Harstad County Park

For Wisconsin residents who truly appreciate the simplicity and tranquility of nature, Harstad County Park in Augusta, WI, offers an ideal escape. This county park provides a refreshingly rustic camping experience, focusing on the beauty of the outdoors rather than an abundance of modern amenities. It’s a place where you can unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the peace and quiet that defines a true Wisconsin camping trip.

Many Wisconsinites seek out campgrounds that offer spacious sites, natural separation, and opportunities for classic outdoor activities. Harstad County Park delivers on these fronts, with its large, tree-separated campsites and direct access to the Eau Claire River. While it embraces a more traditional camping style with self-registration and hand-pump water, these aspects contribute to its peaceful and authentic charm. For those looking to slow down, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and engage in fishing or canoeing, Harstad County Park is a hidden gem in central Wisconsin.

Harstad County Park is located at S6455 Co Rd HHH, Augusta, WI 54722, positioning it in a serene and natural setting within Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. This location places the park along the picturesque Eau Claire River, between the cities of Fall Creek and Augusta, providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Its address on County Road HHH makes it reasonably accessible by car, though the campground road itself is noted as not being paved, adding to its rustic appeal. For Wisconsin residents looking for a tranquil getaway, the drive to Harstad County Park is manageable, offering an escape from more bustling areas. While the park maintains a peaceful atmosphere, it's still within reach of Augusta for any necessary supplies or services.

The park's direct access to the Eau Claire River is a significant advantage, particularly for those interested in fishing or canoeing. This river access makes it a popular float entry point, allowing visitors to easily embark on scenic paddling trips. The combination of its peaceful, riverfront location and relatively easy accessibility for campers makes Harstad County Park a convenient choice for a back-to-basics Wisconsin camping experience.

Harstad County Park provides a range of essential services and facilities that support a rustic yet comfortable camping experience for visitors to the Wisconsin outdoors.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground offers 27 campsites, many of which are described as "nice spacious campsites" that are "separated by trees." This natural separation provides a sense of privacy and a more secluded outdoor experience.

• Electrical & Handicap Access Sites: Ten of the 27 sites offer 50/30/20 amp electrical service, providing a crucial convenience for many RV and trailer campers. Additionally, some sites are noted to have handicap access, ensuring inclusivity.

• Self-Registration System: The park operates on a self-registration basis, which allows for flexibility and convenience for arrivals, as it "can't be booked ahead of time!" Campers can find available sites and complete their registration upon arrival.

• Hand Pump for Potable Water: For drinking water, the park provides a hand pump. This traditional method of water access contributes to the rustic feel of the campground, and the water has been described as "very good."

• Pit Toilets: The park is equipped with pit toilets, which are maintained by rangers from a nearby county park. While some reviews mention them, they are part of the rustic camping experience.

• Firewood for Sale: An area is designated for firewood sale, making it convenient for campers to purchase bundles to enjoy campfires at their sites. Firewood is typically self-service at $7.00 per bundle.

• New Pavilion: A "brand new pavilion" with a timber-framed structure was completed in 2023, offering outstanding views of the mouth of Bridge Creek and the Eau Claire River. This facility includes electricity, making it ideal for group gatherings or shelter during inclement weather. It is reservable.

• Playground Equipment: For families, there is playground equipment available, providing a designated area for children to play and burn off energy.

• Recreational Courts: The park includes a ball field, horseshoe pits (shoes not provided), and a volleyball court, offering various options for active recreation.

• Canoe Landing: A developed canoe and kayak access landing to the Eau Claire River makes the park a popular entry point for paddling enthusiasts.

These services collectively contribute to Harstad County Park's reputation as a well-equipped yet authentically rustic camping destination in Wisconsin.

Harstad County Park is characterized by several appealing features and highlights that draw campers looking for a traditional and serene outdoor experience in Wisconsin.

• Quiet and Restful Ambiance: Consistently praised by visitors, the campground offers a "quiet and restful" atmosphere. This peaceful environment is a significant draw for those seeking to disconnect and relax amidst nature, away from the hustle and bustle.

• Spacious, Tree-Separated Campsites: The campsites are notably "large sights" and are effectively "separated by trees." This natural screening provides a sense of privacy and seclusion, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in the woods.

• Direct River Access for Fishing and Canoeing: Situated right on the Eau Claire River, the park offers excellent opportunities for fishing and features a developed canoe landing. This makes it an ideal spot for paddlers and anglers to enjoy the river's serene waters.

• Beautiful Swimming Area: The park includes a designated "swimming area," providing a refreshing spot for campers to cool off during warm Wisconsin days.

• New Timber-Framed Pavilion: A recently completed (2023) "brand new pavilion" with a timber-framed structure is a significant highlight. It offers excellent views of Bridge Creek and the Eau Claire River and includes electricity, making it perfect for gatherings.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: With playground equipment, a ball field, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court, the park provides ample opportunities for family fun and activities, catering to various ages and interests.

• Rustic Charm with Essential Conveniences: The self-registration system and hand-pump water add to the rustic charm, appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional camping style. However, the availability of some electrical sites and clean pit toilets ensures essential comforts.

• Well-Maintained Grounds: Despite its rustic nature, the park is described as being "well maintained," indicating that the grounds are cared for, which contributes to a pleasant camping environment.

These features combine to make Harstad County Park a compelling choice for Wisconsin residents seeking a peaceful, naturally beautiful, and activity-rich camping experience.

As a county park, Harstad County Park typically maintains a consistent fee structure rather than running frequent "promotions" in the commercial sense. However, the value it offers comes through its affordable rates and the included amenities.

• Affordable County Park Rates: Harstad County Park offers competitive and accessible camping rates. As of available information, non-electric sites are $20.00/night or $120.00/week (7 nights), and electric sites are $25.00/night or $150.00/week (7 nights). These rates are quite favorable for a Wisconsin camping experience, especially compared to some private campgrounds.

• Off-Season Camping Rates: The park extends its accessibility with reduced rates during the off-season (September 16 through April 30), offering non-electric sites for $12/night and electric sites for $17/night. This provides an excellent opportunity for locals to enjoy the park's tranquility during quieter periods at a lower cost.

• Value of Self-Registration and Flexibility: The self-registration system means the park "can't be booked ahead of time," which, while meaning no advance reservations, can be seen as a "promotion" of flexibility for spontaneous campers. It allows for last-minute trips if sites are available.

• Included Recreational Amenities: The camping fee covers access to a range of recreational features, including the swimming area, playground, ball field, horseshoe pits, and volleyball court, adding significant value to your stay without extra charges for these activities.

• Reservable Pavilion: The brand new pavilion can be reserved for a fee ($80.00/reservation), offering a valuable amenity for larger groups or events, providing a dedicated space with electricity.

• Affordable Firewood: Firewood is available for self-service purchase at a reasonable price of $7.00 per bundle, ensuring campers can easily enjoy campfires.

For the most current rates and any specific information, including details about the self-registration process and availability, it is always recommended to check the Eau Claire County Parks website or contact the park directly.

For inquiries about camping, park amenities, or to confirm current conditions at Harstad County Park, please use the following contact details. Please note that while the park has a main contact number for Eau Claire County Parks, specific direct numbers for the park's ranger or self-registration inquiries may vary.

• Address: S6455 Co Rd HHH, Augusta, WI 54722, USA

• Phone (Eau Claire County Parks & Forest Department): (715) 839-4738 (This is the listed main number. For specific Harstad inquiries, you might be redirected or find info on the county website).

• Alternate Phone (Eau Claire County Parks Admin Office): (715) 975-0000 (May 1 through October 15 for shelter reservations/general inquiries) or (715) 839-4783 (General Parks & Forest Office).

• Mobile Phone: +1 715-839-4738 (This is likely the main county parks line, not necessarily a direct line to a ranger at Harstad).

Since Harstad County Park operates on a self-registration basis and may not have an on-site ranger at all times, consulting the Eau Claire County Parks & Forest Department website (eccountyparks.com) is often the most reliable source for detailed information regarding current rates, rules, and updates on park conditions. While you can call, direct inquiries might be best answered via their general administrative lines or by checking their online resources for self-registration details.

For Wisconsin residents, Harstad County Park in Augusta offers an incredibly suitable and appealing option for those seeking a genuine, unpretentious outdoor experience. Many Wisconsinites appreciate the opportunity to connect with nature without the distractions of overly commercialized campgrounds, and Harstad County Park perfectly fits this niche.

The park's "quiet and restful" atmosphere is a significant draw, providing a peaceful retreat from daily life. Its large, tree-separated campsites offer the privacy and natural immersion that many campers desire, fostering a true sense of being "away from it all." The direct access to the Eau Claire River for fishing and canoeing is a major highlight, appealing to a beloved Wisconsin pastime and offering endless opportunities for serene water adventures. The presence of a dedicated swimming area also makes it a great spot for families to enjoy the warmer months.

While it embraces a rustic approach with self-registration and hand-pump water, these elements contribute to its authentic charm and appeal to those who prefer a more traditional camping style. The inclusion of some electrical sites acknowledges modern needs, while the new, well-equipped pavilion and playground equipment ensure that families and groups have excellent facilities for gatherings and recreation. The affordable county park rates, including reduced off-season options, make it a cost-effective choice for frequent getaways.

Harstad County Park truly caters to locals by providing a beautiful, well-maintained, yet laid-back environment where the focus is on enjoying Wisconsin's natural beauty. It's a place where memories are made around a campfire, by the river, or exploring the trails, offering a refreshing and accessible escape right in their own backyard.