15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Westby, Wisconsin provides access to several established campgrounds within the Driftless Area's rolling hills and valleys. Sparta Campground along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail offers tent-only sites with walk-in access, making it popular among cyclists and hikers. Justin Trails Resort in Sparta provides tent camping with amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets. Wazee Lake Recreation Area, about 30 miles north, features tent sites in a quieter setting with access to Wisconsin's deepest and clearest inland lake.
Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities for primitive camping experiences. Sparta Campground features walk-in sites approximately 600 yards from the parking area, with some sites located further down the trail. The sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to pit toilets and drinking water. Justin Trails Resort offers more developed facilities with showers and trash disposal. Non-Wisconsin residents should note potential upcharges at state-managed campgrounds. Weather in this region varies significantly by season, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F and potential for thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for cooler nights.
The walk-in tent sites at Sparta Campground accommodate multiple tents per site, making them suitable for small groups. According to reviews, the trails to these sites can become muddy during rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended. One camper noted, "The site is close to I90 so traffic noise is great, particularly during the week," suggesting weekends might offer a quieter experience. For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts, the nearby Yellow River State Forest in Iowa (about 45 minutes from Westby) provides more remote primitive tent camping with well-spaced sites and excellent stargazing opportunities. Tent campers seeking solitude should consider weekday visits, as popular areas like Wazee Lake can become crowded during summer weekends.
"Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store. Host is amazing and friendly."
"This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails, as it is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride"
"After biking 47 miles was a welcome respite on our first day of biking the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. We spent a second night on our out and back along the trail."
from $15 - $21 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $100 / night
Check Availability"If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. "
from $40 - $120 / night
Check Availability"We backpacked to the quarry and found a large open area, perfect for multiple tents. The sandstone bluffs were in the background."
"My friend and I were eager to test out some new backpacking gear for the first time in advance of a larger trip this summer."
"Yellow River has great backpacking sites. Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore. Great scenery."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail."
"This campsite is at the trailhead for the Root River Bike Trail. This bike trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area!"
"Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
"Awesome campground, if you require electric bring a generator. Water is available but needs to be carried in. we loved the lack of cell phone reception!"
LegendHiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects. Leave No Trace ethics include: minimizes fire impacts by gathering only dead, down, wood. Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here.
LegendPrairie Island has all of you basic amenities without being too far from town. This campground isn’t for everybody -- if you’re looking for extreme adventure and wilderness, this is not the place for you. If you’re interested in getting into camping and not investing the money into all the gear or having direct river access, this is the place for you! They seriously rent it all. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dutch ovens. The camp store sells all of the basics and fishing supplies. The shower house has flush toilets and pit toilets are located throughout the campground.
Personally, this campground is not the type that I like to stay at but it is really great for the type that wants to get into camping or the camper trailer type. Unfortunately, not enough activities to do besides boating on the river.
LegendThis review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.
Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?
It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.
Activities
Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.
Amenities
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.
Cost
You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.
https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130
GuideThe cart in sites are fantastic at Wildcat Mountain! Each site is spacious with most heavily treed for shade. Each site has a nice large flat pad for a tent or two, fire ring, bench and picnic table. Proximity to potable water, vault or modern toilets and designated parking are all within 400 yards of all sites.
The park is located in the Kickapoo valley area where the driftless area is amazing to hike. You can kayak or tube down the river that is flanked by high limestone bluffs. The hiking trails are well maintained. There is also extensive horse trails, a beautiful outdoor ampitheater for viewing sunsets and access to the river right in the park.
The campers were respectful and quiet. Our campsite was fairly clean when we arrived. Contactless registration due to covid 19. That made getting set up quick and easy! The cart provided was fairly big for less trips. I would happily camp here again!
GuideWonderful time in Perrot State Park. Camped in the group campground, site A. Plenty of room for many tents, and nice level ground to pitch tents on. Huge fire ring for large group fires, and both a large grill on the fire ring, and freestanding charcoal grill. Lots of options for hiking and walking in the park with more than 13 miles of trails. We did a 5 mile hike up and over two of the more popular bluffs. We also did a two-three hour canoe/kayak trip and had a blast.
There is not a swimming beach at the park, so if you're into that, you'll have to leave the park, but there is more than enough to do at Perrot State Park.
TravelerWe were at site #9, great spot for tent. There were only trees behind us and our neighbors were far enough way we had privacy. There was no electricity, but we charged our phones and my son’s iPad at the ranger station. There was no running water so bring sanitizer. The swimming pond was great and not rocky. The hikes were good but lots of mosquitoes which made it hard to enjoy. Wish there was more to do in the area. No showers and no electricity in the bathroom near our site.
GuideSome of the spots are a little uneven. Bring some leveling devices. This a very peaceful campground. Fire rings are on cement. Can find fire starters everywhere. No bugs in the 1st of June when we were there. Will plan on going back for sure. Reserve your spots cuz they go fast. If you love a great view and the smell of the outdoors this is your place!
LegendThe Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail. Trail Head Park is a nice tent only campground with walk-in sites. A majority of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits. The Nature Center has clean bathrooms and free showers. They recommend donations for the use of the showers.
$20 per night camping fee. You can pay inside the Nature Center or at the slot between the restroom mirrors. The sites are first come, first serve. Local firewood is available near the restrooms as well; take what you need and leave the center a donation.
Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. When I visited during the week, I only saw a small group of people using the playground. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more. Inside the Nature Center, they have interactive and interesting displays. The highlight of this campground is the Root River State Bike Trail and the Owl Center in the town of Houston.
I'd give the campsite 4/5 review. The location, the bluffs, the bike trail, and center get 5/5 review.
GuideSnagged a spot (#102) right before the Memorial Day weekend. Spacious site, somewhat private because of the surrounding trees. If you want to be surrounded by hammock-able trees, i suggest sites 94-99. Our site was both close to vaulted toilets/water and shower building, which was a plus. Shower head pressure was lovely and hot water was great! One downside was that people were loud and playing music till midnight but oh wells.
Was worried about bugs but I think it was okay. Maybe we were there before it began. i did find some ticks on my camping chair though so beware.
Though we didnt explore much of the Buckhorn SP, we chose this site because it was under an hour drive from Mirror Lake SP and Devils Lake SP. Making a day trip to those parks and Wisconsin Dells was a breeze.
Tent camping opportunities near Westby, Wisconsin sit within the Driftless Area, a unique geological region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. This distinctive landscape features steep ridges, narrow valleys, and limestone formations not typically found in Wisconsin's terrain. Summer temperatures can fluctuate widely, with daytime highs reaching 85°F while dropping to 55°F overnight, requiring campers to pack layered clothing.
Hiking forest trails: The Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry in Yellow River State Forest offers extensive hiking opportunities about 45 minutes from Westby. "I've done this loop several times, and have never been disappointed. Lots of quiet, and many more great views on the upper trails. There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy," notes Kevin C.
Cycling access: Houston Nature Center sits at the trailhead of the Root River Bike Trail, approximately 40 miles from Westby. "This bike trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area! The Nature Center also has a bike servicing station, showers, and bathrooms," reports Alison.
Wildlife viewing: The tent camping options near Westby provide good wildlife watching. At Shady Rest Acres, located about 35 minutes away, campers can experience farm animals up close. "They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens... bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs," writes Amy G.
Star gazing: Clear night skies are a highlight for tent campers in the region. According to Macel C. at Yellow River State Forest, "Great spot to view the stars. Awesome for kids." The lack of light pollution in this rural area makes constellation viewing particularly good.
Quiet atmosphere: Most tent campsites around Westby offer peaceful settings away from crowds. At Justin Trails Resort, Michael V. notes, "Beautiful place, tent camping is available. Great breakfast and romantic setting for our anniversary. They sell wine and food in the store."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and showers get frequent mentions in reviews. Steve S. appreciates Houston Nature Center's "Spotless showers and bathrooms, access to drinking water... Best tent campground on the Root River Trail."
Site spacing: Tent sites vary significantly in size and privacy. At Sparta Campground on the Elroy-Sparta Trail, Jamee H. reports, "The site was small, but we did manage to fit a 4-person tent, two 2-person tents, a screen-house, and 5 bikes. I was advised by our camp neighbor that their site was equally small."
Weather preparation: The Driftless Area experiences frequent summer thunderstorms with heavy rainfall. Gregory K. notes at Sparta Campground, "Going when we did we were met with swarms of mosquitoes."
Cost considerations: Campground prices range from $9-30 per night. At Sparta Campground, Mike L. points out, "Sites are basic with water, pit toilets, tables and fire rings. I originally planned to stay here but came across the non-resident charges (my state does not do this)."
Natural playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly features. Houston Nature Center has "a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite... The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more," according to a reviewer.
Educational opportunities: Wazee Lake Rec Area provides learning experiences about 30 miles from Westby. As Luc S. describes, "The water is so clear, the trout fishing is great and so is the beach!"
Insect protection: Pack extra bug spray during summer months. Gregory K. warns campers at Sparta Campground about "swarms of mosquitoes" during certain times of year, making proper preparation essential for family comfort.
Generator requirements: Most tent camping areas near Westby have restrictions on generator use. For RVers who need electricity at primitive sites, Kimberly W. advises at Camp John Schultz, "Awesome campground, if you require electric bring a generator. Water is available but needs to be carried in."
Shower access: For RVers used to onboard facilities, alternative shower options exist. At Wazee Lake, "They do not have showers or plumbing but if you're desperate for a shower kwiktrip has showers!" mentions Luc S.
Seasonal timing: RVers should consider less crowded periods. According to one reviewer about Wazee Lake, "The beach does get crowded with college kids in the summer and is a known party spot. Weekdays and off-season dates are recommended as it is more peaceful."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Westby, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Westby, WI is Justin Trails Resort with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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