Sioux Portage Group Campground

Welcome, fellow Wisconsinites, to an in-depth look at a truly beloved and historically rich outdoor destination: Sioux Portage Group Campground. Nestled within the expansive St. Croix State Forest near Danbury, this campground holds a special place in the hearts of many who have experienced its unique charm over the decades. It's more than just a place to set up camp; it's a site steeped in tradition, perfect for creating new memories with your group, be it family, friends, or a scout troop.

Sioux Portage Group Campground stands out as a dedicated group camping site, offering ample space and essential amenities that cater to larger gatherings. It has evolved over 40 years, adapting to modern needs while retaining its rustic appeal. From its early days as a tent-only camp with a memorable manual well pump to its current upgraded status accommodating RVs and trailers, it continues to provide an "awesome" and welcoming environment. In this article, we'll delve into what makes Sioux Portage Group Campground such a cherished spot, covering its prime location, the essential services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and why it remains an excellent choice for locals seeking a memorable group outdoor adventure in Wisconsin. Get ready to discover a place where traditions are made and shared.

Sioux Portage Group Campground is located in Danbury, WI 54830, USA. This address places it squarely within the vast and beautiful St. Croix State Forest, a significant natural resource in northwestern Wisconsin. For residents across Wisconsin, especially those in the northern and western parts of the state, as well as visitors from neighboring areas, Danbury serves as a convenient gateway to this immersive natural setting.

Accessibility to Sioux Portage Group Campground is primarily by vehicle, as it accommodates RVs and trailers in addition to tent camping. While it is situated within a state forest, it is reachable via local roads from Danbury. However, a review highlights a practical detail: "The campsite needs better sign, as it can be confusing where to enter the campground." This suggests that while the general location is clear, visitors should pay close attention to signage or consult detailed maps for the specific entrance to avoid confusion upon arrival. Once within the campground, its nature as a group camp means spacious sites designed to handle multiple vehicles and tents. The surrounding area of Danbury offers a quiet, rural atmosphere, providing a true escape from urban environments. Its location within the St. Croix State Forest grants direct access to numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and opportunities to explore the area's rich ecological diversity. This combination of straightforward vehicular access and immersion in a vast state forest makes Sioux Portage Group Campground an ideal and accessible choice for Wisconsin groups looking for a comprehensive outdoor experience.

Sioux Portage Group Campground, while retaining a rustic charm, has evolved to offer essential services that accommodate modern camping needs for groups. Based on historical accounts and current reviews, here are the key services and amenities you can expect:

• Group Campsites: The primary service is offering designated group campsites. These sites are "nice and wide," providing ample space for multiple tents, RVs, and trailers, making them ideal for family reunions, scout troops, or large gatherings.

• Accommodations for RVs and Trailers: A significant upgrade over its historical tent-only past, the campground now "allow for RVs and trailers," providing greater flexibility and comfort for modern group camping needs. While full hook-ups are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews, the ability to accommodate RVs suggests a level of accessibility for these vehicles.

• Tent Camping Capabilities: Despite upgrades, it "still being a great tent camping site" indicates that it retains its original appeal for traditional tent campers, offering a versatile option for groups with varied preferences.

• Vault Toilets: While not explicitly mentioned in the recent reviews, state forest group camps typically provide vault toilets for basic sanitation. Given the "rustic" nature suggested by the historical context, these would be the standard restroom facility.

• Manual Water Pump (Historically Significant): The review fondly recalls an "ancient, manual pump jack from a very deep well" for "icy cold and wonderful" water. While modern facilities might supplement this, the presence and memory of such a pump highlight a unique, rustic water source. Campers should confirm current water availability and type.

• Spacious Site Design: The site being "nice and wide" ensures that groups have plenty of room to spread out, set up multiple sleeping areas, and create communal gathering spaces without feeling cramped.

• Proximity to River: Being near the river provides opportunities for water access, though a review noted a need for a dedicated "swimming area by the river," suggesting direct, designated swimming facilities might not be present.

It's important for groups to plan for basic amenities like water, as the historical review emphasizes a manual pump. Information on fire rings or picnic tables is not explicitly provided but is common for state forest campsites. Groups should prepare for a relatively rustic experience with ample space.

Sioux Portage Group Campground offers several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its enduring appeal, particularly for groups seeking a memorable outdoor experience in Wisconsin:

• Historical Charm and Legacy: The campground boasts a rich history, with one reviewer recalling visits since "1984" and fondly remembering "Dan," a "Main Man and All Around Great Guy." This long-standing tradition creates a sense of nostalgia and continuity, making it a place where generations can share outdoor memories.

• "Awesome State Forest Group Camp": This consistent positive descriptor highlights its effectiveness as a dedicated group camping site. It means the layout and amenities are designed to accommodate larger gatherings, fostering a communal yet spacious environment.

• Versatile Camping Options: The ability to accommodate both "RVs and trailers" alongside "great tent camping" provides flexibility for diverse group preferences. Whether your group prefers modern comfort or traditional tenting, Sioux Portage can cater to varying needs.

• "Nice and Wide" Sites: The generous dimensions of the campsites ensure ample room for groups to set up multiple tents, recreational areas, and gathering spaces without feeling crowded. This spaciousness is crucial for comfortable group dynamics.

• Unique Well Water Experience: While potentially challenging to draw ("nobody in their right mind volunteered to draw it more than once if they didn't have to"), the historical mention of "icy cold and wonderful" water from an "ancient, manual pump jack" adds a unique, memorable, and authentically rustic element to the experience. It's a talking point and a connection to simpler times.

• Proximity to the St. Croix River: Being situated near the river offers potential for water-based activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, enhancing the recreational opportunities for groups. While a designated swimming area isn't explicitly available, river access itself is a valuable feature.

• Immersive Forest Setting: Located within the St. Croix State Forest, the campground provides a deeply natural environment, perfect for hiking, wildlife observation, and simply enjoying the tranquility of Wisconsin's woodlands.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of Sioux Portage Group Campground as a storied, versatile, and well-equipped destination for groups seeking a memorable and authentic outdoor adventure in Wisconsin.

For those interested in booking a group adventure at Sioux Portage Group Campground, or for any inquiries regarding its facilities and current conditions, here is the direct contact information:

Address: Danbury, WI 54830, USA (located within St. Croix State Forest)

As a state forest group camp, direct phone numbers for individual campsites are typically not provided. The best way to obtain further information, check availability, or inquire about reservations (which are often required for group sites) is to contact the managing authority. For campgrounds within Wisconsin's State Forests, this would be the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the specific office for the St. Croix State Forest. Their official website or general information line for state forests is the most reliable resource for detailed booking procedures, fees, current conditions (e.g., trail maintenance, any sign updates), and specific amenities not explicitly detailed in reviews. Utilizing these official channels will ensure you have all the necessary information to plan a successful and enjoyable group camping trip to Sioux Portage.

For Wisconsinites, Sioux Portage Group Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for those seeking a memorable and authentic group camping experience. Its unique blend of history, versatile facilities, and immersion in the natural beauty of the St. Croix State Forest makes it an ideal destination right here in our home state.

Firstly, its long-standing history, as evidenced by a reviewer's 40-year connection, speaks to its enduring quality and the fond memories it fosters. For local families, scouting groups, or friends, this means tapping into a tradition, creating new shared experiences in a place that has brought joy to generations. The capacity to accommodate both "RVs and trailers" as well as "great tent camping" provides the flexibility that local groups often need, catering to diverse preferences within one party. The "nice and wide" sites further enhance this, ensuring ample space for communal activities and individual comfort.

Secondly, the "awesome state forest group camp" designation signifies that it’s designed specifically for larger gatherings, making it perfect for those annual family reunions or scout troop outings that require more space and tailored facilities. While it maintains a rustic charm, including the potentially challenging but rewarding experience of an "icy cold and wonderful" manual well pump, it offers a genuine connection to simpler times and outdoor self-reliance that many Wisconsinites value.

Finally, its location within the St. Croix State Forest provides direct access to the abundant natural beauty of our state. From exploring the river (even if a dedicated swimming area is desired) to hiking through the forest, the opportunities for outdoor recreation are vast. Despite minor suggestions for improved signage, the fundamental experience of a spacious, versatile, and historically rich group camp makes Sioux Portage Group Campground not just suitable, but an outstanding choice for locals seeking to create lasting memories with their loved ones in the heart of Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors.

Sioux Portage Group Campground

Danbury, WI 54830, USA