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.
