Camping in Wisconsin with wildlife watching

Like the state's famous ice cream, outdoor adventures are served year-round in Wisconsin.

96% (5427 reviews)
96% (5427 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Wisconsin

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12 top campgrounds in Wisconsin with wildlife watching

98%
(404)

Bad River Wilderness

4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Mellen, WI
Update: This property was just awarded 2nd place for 2024 as the 2nd best Hipcamp in Wisconsin out of 252 Hipcamp's based on reviews and ratings! Thank you to all who have enjoyed this amazing property and provided a review or rating!!! On the upper Bad River, I have a special location that I'd like to share for others to enjoy. I was fortunate to acquire this land 20 years ago and now that I have retired from the United States Air Force, I can dedicate time to create peaceful campsites along the river. This land was originally railroad property as the railroad companies bought much land in the late 1800's to have options to place their railroads. There is still a railroad track nearby but it has been abandoned since 2015 and it makes a nice hiking path along the river for many miles to the north. There are 3 waterfalls nearby and I will have many signs leading to the waterfalls. There are 4 total campsites on the property, 1 site you can drive to (Eagle Pines), and 3 tent sites that require 1/8 mile hike to 2 sites, and a 1/4 mile hike to the other hike-in site.
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$20
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98%
(872)

Purplehaze Acres

9 sites · Lodging, Tents60 acres · Rubicon, WI
Purplehaze Acres is a 60-acre organic rustic farm in Rubicon, WI and resides at the beginning of the approx. 650-mile Niagara Escarpment--known locally as "The Ledge". We are in close proximity to the Ice Age Trail, and the natural treasures of the great Horicon Marsh, Lake Sinnissipi/Rock River with canoeing/kayaking/fishing, Ledges County Park, and the world-renowned Holy Hill Shrine. Nearby Hustisford ("Husti") offers unique shopping and dining experiences. Need a few organic groceries? Make sure to visit Back To The Best Organic grocer only 3 miles away, featuring food raised on local organic farms including Purplehaze Acres. We offer a variety of camping alternatives, with 7 tent sites, 1 group site, and a cabin. There is potable water, charcoal grills, firepit grates, eggs and, available for purchase, firewood. COMING SOON: Did you forget something? If so, check out our Camp Cupboard Store. Your approach via 1/2-mile dirt drive up the hills and through the woods . . . to not your grandmother's typical house you go. You'll find wonderful vistas, wildflowers, berries, trails up into the woods, a 900' grass runway for aviators on an overall great "peace" of earth. ☮
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$40
 / night
100%
(63)

West Fork Sports Club

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Viroqua, WI
Est. 1966, the West Fork Sports Club has been a special place for multiple generations of both local community members and people from across the country. Nestled in between two valleys with 3,500 feet of stream front property on the West Fork of the Kickapoo, we truly have one of the most unique campgrounds you'll ever visit. Having avoided glacial drift during the last ice age, the Driftless area boast beautiful valleys, bluffs and rolling hills that you won't find anywhere well in Wisconsin. We are an Environmental Conservation Club always accepting new members. A temporary membership is included in camping fees and goes toward environmental conservation work and maintaining grounds, free wifi, etc. Our 20 acre property boast 3,500 feet of stream-front class 1 trout fishing on the West Fork of the Kickapoo (a top 100 trout stream in the US). Our entire stretch of stream is fully improved and excellent to fish. We have a healthy native brown trout population. We work with a local school science program to raise and stock brook trout every year. We have resident Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Oriels, Willow Fly Catchers, Hummingbirds and many other avian species. Nestled between two valleys, we frequently have stunning sunsets. We are far enough way from light pollution to easily see the Milky Way Galaxy on a clear night. The star gazing is amazing and if you keep your eyes up at night, you're pretty much guaranteed to see a shooting star, if not multiple. The West Fork Sport Club is truly a special campground. We're a short 15 minute drive from Viroqua which has a lot of great local shops, the Driftless Café (Owned and operated by Wisconsin Foodie host Luke Zahm) and a fantastic farmer's market. We're 25 minutes from Wild Cat Mountain which has extensive hiking trails. There are also two great vineyards within 15 minutes. Even on a rainy day, you will have plenty of fun options. ***Electric sites are not reservable through HipCamp.
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$32
 / night
100%
(265)

Cricket Ranch

5 sites · Tents53 acres · Cascade, WI
We are honored to again be named one of the Best Hipcamps in Wisconsin for 2024. Thank you to our guests for your wonderful reviews and helpful suggestions! And a special thank you to one of our guests, Brandon "Da Garbage Disposal" Clark, for featuring Cricket Ranch in his YouTube series "Outdoors Unsupervised: Survival Season 6". Learn more about this land: Cricket Ranch is a crazy combo of Nature's past, present, and future. The property was a farm with 75% of it corn fields until 30 years ago. It has been virtually untouched since then and in just a few decades it has reinvented itself as a forest. Chambers Creek runs thru the west side of the property. As a headwater of the Milwaukee River, it is part of the Great Lakes Basin and a source for Lake Michigan. Wisconsin has identified Chambers Creek as an Exceptional Resource Water (ERWs), Less than 10% of Wisconsin waterways carry this designation. What we do (or don't do) now affects the Great Lakes later. And you'll find fossils in the rock walls of some of the earliest examples of complex life on Earth (from 460 mya, Ordovician, Cambrian). No digging required. Seriously. How they got there is a very long story in the making and involves ancient inland seas, plate tectonics, glaciers, German immigrants, and 19th-20th century farming. Off the Beaten Path @ Cricket Ranch provides a true back to nature environment for campers, sometimes called "backcountry camping". Located on 50 acres of private forest, field, and valley, our campsites are very secluded and separated by acres of woodland. Each layout is unique, embracing what nature has provided. Backpacking (or wagoning) to your camp from the parking area is necessary as the 5' wide paths do not accommodate cars/trucks. Hiking distance from parking area: (1) Camp Cricket is 600 Ft. (2) Haen Hollow is 250 ft. (3) Rocky Top is 700 ft. (4) Grapeline is 1000 ft.  Feel fee to explore the land! We are located near the Niagara Escarpment so, as previously mentioned, you might even find a 460 million year old fossil on one of the field rock walls. Keep it! So we can keep a count of how many are found, and out of an overabundance of curiosity, please let us know and send some pics of your find.   Chambers Creek provides a spot to cool your feet, stone step, or just listen to the relaxing sound of a babbling brook. The creek is overgrown with brush so access is limited but we do have a trail that follows the creek for about 300 yds. We intend to clear some more of the underbrush in the near future to allow for better enjoyment and management of this invaluable natural resource. Near by: Kettle Moraine National Forest is a 10 minute drive, boasting great hiking and the can't-miss-it view from atop Parnell Tower. Lake Ellen has a nice no-fee public boat landing just 2 miles away. The lake has clear water and is stocked periodically with Pike and Walleye. It is surprising how un-busy this lake is so bring your boat, kayak, paddle board, and/or assorted flotation devices and check it out. Our parking area can accommodate boat trailers during your stay.
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$40
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97%
(88)

WHYCamp Worth Healing Yourself

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Cazenovia, WI
Bought to get grounded W.H.Y. did I purchase this 5 acres of land? This is my personal property I bought so I could get grounded while being surrounded by nature. Worth Healing Yourself is W.H.Y I invested in this land as well as myself! Enjoy rock hunting for agates, jasper, hematite, petrified wood and other mineral specimens. Property is 25 minutes from Richland Center. 30 minutes from Wisconsin Dells. Public land with miles of trout stream 3 miles away from the propertyy. The 400 State Trail is 7 miles away from property for bicyclists. Public road ATV and UTV trails surround WHY.  Both Lake Redstone and Dutch Hollow Lake are 10 miles away. The Baraboo and Pine River are within 10 miles. The famous Bunker Hill Tavern that hosts the cannon run is 1 mile away! Local village of Cazenovia offers two small town Tavern’s that serve food and good company. There is also a convenient store and small grocery store located in the village as well. This is not a commercial camp ground. Cancellation within Hipcamp Moderate Cancellation Policy WILL BE withheld with host discretion. Rent tax will NOT be refunded if cancelled within Moderate Cancellation Policy time frame.
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$20
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100%
(104)

Good Root Growers

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Prairie Farm, WI
- NEW 2024 - Sumac Camp and Pine Camp - Cabin Available Year Round - Campground Open May 1 - Oct 31 - Amish Bakery Fri & Sat - 15 min walk - Clear Lake Beach - 22 min drive Tucked in a valley among rolling hills just 70 miles east of St. Paul, discover a stunning sanctuary surrounded by hardwoods, pines and birch groves. Meander a walking trail system through 30 acres of woods and prairie. In 2019, all 10 acres of fields were planted as dedicated Monarch/pollinator habitat. This is a full sensory experience - flowered meadow and spectacular celestial nights with serenading hoot owls, frogs, crickets and yips of coyotes in the distance. Our chickens do their daily forage through the yard and woods. This is a birder's delight - a song bird refuge - turkey and deer being very common sightings. Our unique greenhouse and pergola are common use areas for all guests to enjoy. The pergola is a large cushioned area providing shade to read a book, charge a device, play cards, enjoy a beverage, eat a meal. Explore the greenhouse production of tomatoes, peppers, and ginger growing along with flowers and other hothouse varieties. Fill water containers, or use the large stainless steel sink (hot/cold water) and countertops to prep meals or wash up. You will also find a beverage service counter, yard games for use, and any on-farm items for sale in this area- firewood, plants, eggs and produce. Tucked discreetly behind the greenhouse is 1 of 2 drop-offs for garbage and recycling, and also 1 of 2 ultra clean port-a-potties found on property. *** We're family friendly! Adult occupancy is applied to 13 years and older. There is no occupancy charge/limit for children 12 years of age or under. *** We have 6 sites to offer. Providing a historical backdrop is our guest house - a fully restored Norwegian cabin built in 1894 (completed July 2022). Adjacent to the greenhouse is 2 RV (or tent) sites with full water and 30 amp hookups (Meadow Camp East and West). 2 additional sites accommodate RVs or tents. (Hill Camp and Sumac Camp). One of which is a very large area that is ideal for groups (Sumac Camp). Lastly, we have 1 walk-in tent site, the most private (Pine Camp), a short distance into the woods behind the greenhouse. Don't let our sleepy little town deceive you. The locals have huge hearts - are generous creatives, with ingenious businesses that spill over with hospitality. Uber local is 2 Amish businesses within a 15 minute walk - a bakery and a woodworking shop. We're happy to direct you to other local highlights: on-farm meat sales, herbal apothecary, goat milk products, home goods, local microbreweries and quilt shops to name a few. Local town events draw huge crowds with live music and fun for all ages. We are so blessed to steward this private oasis and look forward to sharing it with you!
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$30
 / night
95%
(98)

Terra Growers Organic Farm

13 sites · Tents80 acres · Waunakee, WI
Terra Growers is a 100 year-old organic family farm in Springfield WI near Waunakee. We raise free-range chickens (for eggs), grow an extensive variety of vegetables, tend to several fruit orchards, and grow a variety of berries. Terra Growers also has a year-round on-farm store, events open to the public, multiple campsites for rent, as well as extensive volunteer opportunities.
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$55
 / night
83%
(36)

Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

8 sites · Lodging, Tents600 acres · South Range, WI
At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.
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$15
 / night
99%
(91)

Hoppensteadt Hills

4 sites · Lodging45 acres · Amery, WI
Come stay in our 45 wooded acres that run along the Apple River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature amongst the rolling hills. This property has been in our family for generations. Come, stay and enjoy our property as we have for over 80 years. We provide secluded campsites with easy access and parking next to each site. Enjoy walking through our park- like trails which run throughout the woods. Listen to the wildlife, sit by the campfire, or enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or fishing on Apple River, and many other nearby lakes that our town has to offer. Downtown Amery is 2 miles away from the property. Enjoy small-town attractions, such as breweries, gift, antique, and thrift shops, outdoor music, grocery stores, coffeeshops, local restaurants, and bars. You can take a day trip to many of other small towns nearby, such as: - Taylor Falls, for hiking or daily river cruises on St Corix River. Located only 20 minutes west of Amery. - Balsam Lake, for shopping, eateries, restaurants, and boating. Located only 20 minutes NW of Amery. -Osceola, take a hike and enjoy the views of Cascade Falls. Stroll around downtown's many shops located 20 minutes due west of Amery. -Marine on St Croix, and Stillwater which are under 45 minutes west. We are just over an hour from the Twin Cities. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS- Apple River-boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Access through public landing in downtown Amery 1 mile away. Cat Tail Trail-part of the Wisconsin State trail system. ½ mile from Hoppensteadt Hills. Must obtain trail sticker. 4 wheeling, side by side, hiking. St. Croix Casino-Turtle Lake-10 miles away. Deer Lake Winery- Deer Lake-8 miles away. Balsam Chains of Lakes, - Balsam Lake, WI- 10 Miles away. Balsam Lake Beach- Balsam Lake, WI-10 miles away. Ahlgren Wildlife Preserve- Balsam Lake, WI- 12miles away. Dancing Dragonfly Winery-St. Croix Falls, WI-12 miles away. Taylors Falls canoe and Kayak Rental- Taylor Falls, MN, 12 miles away. Eric’s Canoe/Kayak rental-St. Croix Falls, WI-14 miles away. Canoe on the St. Croix Scenic Riverway. Interstate Park-St. Croix Falls, WI/Taylors Falls, MN-16 miles away. Cascade Falls- Osceola, WI-17 miles away. Osceola St. Croix Valley Railway- Osceola, WI- 17 miles away. Osceola Bedrock Glades State Natural Area- Osceola, WI -17 miles away. Standing Cedars State Natural Area- Osceola, WI- 17 miles away. RESTAURANTS- Amery Family Restaurant- Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Farm Table-Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Village Pizzeria-Downtown Amery-2 miles away. Amery Ale Works-Local brewery/restaurant- 6miles away. Deer’s Bar-Deer Park-8 miles away. Excellent burgers. Thirsty Otter Tavern - Balsam Lake -, WI- 10 miles away. Indian Head Supper Club-Balsam Lake-10 miles away. Lift Bridge Brewing- New Richmond, WI- 18 miles away. 45th Parallel Distillery- New Richmond, WI- 18 miles away.
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$33.60
 / night
100%
(420)

Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dakota, WI
This is a very private location. In its former life this property was a limestone quarry. Evidence of it's history remain with high rock walls on both ends of the property. In the center of the property is about 5 acres that is flat and covered with wildflowers and small trees. There are several good options for camping in this area. Surrounding this area is another 15 acres of hills and trees. We have a scenic overlook open to all guests where you can relax and sit on a wooden swing while enjoying the beautiful view of the Mississippi River below. There is a boat ramp just a mile down the hill for boating or fishing on the Mississippi and the city of La Crosse, WI and La Crescent, MN are each only about a five minute drive. Great River Bluffs State Park and countless other recreational opportunities are just minutes away.
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$21.75
 / night
98%
(66)

Golden Maple Camp, Trails & Biking

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Beldenville, WI
Our beautiful property has been farmed by our family for many years. We have enjoyed preserving the woods with our mountain biking trails turned snow shoe trails in the winter. The woods are full of golden maple trees which is where we got the name for our personal campground. Come visit to see for yourself! Learn more about En Gedi, your tent site: You'll be staying in a private safari tent overlooking a 100 year old maple tree above a secluded hollow in our woods. With access to over 2 miles of marked out mountain bike trails and hiking trails here on the property. Outhouse, picnic table, fire pit with 4 chairs and 4 cots are provided (2 extra large, 2 large), sheets are provided for the 2 extra large cots. Drinking water is provided (2 gallon jug). Firewood is available for purchase at the campsite ($5/ten pieces of wood). You can also use whatever has fallen in the woods. Located at the end of a well worn field road access you'll need to hike in if you have a low clearance vehicle. Its about .25 mile long hike with a 100' ascent. Access in 4x4 can be limited in wet and muddy weather. We also have access to a class A trout stream about 1 mile away to enjoy swimming, fishing and lounging. We are a short 10 minute drive to many great local activities like Whitetail mountain bike trail in River Falls or Kinnickinnick river kayaking. Fantastic local Forestville Winery is less then 2 miles away with great wine and food options. Add on an experience to your stay like mountain bike classes or feeding our baby cows! Get the full country experience while you're camping!
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$72.25
 / night
98%
(154)

Superior Beach Camp

2 sites · Tents10 acres · South Range, WI
Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.
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$55.20
 / night

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Camping in Wisconsin with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Planning a camping trip in Wisconsin? Look no further than Hipcamp. With over 800 options available in Wisconsin for wildlife watching, you're sure to find the perfect spot to connect with nature. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or just starting out, our top campsites, like Purplehaze Acres (295 reviews), Camp Escape (223 reviews), and 🦫 Flutterby Farm 👩🏽‍🌾 (203 reviews), offer the best in wildlife watching experiences. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires. And with prices as low as $5 and an average price per night of $45, your camping adventure is both affordable and unforgettable. So pack your binoculars and get ready to explore the wild side of Wisconsin with Hipcamp.

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