Wisconsin Forestry Department

For Wisconsin locals seeking an immersive outdoor experience with a wide array of activities, Hartman Creek State Park Campground in Waupaca stands as a premier destination. Managed by the Wisconsin Forestry Department (part of the Wisconsin DNR), this state park offers a pristine natural setting, comfortable camping amenities, and abundant recreational opportunities that cater to every type of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're looking for a quiet family getaway, an adventurous biking trip, or a peaceful day by the lake, Hartman Creek State Park provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories in the heart of our beautiful state.

As Wisconsinites, we cherish our state parks for their natural beauty and the access they provide to outdoor recreation. Hartman Creek State Park Campground epitomizes this. It's not just a place to set up a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to miles of trails, crystal-clear lakes, and a chance to truly connect with Wisconsin's diverse ecosystems. The park's commitment to maintaining its natural integrity while offering modern conveniences makes it an ideal choice for residents who appreciate a well-kept, publicly-managed outdoor space.

Imagine waking up surrounded by the serene beauty of a red pine forest or an old apple orchard, with the promise of a day filled with hiking, biking, swimming, or fishing. At Hartman Creek State Park Campground, this dream becomes a reality. The park is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and variety of activities, making it a perfect escape from the daily grind. Its status as a state park ensures that it's managed with a focus on conservation and public enjoyment, providing a reliable and enriching outdoor experience for all Wisconsin visitors.

Hartman Creek State Park Campground is officially located at N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA, under the management of the Wisconsin Forestry Department (part of the Wisconsin DNR). This location places it approximately 6 miles west of Waupaca, easily accessible off State Highway 54. A brown recreational highway sign will guide visitors to turn onto Hartman Creek Road, leading to the park entrance about 1.5 miles down the road.

For Wisconsin residents, this prime location offers excellent accessibility from various parts of the state. It's a manageable drive from major cities like Oshkosh (approx. 45 minutes), Appleton (approx. 48 minutes), Wausau (approx. 55 minutes), and Fond du Lac (approx. 1 hour 3 minutes). This convenient proximity makes Hartman Creek State Park an ideal choice for weekend getaways or longer vacations without the hassle of extensive travel.

The park is nestled on the beautiful Chain O' Lakes, providing a scenic and serene environment. While offering a true escape into nature, its relatively close proximity to the charming town of Waupaca means campers can easily access local amenities, shops, and restaurants if needed. The balance of feeling "out of the way" while remaining readily accessible underscores its suitability for Wisconsin locals seeking both adventure and convenience.

Hartman Creek State Park Campground, managed by the Wisconsin Forestry Department, provides a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable camping experience. These services cater to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts:

• Diverse Campsites: The park offers a 103-site family campground and five group camping sites. Campsites are nestled in either a red pine forest or an old apple orchard/hardwood mix of trees, providing a natural and spacious setting. Both RV and tent camping are accommodated, with many sites offering electric hookups.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: The family campground features two shower and flush toilet buildings, ensuring comfortable and hygienic facilities for all campers. (Note: Construction of a new bathroom facility may occur on weekdays during the 2025 season, potentially causing noise).
• Drinking Water: Conveniently placed access to potable drinking water is available throughout the campgrounds.
• Dump Station: An RV sanitary dump station is provided for the convenience of RV campers.
• Concession Stand/Rentals: Located near the beach at Hartman Lake, a concession stand sells food, drinks, essential outdoor equipment, and offers kayak and canoe rentals.
• Shelter Buildings: Several shelter buildings, including those at Allen Lake and Hartman Lake (one enclosed, one open-sided), are available for rent, perfect for group gatherings, reunions, or picnics.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic areas are available across the park, equipped with tables, benches, and grills, providing perfect spots for outdoor meals.
• Nature Programs: Volunteer naturalists often offer interpretive programs throughout the summer, usually at the amphitheater, providing educational and engaging experiences for visitors.
• Pet-Friendly Areas: Pets are permitted on-leash in designated areas, and there is a special pet picnic area at Allen Lake. (Note: Pets are not permitted on the beach or in buildings).

Hartman Creek State Park Campground boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for Wisconsin locals seeking diverse outdoor adventures:

• Expansive Natural Setting: Spanning 1,500 acres, the park is home to towering pine, oak, maple, and tamarack trees, swamps, and is part of the terminal moraine of the Wisconsin glacier, offering breathtaking scenic views.
• Seven Lakes within the Park: The park encompasses seven lakes, including Hartman Lake, Marl Lake, Allen Lake, Middle Lake, Grebe Lake, Pope Lake, and Manomin Lake. These spring-fed, crystal-clear lakes are perfect for non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming.
• 300-foot Sand Beach at Hartman Lake: A large, sandy beach at Hartman Lake provides an excellent swimming area and a perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxing. A playground is also located near the beach.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 12 miles of hiking and biking trails crisscross the park, including a 6-mile single-track mountain biking trail (some areas are multi-use). A section of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail also runs through the park, offering diverse hiking opportunities.
• Equestrian Trails: A 7.5-mile equestrian trail is available for day use, catering to horseback riding enthusiasts.
• Abundant Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are teeming with largemouth bass, perch, and bluegill, while the creeks have healthy populations of brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Accessible fishing piers are located at Allen Lake and Whispering Pines on Marl Lake.
• Historic Hellestad House: Visitors can explore the Hellestad House, a restored Norwegian log cabin from the mid-1800s, offering a glimpse into local history.
• Winter Recreation: The park remains open year-round, offering winter activities such as cross-country skiing (6 miles of groomed trails), fat-tire biking on mountain bike trails, and snowshoeing (3.5 miles of trails).
• Variety of Campsite Environments: Campers can choose between sites in a red pine forest or an old apple orchard/hardwood mix, offering different natural backdrops for their stay.

As a Wisconsin State Park managed by the Wisconsin Forestry Department (DNR), Hartman Creek State Park Campground typically operates under a standard fee structure rather than frequent, fluctuating promotions seen at private campgrounds. However, there are inherent values and potential opportunities that act as "offers" for local users:

• Vehicle Admission Sticker: A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required for entry. Purchasing an annual sticker provides unlimited access to all Wisconsin State Parks for an entire year, offering significant savings for frequent visitors or those planning multiple trips within the state, which is a common practice for many Wisconsin families.
• Reservation System: While not a discount, the state's online reservation system (or phone reservation line) allows campers to book sites up to 11 months in advance. This ensures you can secure your preferred spot, especially during peak season, which is a valuable "offer" for planning convenience.
• Group Rates for Shelters: Special group rates may apply for renting shelter buildings for gatherings, making it a cost-effective option for family reunions or community events.
• Free Fishing Equipment Loan: During summer months, anglers can pick up essential fishing equipment free of charge at the Park Office, providing an excellent opportunity for new or occasional anglers to enjoy the sport without upfront investment.
• Nature Programs: The free interpretive programs offered by volunteer naturalists throughout the summer provide an added educational and entertaining value to your visit.

For the most current information on fees, reservation policies, and any specific seasonal initiatives, it's always best for Wisconsin residents to check the official Wisconsin DNR website for Hartman Creek State Park or contact the park directly.

For all inquiries, reservations, or to get the most up-to-date information about Hartman Creek State Park Campground, please use the following contact details for the Wisconsin Forestry Department (Wisconsin DNR), which manages the park:

• Address: N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA
• Phone: (715) 258-2372 (Park Office)
• Mobile Phone: +1 715-258-8432 (This number also routes to the park, as confirmed by available public data.)

For camping reservations specifically, the Wisconsin DNR typically uses a centralized reservation system. You can often make reservations online through the Wisconsin DNR parks website or by calling their toll-free reservation number (commonly 888-947-2757). Always verify the best method for securing your campsite directly with the park or on the DNR website.

For Wisconsin residents, Hartman Creek State Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for experiencing the best of our state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Its management by the Wisconsin Forestry Department (DNR) ensures high standards of maintenance, conservation, and accessibility, making it a reliable choice for local families and adventurers.

Firstly, its convenient location near Waupaca means minimal travel time for many Wisconsinites, allowing for more time enjoying the park's offerings whether for a quick weekend trip or a longer vacation. This accessibility, combined with the comprehensive amenities available—from spacious family campsites to clean showers and flush toilets—provides a comfortable camping experience that doesn't require sacrificing modern conveniences.

Secondly, the sheer diversity of activities available right within the park makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of local interests. Whether you're an avid hiker looking to explore a segment of the Ice Age Trail, a mountain biker seeking challenging single-track routes, or a family wanting to spend a day swimming at a sandy beach or kayaking on crystal-clear lakes, Hartman Creek has it all. The opportunity for fishing, picnicking, and engaging in interpretive nature programs further enhances its appeal, offering something for every family member.

Finally, as a state park, it represents a shared resource that belongs to all of us in Wisconsin. By visiting, locals not only enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience but also support the continued preservation and maintenance of our beautiful natural heritage. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the abundance of both active and relaxing pursuits, solidifies Hartman Creek State Park Campground as an ideal, well-rounded, and highly cherished destination for any Wisconsin resident seeking to embrace the great outdoors in their own backyard.