Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground

For Wisconsin locals seeking an authentic and enriching outdoor experience, Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground, nestled near Waupaca, is a cherished destination. Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), this state park offers a pristine natural setting, comfortable camping amenities, and an abundance of recreational opportunities that truly highlight the beauty of our state. Whether you're looking to spend your days hiking picturesque trails, swimming in clear lakes, or simply relaxing by a campfire under a canopy of trees, Hartman Creek State Park provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with family and friends.

As Wisconsinites, we know the value of our state parks – they are natural treasures providing accessible escapes into the wilderness. Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground embodies this spirit perfectly. It’s not just a place to set up a tent or park an RV; it's a vibrant hub for outdoor adventure, offering miles of diverse trails, the serenity of seven distinct lakes, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes any outdoor excursion truly special. The park’s dedication to maintaining its natural integrity while offering modern conveniences ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all visitors from across Wisconsin.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, with the crisp Wisconsin air filling your lungs. Your day could then unfold with a invigorating hike along the Ice Age Trail, a refreshing swim in Hartman Lake, or a peaceful afternoon of fishing. The campground, though "pretty close to each other" in some areas, is "heavily wooded," providing that essential connection to nature and a sense of calm. The consistent praise for the "beautiful trails" and "gorgeous scenery" from fellow campers speaks volumes about the park's allure. This commitment to providing a clean, engaging, and scenic environment solidifies Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground as a top choice for Wisconsin residents seeking an active or relaxing getaway in our own beautiful backyard.

Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground is officially located at N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA. This precise address places it approximately 6 miles west of the charming town of Waupaca. For Wisconsin residents, this location offers excellent accessibility, making it a convenient and desirable destination for various excursions, from quick weekend escapes to more extended family vacations. Easily reached off State Highway 54, visitors will find clear brown recreational highway signs directing them onto Hartman Creek Road, leading directly to the park entrance within about 1.5 miles.

The park's proximity to Waupaca is a significant advantage. While campers can immerse themselves in the tranquil natural setting of the state park, they also have the convenience of a nearby town for any forgotten supplies, a quick meal, or to explore local attractions. This balance of feeling "out of the way" while remaining readily accessible underscores its suitability for Wisconsin locals seeking both serene natural beauty and practical convenience. The picturesque drive through central Wisconsin to reach the park adds to the overall appeal, setting the stage for a relaxing retreat.

Whether you're traveling from Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, or closer communities like Stevens Point or Appleton, Hartman Creek State Park is within a manageable driving distance, solidifying its status as a premier choice for Wisconsin families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for quality recreation without extensive travel time. The clear directions and established state park infrastructure ensure a smooth journey to your outdoor adventure.

Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground, managed by the Wisconsin DNR, is well-equipped to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for all its guests. Their services are designed to facilitate enjoyment of the natural environment with essential amenities:

• Extensive Campsite Options: The campground features 103 family campsites, with options for both tent and RV camping. Many sites offer electric hookups. Additionally, there are five group camping sites available for larger gatherings. The campsites are thoughtfully situated within either a red pine forest or a mixed hardwood and old apple orchard area, providing varied natural settings.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The family campground boasts two dedicated shower and flush toilet buildings, ensuring that campers have access to clean, modern, and comfortable sanitary facilities. (Note: During the 2025 camping season, construction of a new bathroom facility may occur on weekdays within the family campground, potentially causing some noise.)
• Accessible Drinking Water: Convenient access to potable drinking water is available throughout the campground areas, ensuring essential hydration for all campers.
• RV Sanitary Dump Station: For the convenience of RV campers, a dedicated dump station is provided, making waste disposal easy and hygienic.
• Concessions and Equipment Rentals: Near the beach at Hartman Lake, a concession stand offers food, drinks, and essential outdoor gear. Visitors can also rent kayaks and canoes directly from this location, making it easy to enjoy the park's many lakes.
• Reservable Shelter Buildings: Several shelter buildings are available for rent, including enclosed and open-sided options at Allen Lake and Hartman Lake, perfect for picnics, family reunions, or larger group gatherings.
• Designated Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, equipped with tables, benches, and grills, providing ideal spots for outdoor meals amidst nature.
• Interpretive Nature Programs: During the summer months, volunteer naturalists frequently offer engaging and educational programs, usually held at the park's amphitheater, enriching the visitor experience.
• Pet-Friendly Facilities: Pets are welcome in designated areas of the park, provided they are on-leash. A special pet picnic area is available at Allen Lake. (Important: Pets are not allowed on the beach or inside park buildings.)

Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground truly shines through its impressive array of natural and recreational features, making it a standout destination for Wisconsin locals:

• Expansive and Diverse Landscape: Encompassing 1,500 acres, the park showcases a stunning landscape of red pine forests, oak, maple, and tamarack trees, wetlands, and is notably part of the terminal moraine of the Wisconsin glacier, creating a diverse and captivating environment.
• Seven Pristine Lakes: A significant highlight is the presence of seven distinct lakes within the park: Hartman Lake, Marl Lake, Allen Lake, Middle Lake, Grebe Lake, Pope Lake, and Manomin Lake. These crystal-clear, spring-fed lakes are ideal for non-motorized boating (kayaking, canoeing), fishing, and swimming.
• Beautiful Swimming Beach: Hartman Lake features a spacious 300-foot sandy beach, offering a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water. A nearby playground adds to the family-friendly appeal of the beach area.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts over 12 miles of multi-use hiking and biking trails, including a dedicated 6-mile single-track mountain biking trail. A segment of the renowned National Scenic Ice Age Trail also traverses the park, providing unique and challenging hiking opportunities through varied terrain.
• Dedicated Equestrian Trails: Horseback riding enthusiasts can enjoy a 7.5-mile equestrian trail for day use, allowing for exploration of the park's scenic beauty on horseback.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are well-stocked with various fish species, including largemouth bass, perch, and bluegill, while the creeks offer brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Accessible fishing piers are conveniently located at Allen Lake and Whispering Pines on Marl Lake.
• Historic Exploration: Visitors can step back in time by exploring the Hellestad House, a wonderfully restored Norwegian log cabin dating back to the mid-1800s, offering a glimpse into Wisconsin's rich history.
• Year-Round Recreation: The park remains open year-round, transforming into a winter wonderland with 6 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, fat-tire biking on mountain bike trails, and 3.5 miles of dedicated snowshoeing trails, ensuring outdoor fun in every season.
• "Heavily Wooded" and Scenic Campsites: As noted by visitors, despite being "pretty close to each other," the campsites are "heavily wooded," providing natural shade, privacy, and an immersive outdoor feel.

As a Wisconsin State Park managed by the Wisconsin DNR, Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground operates under a standardized fee structure, rather than typical commercial promotions. However, there are several inherent "offers" and advantages for Wisconsin residents:

• Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Admission Sticker: The most significant "promotion" for locals is the state park vehicle admission sticker. Purchasing an annual sticker provides unlimited entry to all Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails for an entire year. This offers substantial savings for Wisconsin residents who plan multiple visits to state parks throughout the year, which is a common and cherished practice for many families.
• Reservation System Convenience: While a fee applies, the ability to reserve campsites up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR's online or phone reservation system is a valuable "offer" in terms of planning certainty, especially for securing prime spots during peak seasons.
• Group Site and Shelter Rentals: Specific rates apply for group campsites and shelter rentals, which can offer cost-effective solutions for larger family gatherings, scout troops, or community events.
• Free Fishing Equipment Loan: During the warmer months, the park often participates in the DNR's free fishing equipment loan program, allowing visitors to borrow rods, reels, and tackle at no cost. This is an excellent "offer" for beginners or those who prefer not to transport their own gear.
• Free Interpretive Programs: The educational and engaging nature programs offered by volunteer naturalists throughout the summer are provided free of charge, adding significant value to your stay without an extra cost.

For the most current information on specific fees, reservation details, or any seasonal updates, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to visit the official Wisconsin DNR website for Hartman Creek State Park or contact the park office directly.

To plan your visit, make reservations, or gather more detailed information about Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground, please use the following official contact information for the Wisconsin DNR, which oversees the park:

• Official Park Address: N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA (Note: The provided "8QFM+CC, Chain O' Lakes-King, WI 54981" is a Plus Code, not a standard mailing address for direct contact.)
• Park Office Phone: (715) 258-2372
• Wisconsin DNR Reservations (Toll-Free): (888) 947-2757 (This is typically the number for state park campsite reservations.)

For making camping reservations, it is highly recommended to use the Wisconsin DNR's centralized online reservation system, accessible via their official website, or call the toll-free reservation line. For specific park information, conditions, or questions about amenities, the direct park office phone number is best. Always verify details on the official DNR website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

For Wisconsin residents, Hartman Creek State Park Family Campground is not just another camping destination; it’s an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local gem that perfectly encapsulates the best of our state’s natural offerings. Its suitability for locals stems from a combination of accessibility, diverse recreational opportunities, and the reliable, well-maintained environment of a state park.

Firstly, its convenient location near Waupaca means minimal travel time for many Wisconsinites, allowing for more time to enjoy the park rather than enduring a long drive. This accessibility makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend getaways or more extended family vacations without the usual logistical complexities of distant travel. The fact that it's a state park, managed by the Wisconsin DNR, provides an inherent assurance of quality, conservation, and consistent maintenance, which is a key factor for many local users.

Secondly, the sheer variety of activities available directly within the park caters to all ages and interests. Whether you’re an avid hiker eager to explore the Ice Age Trail, a mountain biker looking for challenging single-track routes, a family wanting to swim at a beautiful sandy beach, or someone simply seeking a peaceful afternoon of fishing or kayaking on one of the seven clear lakes, Hartman Creek offers it all. The "beautiful trails" and "gorgeous scenery" praised by visitors are readily available, providing ample opportunities to connect with Wisconsin's natural beauty right in our backyard.

Finally, the "heavily wooded" campsites, even if "pretty close to each other," still provide that essential immersion in nature, offering a quiet and serene atmosphere for unwinding. Choosing Hartman Creek State Park means supporting the ongoing preservation of Wisconsin’s precious natural resources. It’s a well-rounded destination that consistently delivers on the promise of a memorable and refreshing outdoor experience, solidifying its place as a top choice for any Wisconsin resident looking to embrace the great outdoors.