Sandbar Camping on the Wisconsin River with Wild Wisco Waters
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
24 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic paddling ability and be comfortable sitting and maneuvering in a canoe/kayak for several hours, plus moderate endurance for setting up camp.
Overview
Experience the Wisconsin River like never before—paddle 13 miles to your own private sandbar and camp beneath star-streaked skies. This unique overnight trip with Wild Wisco Waters Canoe & Kayak Outfitters offers a true wilderness escape for families, couples, and friends.
Sandbar Camping Trip
Ages 6+ • 24 Hours • Great for friends and family!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Experience the Real Wisconsin River
Duration
24 Hours (custom options available) 13 River miles
Meeting Point
*Dekorra Public Boat Launch, Dekorra, WI
Includes
*2 day boat rental, paddling gear, safety briefing, and shuttle service
Who's it for?
*Couples, families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a unique way to camp in the wild.
About
Trade the hustle of everyday life for the peaceful rhythm of the river with our exclusive sandbar camping experience. This one-of-a-kind adventure takes you deep into the heart of Wisconsin's wild side, where the only sounds you'll hear are the rustling trees, the call of an eagle overhead, and gentle lapping of water against the shore.
Your Private Island Awaits
The Wisconsin River is home to sandbars that appear like secret islands, offering the perfect setting for an unforgettable night under the stars.
The Wild Side of Wisconsin
Your adventure beings with a leisurely paddle downriver, where you'll explore untouched wilderness before arriving at your very own sandbar. This is as wild as it gets, no site numbers, no picnic tables. Sandbars are first come first serve and you're free to set up camp anywhere that looks good.
The Ultimate Outdoor Escape
Whether you're seeking solitude, bonding time with family and friends, or an adventure-filled getaway, our sandbar camping trips allow you to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the beauty of nature.
Wildlife & Stargazing
Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, herons, deer, and other wildlife, and once night falls, look up - with no city lights the Milky Way stretches across the sky in breathtaking clarity.
Book Your Sandbar Camping Adventure Today!
Escape into the wilderness, embrace the adventure, and discover the magic of sleeping on the river's edge. Ready to experience the Wisconsin River like never before?
Let's make it happen!
Adventure Tips
Reserve Early
Sandbar spots are first come, first served—arrive early to claim your preferred camping spot.
Pack Lightweight
Portage your gear easily by minimizing weight; pack only what you’ll need for 24 hours outdoors.
Bring Water Treatment
Carry purification tablets or a filter—river water should always be treated before drinking.
Leave No Trace
Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile river ecosystem and natural sandbars.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagles soaring overhead
- White-tailed deer browsing near the shore
History
The Wisconsin River has long been a transportation and trade route for Native American tribes and early settlers, shaping local culture and settlement.
Conservation
Efforts to maintain water quality and riverbank vegetation help preserve habitat for fish and wildlife while keeping the river safe for recreation.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Madison, Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight Tent or Tarp Shelter
Provides shelter on the open sandbar with minimal weight for easy transport.
summer specific
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Safety is paramount; a properly fitted PFD is required whenever on the water.
Water Purification System
Ensures safe drinking water with filtration or purification tablets from the river.
Headlamp or Waterproof Flashlight
Essential for navigating and campsite tasks after dark with reliable hands-free lighting.