground" provides direct access to the Namekagon River with "plenty of parking," though the group site setup offers limited separation between parties. Primitive tent campsites at Schoen Park provide what one visitor described as "a private area with beautiful river views," ideal for those seeking seclusion. Most tent-only sites in the region serve as excellent basecamps for paddling trips, with many campers using them as overnight stops during multi-day river journeys on the Namekagon and St. Croix waterways.