Hervas Landing

Hello, fellow Wisconsin adventurers! If you’re seeking a truly immersive and authentic outdoor experience, where the wild beauty of our state takes center stage, then Hervas Landing near Loretta is a destination you absolutely must explore. Nestled within the expansive Flambeau River State Forest, this isn't your typical crowded campground; it's a remote riverside haven designed for those who truly appreciate the tranquility of nature, the thrill of the catch, and the serenity of paddling a pristine waterway.

For us locals, Hervas Landing is synonymous with "breathtaking" views and "canoeing camping at its best." It's a place where "good memories" are made, whether you're targeting elusive sturgeon and musky or simply enjoying the peaceful flow of the river. While it offers a rustic charm, visitors consistently praise its cleanliness and well-kept nature. We'll delve into what makes Hervas Landing a cherished, go-to spot for Wisconsin residents seeking a genuine and unforgettable wilderness adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Hervas Landing is beautifully situated near Loretta, WI 54896, USA, deep within the Flambeau River State Forest in Rusk County. This location places it amidst the stunning Northwoods of Wisconsin, an area celebrated for its vast tracts of undeveloped land, quietness, and remote wilderness feel. Its position directly on the Flambeau River is a key aspect of its appeal, offering immediate access to this renowned waterway.

For us, the residents of Wisconsin, reaching Hervas Landing means embracing a journey into nature. While it feels remote, it's certainly accessible for a true escape. From major cities like Eau Claire, the drive is typically around an hour and a half to two hours, winding through picturesque forests and rural landscapes. From the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area (just across the border), the journey is longer, usually around two and a half to three hours, making it a perfect destination for a multi-day camping and river adventure. The approach to Hervas Landing, often involving driving to the "End of River Road, east of the river," contributes to its secluded feel, ensuring that you truly leave the hustle and bustle behind.

Its setting within the Flambeau River State Forest means visitors are surrounded by conserved natural beauty, providing an authentic Wisconsin wilderness experience. This combination of remote tranquility and reasonable driving distances from various parts of Wisconsin makes Hervas Landing an ideal choice for locals seeking an immersive and peaceful outdoor retreat.

Services Offered

Hervas Landing provides a rustic camping experience, focusing on essential amenities that support an authentic wilderness adventure on the Flambeau River. As a "canoe camp area" managed by the Wisconsin DNR within the Flambeau River State Forest, it adheres to standards that prioritize environmental preservation and a minimalist approach to camping.

• Three Canoe Campsites: Hervas Landing offers three individual canoe campsites. The first two sites are a good distance apart, while the third site is noted for being very secluded with trees and vegetation. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and stays are typically limited to one night to ensure fair access for all paddlers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for food preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Campfire rings are provided at each site, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires (users should exercise caution and ensure fires are completely extinguished).
• Pit Toilets (Vault Toilets): The campground includes a pit toilet, which is specifically noted as being "accessible," catering to basic sanitation needs in a rustic setting.
• Drinking Water Access: Potable drinking water is available at the landing via a hand pump, allowing campers to refill water containers.
• Boat Launch: Hervas Landing features a boat launch, providing motorized and non-motorized boat access directly to the Flambeau River. This is especially convenient for anglers and paddlers.
• Garbage and Recycling Station: While not explicitly detailed for Hervas Landing in all snippets, DNR campgrounds typically provide garbage and recycling facilities, emphasizing "pack it in, pack it out" principles to maintain cleanliness. (General Flambeau River State Forest amenities suggest this.)
• No Fees for Landing Use: There is typically no charge for using the river landings, allowing for overnight parking if camping on the river.

Features / Highlights

Hervas Landing, though rustic, boasts several exceptional features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for Wisconsin's outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to river adventures.

• Prime Location on the Flambeau River: Its direct access to the Flambeau River is a major highlight. The river offers both "wild whitewater paddling" (Class I-V on the South Fork) and "more relaxing trip with its slower Class I-III rapids" (on the North Fork), catering to various paddling skill levels. Hervas is particularly associated with the North Fork, known for its scenic and less challenging stretches.
• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: The Flambeau River is renowned for its fishing. Reviewers specifically highlight "sturgeon fishing" and the chance to "catch a catfish or a musky," indicating a diverse and exciting fishery. This is a significant draw for anglers seeking trophy fish or a productive day on the water.
• Remote and "Breath Taking" Scenery: Campers describe the area as "breathtaking" and appreciate its remote, wilderness feel. This provides a true escape from urban life, offering quietness and solitude, which aligns perfectly with the desires of many seeking an authentic Northwoods experience.
• Clean and Well-Kept: Despite its rustic nature, reviewers consistently praise the spot as "very clean and well kept." This commitment to maintenance enhances the overall experience and ensures a pleasant stay.
• Boat Launch Access: The presence of a boat launch at Hervas Landing is crucial for convenient access to the Flambeau River, allowing campers to easily launch canoes, kayaks, or small fishing boats.
• Canoeing and Kayaking Paradise: As part of the Flambeau River system, Hervas Landing is a gateway to extensive paddling routes, including multi-day trips. It's considered ideal for "canoeing camping," allowing paddlers to explore the river and stay overnight at designated sites.
• Wildlife Viewing: The remote, undeveloped nature of the Flambeau River State Forest means ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, from bald eagles to various mammals and birds, enhancing the natural immersion.
• First-Come, First-Served Rustic Camping: The "first-come, first-served" nature of the campsites, combined with their secluded settings, appeals to spontaneous adventurers looking for an unreserved, authentic camping experience.

Contact Information

As Hervas Landing is a rustic canoe campsite within the Flambeau River State Forest, direct phone contact for the landing itself is not typically provided. For general inquiries about the Flambeau River State Forest, camping regulations, or broader information regarding the area, you would generally contact the Wisconsin DNR or the Flambeau River State Forest headquarters.

Address: Loretta, WI 54896, USA (within Flambeau River State Forest)

For general inquiries related to the Flambeau River State Forest, you may refer to the Wisconsin DNR contact information, which can be found on their official website.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For us, the residents of Wisconsin, Hervas Landing offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty that our state is famous for. Its remote location near Loretta, nestled within the vast Flambeau River State Forest, provides the authentic Northwoods wilderness experience that many of us crave. The drive, while leading you away from urban centers, is a picturesque journey into the heart of Wisconsin's untouched landscapes.

What makes Hervas Landing particularly suitable for locals is its focus on genuine outdoor pursuits. If you're an angler, the promise of "sturgeon fishing" or reeling in a "musky" on the legendary Flambeau River is an irresistible draw. For paddlers, the accessibility to the river via a well-kept boat launch opens up endless opportunities for "breathtaking" canoe camping trips, from leisurely floats to navigating more adventurous rapids. This is camping at its purest, where the emphasis is on the natural environment rather than extensive amenities, catering to those who truly appreciate solitude and the sounds of the wild.

The "very clean and well kept spot" ensures that even in its rustic setting, visitors can enjoy a comfortable and respectful experience. For those of us seeking to make "good memories" through fishing, canoeing, and truly "taking a breather" from daily life, Hervas Landing embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's pristine wilderness. It's not just a campsite; it's a gateway to an authentic adventure, right here in our own backyard.

For a visual journey down the river that Hervas Landing provides access to, you might enjoy this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYfG7eG2JPs).

Hervas Landing

Loretta, WI 54896, USA