Unwind by the Wisconsin River with basic tent camping in Mauston. Perfect for families and friends seeking a relaxed outdoor experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
overnight to multiple days
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion beyond basic walking and setting up camp.
Wildlife
History
Mauston sits along the Wisconsin River, historically a critical trade route for Native American tribes and settlers.
Conservation
The camping area follows Leave No Trace principles to protect the river ecosystem and maintain natural habitats.
Sandy Shores Tubing LLC
Unwind by the Wisconsin River with basic tent camping in Mauston. Perfect for families and friends seeking a relaxed outdoor experience.
Sandy Shores Tubing LLC is a family-friendly outdoor recreation provider based in Mauston, Wisconsin. The business operates river tubing excursions, an inflatables swim pond, campgrounds on the Wisconsin River, and seasonal ice-fishing skid houses on nearby Petenwell and Castle Rock Lakes. Guests can book a three-mile tubing float with shuttle service, rent custom river tubes, or reserve narrow RV sites and tent campsites with water and electric hookups.
The property includes an inflatables obstacle course and a supervised swim area suitable for ages four and up, with mandatory life vests for safety. Camping options range from basic tent camping for up to six people to on-the-water RV camping with essential hookups. An Amish-built cabin provides a private stay with a full kitchen, bathroom, concrete patio, fire ring, and grill for groups seeking a comfortable riverfront retreat.
Seasonal ice-fishing offerings feature two- and six-person skid houses equipped with bench seating, heaters, sonar shelves, and multiple fishing holes. Petenwell Lake and Castle Rock Lake trips launch from The Bighorn boat launch for Petenwell and flexible access on Castle Rock Lake. Kobussen bus party shuttle options are available for group transportation to tubing runs and events.
Sandy Shores Tubing LLC emphasizes outdoor safety and convenience with shuttle services, mandatory life vests at water attractions, and winter-ready skid houses. The business operates primarily seasonally—tubing and water park activities in warmer months and ice-fishing during the winter—providing reliable, experience-focused recreation for families and groups in central Wisconsin. Reservations are recommended for peak summer and holiday weekends.
Location
Mauston, WI
Along the Wisconsin River
Tours Offered
10 Experiences
Tubing, camping, ice-fishing, more
Camping Options
RV & Tent
Hookups, cabins, seasonal sites
Safety & Transport
Shuttle & Vests
Kobussen buses and mandatory life vests
Reserve tubing floats, campsites, the cabin, or skid houses in Mauston, Wisconsin — limited availability on summer weekends and winter ice season.
Bring insect repellent
Mosquitoes and black flies can be active near the river, especially around dusk and dawn.
Secure your food
Use bear-proof containers or keep food sealed to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.
Stay hydrated
Carry ample water, especially during warmer months when temperatures can rise.
Check weather conditions
Weather can change rapidly; bring appropriate layers and prepare for rain or cooler nights.
Tent with rainfly
Provides shelter from weather and insects for a comfortable camping experience.
Sleeping bag rated for 30°F
Keeps you warm during cool fall nights near the river.
fall
Bug spray
Protects against mosquitoes and other biting insects common in summer.
summer
Portable camp stove
Allows easy meal preparation if campfires are restricted or wet conditions prevail.