Hartman Creek Group Campground

For Wisconsin's outdoor enthusiasts, Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca is a cherished destination, offering a diverse array of recreational opportunities amidst a stunning natural landscape. Within this expansive park lies the Hartman Creek Group Campground, a dedicated space designed for larger gatherings and those who appreciate a more rustic, back-to-basics camping experience. Unlike some of the more developed family campgrounds, the Group Campground at Hartman Creek focuses on providing ample space and a quiet environment, making it an excellent choice for scout troops, youth groups, family reunions, or any large party looking to immerse themselves in Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors.

Hartman Creek State Park, encompassing approximately 1,500 acres, is a natural gem in central Wisconsin, known for its seven spring-fed lakes, extensive trail system, and a rich history. The Group Campground specifically caters to the needs of larger contingents, providing generous areas for multiple tents and communal activities. While the emphasis here is on a more traditional, primitive camping style—meaning fewer direct hookups and amenities at each site—campers still benefit from the park's overall offerings. Visitors consistently praise the beauty of the area, the quality of its trails, and the opportunities for water-based recreation. It's a place where the sounds of nature, like the rustling of leaves and the calls of birds, define the atmosphere, allowing groups to truly bond and enjoy the tranquility of a Wisconsin wilderness setting.

The allure of the Hartman Creek Group Campground is its ability to offer a serene and spacious retreat that fosters a deep connection with nature, while still being part of a vibrant state park with plenty to explore. It strikes a balance for groups that desire a more primitive camping experience but still want access to a variety of recreational activities within a well-maintained park system. This makes it an ideal choice for many local Wisconsin groups seeking an memorable outdoor adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Hartman Creek Group Campground is situated within the expansive Hartman Creek State Park, located at N2480 Hartman Creek Road, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA. This prime location places it in central Wisconsin, offering excellent accessibility for residents across the state. Waupaca is approximately an hour's drive west of Green Bay, about 45 minutes from Oshkosh, and just over an hour from Madison, making it a convenient destination for weekend trips or longer group excursions from various urban centers.

The park's location provides easy access via well-maintained state and county roads. While the campground itself is designed to offer a sense of seclusion, it remains part of the larger state park system, which ensures good infrastructure leading to and around the area. Visitors can expect paved roads leading into the park, although roads within the group campground loops may be gravel or unpaved. The beauty of this location lies in its proximity to the Chain O' Lakes, a renowned series of interconnected spring-fed lakes that offer abundant opportunities for water recreation. The campground is also notably part of the route for the National Scenic Ice Age Trail, providing immediate access to a significant portion of Wisconsin's renowned long-distance hiking network. While the group campsites themselves are known for their rustic nature, the overall accessibility to this natural wonderland makes Hartman Creek Group Campground a prime spot for groups to convene and explore the diverse landscapes of central Wisconsin.

Services Offered

The Hartman Creek Group Campground provides a more rustic camping experience tailored for large groups. Based on available public information and reviews, here are the services typically offered:

• Group Campsites: There are five dedicated group camping sites, designed to accommodate large groups (e.g., up to 40-50 people per site, though specific capacities should be confirmed with the park). These sites offer ample space for multiple tents.

• Latrines/Vault Toilets: The campground features one set of latrines (vault toilets) for use by group campers. Unlike the family campground, it is noted that the group campground does not have showers directly within its immediate vicinity.

• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each group campsite is typically equipped with a fire ring for campfires and cooking, along with multiple picnic tables to accommodate larger groups for meals and gatherings.

• Potable Water Access: Access to drinking water is generally available within the group campground area, though it might be from a centralized spigot rather than at individual sites.

• Pets Welcome: Pets are generally permitted at campsites within Hartman Creek State Park, including the group campground, provided they are kept on a leash. Specific park rules regarding pets should be reviewed prior to arrival.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office or general store, ensuring campers adhere to regulations about not bringing in outside wood to prevent the spread of diseases.

• Sanitary Dump Station: While not at the individual group sites, a sanitary dump station for RVs is available within Hartman Creek State Park (typically near the family campground), which group leaders with support vehicles may utilize.

Features / Highlights

• Spacious Tent Camping for Large Groups: The primary highlight is the generous amount of space available at each group site, perfect for setting up numerous tents and creating a comfortable communal area for large parties.

• Direct Access to the Ice Age Trail: A significant feature for hikers and backpackers, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through Hartman Creek State Park, offering extensive opportunities for exploration directly from the campground.

• Excellent Mountain Biking Trails: The park boasts over 12 miles of designated off-road biking trails, including a 6-mile singletrack, which are highly praised by cyclists for their quality and varied terrain.

• Hiking Opportunities: Beyond the Ice Age Trail, the park offers nearly 10 miles of other hiking trails, ranging in difficulty and providing scenic views of the lakes and wooded areas.

• Access to Hartman Lake and Chain O' Lakes: Campers have access to Hartman Lake, featuring a 300-foot sand beach for swimming and opportunities for fishing (largemouth bass, perch, bluegill). Canoeing and kayaking are popular, with rentals often available at the beach concession stand.

• Quiet and Natural Environment: The campground is noted for its quiet atmosphere, away from city noise, making it ideal for groups seeking a peaceful and immersive outdoor experience. Stargazing opportunities are excellent due to minimal light pollution.

• Family-Friendly Amenities (within State Park): While the group campground is rustic, the broader state park offers amenities like a playground near the beach area, which can be enjoyed by children in the group.

• Scenic Beauty: The park's landscape includes pine forests, old apple orchards, and spring-fed lakes, providing a picturesque backdrop for camping and outdoor activities.

• Historic Hellestad House Log Cabin: Visitors can explore the restored Norwegian log cabin, adding a touch of local history to their visit.

• Accessibility for Fishing: Fishing piers, some of which are accessible to people with disabilities, are available at Allen Lake and Marl Lake, making fishing accessible for many.

Contact Information

Address: N2480 Hartman Creek Road, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA (located within Hartman Creek State Park)

Phone: (715) 258-2372 (This is the main phone number for Hartman Creek State Park, through which group campground inquiries can be made).

For group campsite reservations, which are highly recommended, it is best to use the Wisconsin DNR's online reservation system or call their central reservation line. The park office directly can provide specific details about group site availability and rules.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Wisconsin residents, Hartman Creek Group Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching outdoor experience, particularly for groups seeking a genuine connection with the state's natural beauty. Its location within Hartman Creek State Park, near Waupaca, provides convenient access from many parts of Wisconsin, making it an ideal choice for local organizations, families, and friends planning a collective outdoor adventure without extensive travel.

The key suitability for locals lies in its unique offering for group camping. While the individual sites are rustic, lacking electrical hookups and showers directly at the group area, this simplicity fosters a true sense of camaraderie and traditional outdoor living, which is often a goal for group outings like scout camps or family reunions. The ample space at each group site allows for comfortable tent setups and communal gathering areas, something often hard to find at individual campsites.

Furthermore, the wealth of activities available within the broader Hartman Creek State Park makes this campground incredibly appealing. Direct access to the renowned Ice Age Trail and miles of excellent singletrack mountain biking trails cater to active groups. The presence of Hartman Lake, with its swimming beach, fishing opportunities, and kayak/canoe rentals, provides endless water-based fun. These diverse recreational options mean that every member of a group, regardless of age or interest, will find something to enjoy. The quiet, natural setting, as highlighted by a reviewer, offers a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and stargazing, allowing groups to truly disconnect from urban distractions. The friendly and helpful park personnel further enhance the experience, ensuring a smooth and pleasant stay. For Wisconsin groups looking for a spacious, rustic, and activity-rich camping destination that encourages bonding and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Hartman Creek Group Campground is an excellent, locally accessible choice.

Hartman Creek Group Campground

Waupaca, WI 54981, USA