Canoe & Kayak Camping Wisconsin: Peshtigo River

Unlike the majority of the Peshtigo River State Forest, the upper Peshtigo is almost entirely whitewater paddling. Before the slow flowages of the State Forest, the river offers thrilling Class I to IV whitewater which requires expert-level skill on the majority of sections, as this is some of the most challenging in Wisconsin. It’s also the only river to offer successive whitewater paddle-camping trips in all of Wisconsin.

The Peshtigo begins near the source of the Wolf River before flowing southeast towards Green Bay but not before being tamed numerous times. Despite the intentional damming, it’s still considered one of the best paddling rivers in the state. Fun fact: The Peshtigo has more and larger rapids for its length than any other river in Wisconsin.

We divided the Peshtigo into two reports – Peshtigo River State Forest paddling, and the Peshtigo River, because they (for the most part) offer such completely different styles of paddling and camping opportunities.

Paddling Style: Quietwater Paddling + Whitewater Paddling
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate/Expert
Best Suited For: Canoes + Kayaks / Whitewater Canoes + Kayaks

Camping Location: Riverside + Near Riverside
Availability: First Come, First Served + Reservable Designated Sites
Type: Primitive + Rustic
Paddle-in: Yes | Walk-in: Yes
Camping Fee: Yes + No | Camping Permit: No

Paddling and Camping the Peshtigo River:
Most of these sections require intermediate experience except for maybe the first, Big Joe Landing to the CCC Bridge Landing. Here, we break from our normal format to outline specific camping information beneath each individual section since the opportunities vary greatly within and surrounding the various sections.

Big Joe Landing to CCC Bridge Landing
Miles: 8.75 | Skill Level: Beginner | Guide
With only a 2.5′ per mile gradient, this slow quietwater section is one of the only trips on the Upper Peshtigo we recommend for beginner paddlers. However, it’s a heavily-forested section so there’s often deadfall that you’ll need to navigate, or completely portage over or around. On the upside, this section can usually be paddled all year.

Camping: There are three primitive riverside campsites located at the Big Joe Landing put-in which are maintained by the National Forest Service. These are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis and are accessible by car. Two National Forest campgrounds, Bear Lake and Laura Lake, are also located nearby. 

CCC Bridge to Burnt Bridge Landing
Miles: 9.25 | Skill Level: Intermediate | Guide
Alternating between wooded and lowland paddling, this intermediate whitewater run has numerous sections of Class I and II rapids. Some are easy but Class II always requires proper skill, and since the banks are wooded, the need to negotiate new deadfall is always present so paddlers should use caution and scout when in doubt.

Camping: There are two primitive riverside campsites at the Burnt Bridge Landing take-out and one just downstream called Peshtigo River Camp, which are maintained by the National Forest Service. These are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis and are accessible by car. Two National Forest campgrounds, Bear Lake and Laura Lake, are also located nearby.

Burnt Bridge to Goodman Park
Miles: 12.5 | Skill Level: Expert | Guide
With two Class III rapids, this challenging section is only recommend for expert paddlers. Those skilled enough will be treated to riffles, light rapids, big boulder gardens, and Class I and II+ rapids set between sections of quietwater. There’s also a “Roaring Rapids” on this section (not to be confused with the famous Roaring Raids section between Farm Dam Landing to Landing 12) which is a half-mile of lively boulder garden paddling. Of note, Taylor Falls is a challenging Class III that should be scouted as it’s at an irregular constriction in the river. Many have injured themselves there, so it’s best to portage. Take-out at the upstream Goodman Park access point before Strong Falls, a Class III-IV  drop that nobody in their right mind should really consider.

Camping: There are two primitive riverside campsites at the Burnt Bridge Landing put-in, and one located just downstream from the Goodman Park Road Landing called Burton Wells Camp. Maintained by the National Forest Service, these are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis and are accessible by car. Rustic camping is also available nearby at the National Forest Bear Lake Campground as well as Goodman and McClintock County Parks.

Goodman Park to Farm Dam Landing
Miles: 9.25 | Skill Level: Intermediate | Guide
This nine mile stretch to Farm Dam Landing is a bit of a breather between the livelier upstream and downstream sections. Starting at the downstream side of Goodman Park below Strong Falls, the river is a bit wider and slower. While mostly quietwater, there are occasional riffles but also a couple class I-II rapids. One of those, Wilson Rapids, is a solid class II.

Camping: Rustic camping is available at Goodman County Park located at the put-in, as well McClintock County Parks, about midstream on this section. Both are located on the river.

Farm Dam Landing to Landing 12 “AKA Roaring Rapids”
Miles: 5.5 | Skill Level: Expert | Guide
Farm Dam Landing is technically within the western boundary of the Peshtigo River State Forest, but this section shares zero characteristics with those found downstream of Landing 12. This well-known whitewater section of the Peshtigo is only for expert paddlers and rafters. The whitewater here is some of the most intense in Wisconsin. It’s famously known as the “Roaring Rapids” section which includes six complex Class II-IV drops, narrow chutes, long boulder gardens and large waves. It’s a scouter’s and whitewater paddler’s paradise.

Camping: River camping along this section is designated to private resorts, like Wildman or the popular Kosir’s located at the end of this stretch. As one of the rafting outfitters on this section, they offer a private landing and camping option. Nearby options include rustic camping at Goodman and McClintock County Parks. Of course, there’s also camping nearby at Governor Thompson State Park or Old Veteran Lake Park as well as remote, paddle-in camping on the Cauldron Falls reservoir within the Peshtigo River State Forest.

Peshtigo River State Forest
Most of the Peshtigo River State Forest is quietwater paddling along flowages, but it’s bookended by two whitewater stretches, one being the previous “Roaring Rapids” section. Downstream from the Johnson Falls Dam also lies a section of whitewater only recommend for intermediate paddlers who have good boat control and can read the numerous Class I-II rapids required of this stretch. Johnson Falls to Spring Rapids or Shaffer Road is a narrower section and feels more wild and natural with less development. Best yet, there’s seven remote sites on this section available for riverside camping as long as you obtain the required free permit. For more detail, check out our Canoe & Kayak Camping Guide to the Peshtigo River State Forest.

Nearby Campground: Bear Lake Campground | Reserve a Site
27 Sites. All non-electric.
Facilities: Vault toilets and water.

Nearby Campground: Goodman County Park | First Come, First Served + Reservable |  Reserve a Site
Odd sites reservable. Even sites are first come, first served.
15 Sites. All non-electric.
Facilities: Vault toilets, water and firewood.

Nearby Campground: Governor Thompson State Park | Reserve a Site
100 Sites. All reservable. 16 with electric.
Facilities: Vault toilets, shower/flush toilet building, picnic tables, fire ring and water.

Nearby Campground: Laura Lake Campground | Reserve a Site
41 Sites. All non-electric.
Facilities: Vault toilets and water.

Nearby Campground: McClintock County Park | First Come, First Served + Reservable |  Reserve a Site
Odd sites reservable. Even sites are first come, first served.
10 Sites. All non-electric.
Facilities: Pit toilets, water and firewood.

Nearby Campground: Old Veterans Lake Campground | Reserve a Site
16 Sites. 12 reservable.
Facilities: Pit toilets, water and firewood.

Essential Information:
General Info: Wisconsin Trail Guide

Maps + Guides:
Wisconsin Trail Guide to the Peshtigo River