$10 / night

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Nature

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Water

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Activities

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Established Camping

Potato River Falls Campground

10 Reviews

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Potato River Falls Campground, near Saxon, Wisconsin, is a hidden treasure for those seeking a quiet escape into nature. This spot is perfect for tent and RV camping, though it’s best suited for smaller setups since larger rigs might struggle with the access roads.

The campground is all about the natural beauty, with stunning views of the nearby falls just a short hike away. Visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “I love this camp site! I have been here a few times. Definitely for people looking to be secluded.” You’ll find picnic tables for your meals and fire rings for cozy evenings under the stars, but don’t expect any frills—this place is all about the basics.

If you’re up for some adventure, there are plenty of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, and the falls themselves are a must-see. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout with the stairs leading down to the water. As one reviewer put it, “The climb back up is difficult but it’s worth it.”

With only a handful of sites, you can enjoy a sense of solitude while still being close to the beauty of the Potato River. Just remember to bring your bug spray during the warmer months, as the mosquitoes can be a bit pesky. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, this campground offers a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle.

Description

Iron County, WI

Iron County Forest

Rustic campsites (no water or electricity) have been established at Potato River Falls (5 sites), Foster Falls (1 site), Wren Falls (1 site), Shay’s Dam (1 site), and Spider Lake (1 site). Camping is allowed at these sites or set up camp anywhere in the County Forest for up to two weeks at no charge. Everyone is always welcome to explore the entire forest on foot.

Potato River Falls (Falls Rd. off of Hwy 169, Gurney) – 5 campsites, pavilion, outhouse, trails with stairs to viewing platforms (ATV access via routes)

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Location

Potato River Falls Campground is located in Wisconsin

Coordinates

46.46314399 N
90.52950227 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Drummond Lake Campground

59 min away

Stockton Island - Campsite — Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

1 hr 26 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

1 hr 41 min from Duluth
2 hrs 22 min from Wausau
2 hrs 40 min from Eau Claire
3 hrs 37 min from Minneapolis

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

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Brenda Y.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2025

Beautiful free spot!

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. 2 mile drive down a level gravel road to arrive: UTV trail access from this campground as well as hikes to 2 waterfalls.

SiteThe biggest site on the first turn into the campground loop

Month of VisitJune

(7) View All

Karrigan I.

Scout

Reviewed May. 8, 2024

Great lesser known spot!

I love this camp site! I have been here a few times. Definitely for people looking to be secluded. Lots of stairs down to the falls, but lots of great hiking trails to beautiful views.

SiteI don’t remember

Month of VisitJuly

Joe G.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2022

Great spot

I enjoyed my time. Quiet and secluded.

Month of VisitAugust

Lyle B.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2022

Good overnight site

Nice, quiet camp. Gave a 4 because the pot toilet is so far away from some sites. Free. Mosquitoes! Not a good fit for bigger RVs or longer pulls. Stayed June 15, 2022. Total of 5 sites. Only 3 taken.

Site3

Month of VisitJune

Terence G.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 21, 2022

Great spot!

Not too far off the road. Just a few camping spots …Nice and quiet.

Siteunnumbered

Month of VisitMay

Cherie J.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 16, 2022

Beautiful little haven

Annual girls camping trip was to the UP stopped here along the way. It's 10 cash for a tent spot, decent hole in the ground toilet.

Site4

Month of VisitSeptember

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2021

Beautiful falls and no frills (but free ) camping

This beautiful spot is quite out of the way. However it’s free and has some beauteous scenery. The main parking doesn’t say anything about being a campground so we were confused. We started out hiking to see the falls and found others enjoying them too. (Word of warning: the climb back up is difficult but it’s worth it) We decided to try the unmarked dirt road since we knew a campground was here somewhere. The dirt road past the shelter was just wide enough for our vehicle - it might be too tight for larger RVs. Once we ventured forth we found a few spots that certainly feel isolated from each other to add to that remote feeling. There is a vault toilet by the covered picnic tables. We were there on a Thursday and most sites were open. This is a great find - to stay and enjoy the falls but also as a backup when things are filled up.

Month of VisitJune

Adam

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 21, 2021

Best falls in Wisconsin

Free campsites within walking distance to upper and lower falls.

Kim

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2020

No amenities but worth it

Who knew this park out in the middle of nowhere would have camp sites! I have been visiting the falls for years as it is one of the most beautiful (and little known) places in northern Wisconsin.

I didn't realize until recently that Iron County actually has first come-first served camp sites at a variety of amazing locations at or near the North Country Trail. This park is not on the NCT but a short drive from Mellen.

The camp sites are rustic. No potable water, but the quality of the water from the river is good for filtering. There is a vault toilet in the parking area. There is 5 sites to choose from, all in a heavily wooded area. What this camp site lacks in amenities, it makes up for in sheer natural beauty. The falls may be accessed from a long set of stairs climbing down to see the lower falls. You can also take a shorter set of stairs down to a platform to see the upper falls. If you are willing to climb a little (it's not difficult or dangerous) you can get down to the base of the first drop and look down at the top of the 2nd drop.

There is so much to explore and enjoy here! It can get buggy in the summer heat so be prepared with lots of repellant. Oh, and the road in is all dirt and gravel.

(7) View All

Kellysue H.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 16, 2019

Free camping

The camp ground is off 169 south. It is very small maybe 5 sites No power and did not see water and there is one vault toilet Perfect for tent camping but not for big trailers. Easy walk to the upper Falls. Quite and pretty clean some trash in the fire pits but that would be my only complaint. I would stay again but would worry it would fill up fast on the weekends.

SiteSite 3

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Potato River Falls Campground?

Camping at Potato River Falls Campground can starts at $10.00.

Are fires allowed at Potato River Falls Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Potato River Falls Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Potato River Falls Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Potato River Falls Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Potato River Falls Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is good coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

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