Best Campgrounds near Upson, WI

Upson, Wisconsin serves as a gateway to multiple camping experiences in Wisconsin's northern forests. Weber Lake County Park offers both tent and RV camping with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and vault toilets. Nearby, Upson Community Park provides similar facilities with electric sites suitable for tents and recreational vehicles. The broader area includes several established campgrounds within a 20-mile radius, including Copper Falls State Park Campground which features cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. Foster Falls offers dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more primitive experiences on public lands.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly with the seasons in this northern Wisconsin region. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. The area experiences heavy snowfall from November through April, with spring thaws often creating muddy conditions on unpaved access roads. Summer brings moderate temperatures ideal for camping, while fall offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly at more remote sites. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and fall color season. One visitor noted, "If you're looking for areas to visit while camping here you may have a little bit of a drive. The park features some of the best waterfalls in the State and the trails surrounding those falls can get you pretty close for some spectacular photos!"

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Upson area. Several campgrounds provide lake access, with Weber Lake County Park offering direct water access. Visitors frequently mention the region's waterfalls as highlights, with Copper Falls State Park receiving particularly strong reviews for its scenic hiking trails. As one camper described it, "Copper Falls has quickly jumped to my number one state park experience in Wisconsin. I've lived in Wisconsin my whole life and did not expect such beauty in this northern part of the state." The area's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to RVs, with some locations offering cabin rentals. Mosquitoes and biting flies can be problematic during summer months, especially near water sources, so appropriate repellent is essential. The region's relative remoteness provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing away from light pollution.

Best Camping Sites Near Upson, Wisconsin (144)

    1. Copper Falls State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Mellen, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 274-5123

    $20 - $30 / night

    "If your from Wisconsin this sits at the very north of the State. If your looking for areas to visit while camping here you may have a little bit of a drive."

    "Wow, Copper Falls has quickly jumped to my number one state park experience in Wisconsin. I’ve lived in Wisconsin my whole life and did not expect such beauty in this northern part of the state."

    2. Potato River Falls Campground

    10 Reviews
    Saxon, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 561-2697

    $10 / night

    "I have been visiting the falls for years as it is one of the most beautiful (and little known) places in northern Wisconsin."

    "Free campsites within walking distance to upper and lower falls."

    3. Curry Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Hurley, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 932-5050

    $15 - $35 / night

    "Saw a deer walking through camp. Nearby brewery was a nice treat! Sites we stayed at were pull through sites with full hook ups."

    "Stayed two nights as the location was convenient for my stay in town. Older park with mature trees offering shade on most lots. Power pedestal upgrades to 30 and 50 amp to majority of lots."

    4. Frontier RV Park and Campground

    7 Reviews
    Saxon, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 893-2461

    "Conveniently located on Hwy2 but you could hear truck traffic at your site... cell tower right next to the campground meant we had full service when needed. We would stay here again no doubt!"

    "Best part is that there is a lot of room to walk your dog as it backs up to a forest. Also, the gas station is also a bar and its a great place to have a cold one after driving all day!"

    5. Foster Falls

    3 Reviews
    Upson, WI
    4 miles
    Website

    "8 Mile drive off the main road. Mostly paved, some gravel, but all smooth. We had the place to ourselves. A short walk down to the waterfall."

    "Also got a bit nervous hearing timber wolves in the distance for a few hours at night then again in the early morning. But we practiced good camp hygiene and they left us alone."

    6. Weber Lake County Park

    3 Reviews
    Upson, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 561-2227

    "The campground is on a no-wake lake so great for fishing."

    7. Little Girl's Point County Park

    11 Reviews
    Saxon, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 663-4428

    $30 / night

    "On Lake Superior near Ironwood. Close to waterfalls and right on the Lake."

    "No taxes, entrance fees, reservation fees, none of that. The center for agate huting, better have a good eye & lots of luck. They are there, but few & far between."

    8. Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    36 Reviews
    Wakefield, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 885-5275

    $4 - $20 / night

    "So the drive-in sites are literally all right next to each other, no privacy at all."

    "Presque Isle Campground is located at the southern edge of the Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  "

    9. Upson Community Park

    2 Reviews
    Upson, WI
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 561-2096

    "One is tucked away. Another is in the middle but the plentiful trees separate you. A local man told us that all the money earned goes back into the campground."

    10. Saxon Harbor Campground & Marina

    5 Reviews
    Saxon, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 893-2242

    "This spot is a few feet away from Lake Superior. Water and electric. We had site 19 on pavement but it wasn't level if that matters to you."

    "The sites don’t have much privacy but they’ve got a great view of Lake Superior. There are restrooms on site with paid showers and a brand new playground."

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Recent Reviews near Upson, WI

642 Reviews of 144 Upson Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Union River Big Bear Campground

    Beautiful and clean!

    Our family of six greatly enjoyed tent camping at Big Bear! Our site was very close to the playground and we could see our kids playing there from our site. The bathrooms were extremely clean.It’s located at the entrance to the Porkies which was super nice and only 20 minutes to the grocery store. Walking across the main road and there’s Lake Superior? Perfection! Nice little store with ice and firewood. The only downside was the sites are very close together with no privacy.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Out of town but close

    Flush toilets & showers. Also one vault toilet. Clean with hand sanitizer. Lower sites are closer to playground, beech & picnic area. But upper sites are spaced better with lake views. All sites have picnic table, fire ring & power.

  • D
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Wabasso Lake Recreation Area

    Forest and Lakes

    This campground has 4 walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, and suitable areas for tents. There is a hand pump for water and vault toilet in the parking lot, where there is a boat landing, but no dock. There is a nearby Headwaters Lakes Natural Area with a hundred year old road that hikers will enjoy. It takes you back a mile or longer into the forest, between Wabasso and Emily Lakes. Cedar Lake has a portage/hiking trail within walking distance of the campground, but beware the lakeshore is boggy, bring high boots.

  • D
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Emily Lake NF Campground

    Relax by the Lake

    Among the 11 campsites there are a few that will accommodate small rvs. There is a hand pump well for fresh water, and although safe and tastes great, clarity is not its strong suit (harmless tannins). Two vault toilets that are kept very clean and odorless. Emily lake is pretty and I’ll probably try camping here again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Curry Park Campground

    Decent park for short stay

    Stayed two nights as the location was convenient for my stay in town. Older park with mature trees offering shade on most lots. Power pedestal upgrades to 30 and 50 amp to majority of lots. Limited FHU lots grouped together in lower area. Suspect this area could have drainage issues during heavy rainfall. Lots near highway would tend to be noisier. Restroom and shower area was kept up and clean. Very functional shower stall with plenty of hot water. Dump station designed for one sided unloading with non-potable and potable water nearby. Expect to wait if other using the dump station. Overall, decent place for short-term stays.

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Dalrymple Park and Campground

    Lovely spot

    Lakeside sites set above lakeshore. No lake access but great views. All seems to have electric. Vault toilets and city water. Sites 24,25 & 26 best views. 30 sits above them all across from toilets also with a fab view. Campground manager is a lovely woman who also manges the towns parking lots. At $30 a night it's well worth it! Just outside the little charming town if Belfield with ferry to Madaline Island and the Apostle Island tours.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Kreher RV Park

    I would definitely camp hear again

    Very nice campground host. New showers and bathrooms

  • 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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping

    Nice place for a day or two

    This is a nice enough campground but I am honestly disappointed. The website describes lots of amenities, which is why I booked this campground, however, everything is extra cost in addition to nightly rate— including mini-golf. The entire campground is in the side of a mountain and there are no flat roads, which makes biking and walking a workout rather than leisure. We will check out Buffalo Bay next time.


Guide to Upson

Dispersed camping opportunities are abundant in Iron County, Wisconsin, particularly around Upson and neighboring areas. Heavily wooded terrain characterizes these camping spots near Upson, Wisconsin, with elevations ranging between 1,200-1,600 feet. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 40s even after warm days. Most dispersed sites have no designated facilities and require campers to pack out all trash.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: 8-mile drive required. Foster Falls offers primitive camping with no facilities but provides direct access to cascading water features. According to one visitor, "This is a nice, secluded site about 100 feet from the falls. We did get several visitors to the falls each day, but most were only there for a few minutes and left us alone."

Rock hunting: Best during morning hours. Little Girl's Point County Park provides Lake Superior beach access where agate hunting is popular. "Right on Lake Superior. Lots of agates to be found on the beach," notes one camper. The park offers electric hookups for $20 per night with no reservation fees.

Fishing: No-wake restrictions apply. Weber Lake County Park provides access to a small lake perfect for fishing. "The campground is on a no-wake lake so great for fishing. There is golf on the adjoining property which also has a swim pool ($5/ per swimmer per day)," mentions a visitor. The park underwent renovations after 2020 to improve facilities.

What campers like

Primitive solitude: No permits required. Potato River Falls Campground offers free camping with vault toilets but no potable water. "Five developed campsites are here--we were the only ones here the first day of 5, and it never filled up. Only one site was large enough for our 43' motorhome, but all are gorgeous secluded spots," reports a camper.

Waterfront access: Rocky beaches dominate. Campers repeatedly mention Saxon Harbor's proximity to Lake Superior as a major draw. "This spot is a few feet away from Lake Superior. Water and electric. We had site 19 on pavement but it wasn't level if that matters to you. The campground has an upper and lower area, and a marina."

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best opportunities. Visitors to camping areas near Upson report varied wildlife sightings including timber wolves. "Got a bit nervous hearing timber wolves in the distance for a few hours at night then again in the early morning. But we practiced good camp hygiene and they left us alone," notes one Foster Falls camper.

What you should know

Cell service: Extremely limited coverage. Most camping spots around Upson have minimal cellular reception. At Presque Isle State Park, "Cell service was really spot (can be a good thing when camping), and I wasn't able to pick up a lot of radio stations either. Still nice to enjoy the quite dark skies."

Weather considerations: Rapid changes common. The region experiences variable conditions even in summer. Pack layers regardless of season as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Many sites report heavy mosquito activity, particularly near water sources.

Road access: Gravel roads predominate. Multiple campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. As one Potato River Falls visitor noted, "This beautiful spot is quite out of the way. However it's free and has some beauteous scenery. The dirt road past the shelter was just wide enough for our vehicle - it might be too tight for larger RVs."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds: Limited options available. While most rustic sites lack playground equipment, Saxon Harbor Campground offers a "brand new playground" according to recent visitors. The campground was completely rebuilt after storm damage, with new facilities completed in 2020.

Swimming areas: Temperature-dependent. Several lakes and Lake Superior provide swimming opportunities, though water remains cold throughout the season. "The swim beach is nice, just a short walk from the parking lot at the ranger station. Plenty of bathroom facilities," notes one Porcupine Mountains visitor.

Educational opportunities: Focus on geology. The region offers excellent opportunities for children to learn about rock types and formations. Lake Superior beaches provide hands-on exploration with "great beach walks for about a mile total of available shore" at Little Girl's Point County Park.

Tips from RVers

Site access: Width restrictions on approach roads. Copper Falls State Park offers designated RV camping but access requires careful navigation. "This is the first campsite I've been to where the fire pit didn't have a grill grate on part of it. There is water on site, but it is the hand pump style, so it would help to have a large open container to capture the water."

Leveling challenges: Bring adequate blocks. Several campgrounds feature uneven sites requiring additional leveling equipment. "Lots of hungry mosquitoes as it has not gotten chilly yet so bring bug spray! Very spotty cell service," notes one Copper Falls camper of the practical challenges facing RVers.

Hookup limitations: Prepare for boondocking. Most camping options near Upson provide limited or no hookups. When available, they typically offer only electric connections. Dump stations are scarce, with campers noting that some facilities like Saxon Harbor provide showers for $1 per 4-minute session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Upson Falls campground located in Wisconsin?

Upson Falls campground is located in northern Wisconsin's Iron County, nestled within the Penokee Range area. It sits along the Potato River, about 2 miles south of the small community of Upson. The campground is part of a natural area that includes the impressive Potato River Falls. Nearby, Weber Lake County Park offers additional camping opportunities in the Upson area, while Saxon Harbor Campground & Marina is located approximately 15 miles northwest along Lake Superior's shoreline.

Is Upson Falls near Presque Isle State Park?

Upson Falls is not directly adjacent to Presque Isle State Park, as they're in different states. While Upson Falls is in northern Wisconsin, Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, approximately 50 miles northeast of Upson. The drive between these locations takes about an hour, making it possible to visit both during an extended camping trip. For closer options to Presque Isle, consider Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping, which offers scenic wilderness experiences within the same park system.

What amenities are available at Upson Falls campground?

Upson Falls campground offers basic amenities in a rustic setting. The campground provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Water is available from a hand pump, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities. For camping with more amenities in the region, Copper Falls State Park Campground provides shower buildings, flush toilets, and a wider range of facilities about 25 miles away. Alternatively, Potato River Falls Campground nearby offers a similar rustic experience with basic toilet facilities and picnic areas.