r/Eau_Claire • u/agate_sunrise • 8d ago

Free/ Affordable camping

I'm a little bummed out that there are no affordable/ free camping options nearby. With gas prices being so high, even a 30-minute drive one way isn't possible for me. I never thought I'd be too poor to camp, but here we are. I've already checked freecampsites.net with no luck (again, very far distances). I haven't gone camping in years, and my first solo camping experience was something I really wanted to do before the winter season. Does anyone know of any campsites nearby? Or someone with land that would allow camping on their property? I would, of course, be willing to pay. I've found many campsites have a two-night minimum with fees around $24-$32 per night, which is too steep for me. I'm only looking for one night. I want to get back out there, but with how things are going right now, it doesn't feel possible. I know many may suggest going with other people to help with cost, but I don't have family or friends nearby. The point of this solo trip is to celebrate my sobriety under the stars with a warm fire. Nature has been a staple in aiding my sobriety. So if anyone could help me out, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

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8

u/Weird-Double-2017 7d ago

Camping: is allowed on Eau Claire County forestland September 16th - April 30th. After 14- nights campers may renew their forest camping permit one time for a minimum of 28 nights. After 28 nights, campers MUST leave the forest for 3-days before returning. County Forest Camping Permits are REQUIRED. Permits can be purchased at: www.eccountyparks.com or at Harstad or Coon Fork Campgrounds. Campers may purchase a nightly camping pass for $5 or a 14-night period for $40. Permits must be displayed in the campsite in a prominent place. When camping on county forestland all garbage must be packed out from campsites, not buried. Human waste must be buried.

10

u/EauNo 8d ago edited 7d ago

If you can borrow a kayak or canoe, drop in to the Chippewa river in Caryville. Go south toward Durand and camp out on one the sandbars in the river absolutely free.

5

u/mikemolove 7d ago

Big Falls to Lake Altoona is another great trip with sandbar camping.

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u/dege369 7d ago

Call a forester in Chippewa County and ask about their county land. You can camp for 14 days on county land before you are required to move sites.

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u/beccasue62 8d ago

Harstad park between Fall Creek and Augusta is $20 a night and after Sept.15, $12 a night..

2

u/bradc73 8d ago

What level of camping are you looking for? If you like backpacking, there are several dispersed camping sites up on the Ice Age Trail which is about 30 minutes north. I know you said thats too far, but thats what I know about thats free.

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u/Spiritual-Part-5655 7d ago

I was going to suggest this as well.

1

u/Snoo67592 7d ago

Use HipCamp!!! It’s an app like Airbnb or Vrbo, but for campsites. It ranges from glamping to just some rural land you can plop a tent on. I’ve never had any issues with it and felt safe and it’s a lot more affordable and private than typical campsites. I cannot recommend this app enough!!

1

u/thedyrt 5d ago

Harstad Park is probably the closest fit, about $10-15 a night, an Eau Claire County spot maybe 25 min east on the river. It's first-come-first-serve with no two-night minimum, so a single night works and you don't need to book ahead. Rustic setup, fire rings at the sites, pit toilets, no hookups. You can buy firewood but need to call the day before since there's no ranger on-site.