Johnson Falls Canoe Sites

For Wisconsin's intrepid outdoor enthusiasts and those yearning for a truly immersive wilderness experience, Johnson Falls Canoe Sites offer an unparalleled adventure. Located in Stephenson, this unique camping opportunity isn't your typical drive-up campground with all the amenities. Instead, it promises a more rustic, remote, and rewarding experience for those who arrive by water. As one delighted camper put it, the "Campsite was great!" highlighting the direct connection with nature and the joy of simple pleasures like a "canoe tube" acting "like a little water slide."

This destination is less about manicured lawns and more about untouched beauty, providing a genuine Northwoods escape. It's designed for those who find tranquility in the sound of a loon's call and who are open to redefining camping traditions (like swapping s'mores for cinnamon rolls!). Johnson Falls Canoe Sites embody the spirit of adventure that many Wisconsinites cherish, offering a chance to paddle into pristine landscapes, discover hidden gems, and truly disconnect from the everyday hustle.

Johnson Falls Canoe Sites are located near Stephenson, WI 54114, USA. This places them within Marinette County, a region widely celebrated in Wisconsin for its extensive forests, numerous lakes, and scenic rivers, most notably the Peshtigo River. The "canoe sites" are specifically situated on the Johnson Falls Flowage of the Peshtigo River, making them accessible primarily by watercraft.

While the address gives a general location, accessing these sites involves a journey that is part of the adventure. Visitors typically launch their canoes or kayaks at designated boat landings on the Johnson Falls Flowage or other parts of the Peshtigo River. From there, they paddle to the remote campsites. This provides a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature that is hard to find at drive-up campgrounds. The Town of Stephenson itself is a vast township, home to over 3,000 acres of water on the Peshtigo River Flowages, and features 16 public boat landings, ensuring multiple access points to the expansive waterways.

For Wisconsin locals, this means a manageable drive to the general area, followed by a rewarding paddle. For example, from Green Bay, it's roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the Crivitz/Stephenson area, where various Peshtigo River access points are located. The remote nature of the sites means planning your canoe or kayak route is essential, but the effort is well worth it for the tranquility and unspoiled beauty you'll encounter. The fact that these sites are deep within the Peshtigo River State Forest, a vast expanse of natural land, further emphasizes their accessibility for those seeking true wilderness in their own state.

Given the nature of "canoe sites" designed for remote, primitive camping, the services offered at Johnson Falls Canoe Sites are intentionally minimal, focusing on core necessities to support a wilderness experience rather than extensive amenities. Based on public data for similar remote campsites within Wisconsin State Forests (like the Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest, which includes the Johnson Falls Flowage):

• Designated Remote Campsites: These are "designated remote campsites," specifically three sites located on the Johnson Falls Flowage. This means they are official, marked camping spots intended for overnight stays.

• Basic Site Features: Each site is typically equipped with essential elements for primitive camping. This generally includes a "tent pad," a designated area suitable for pitching a tent, a "fire ring" for campfires and cooking, and a "picnic table" for dining and meal preparation.

• Open-Air Privy (Implicit): While not explicitly stated for Johnson Falls Canoe Sites in the reviews, remote sites in Wisconsin State Forests often include an "open-air privy" (a basic outdoor toilet), or campers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal.

• No Potable Water: It is highly probable that "no potable water" is available at these remote sites. Campers are expected to bring their own water or be prepared to filter/purify water from the natural sources (the river/flowage).

• Watercraft Access Only: These sites are specifically labeled as "canoe sites" and are typically "accessible by watercraft only," reinforcing the need for canoes or kayaks to reach them.

• Permit Requirements: Remote camping within Wisconsin State Forests often requires a "free permit" to be filed with the forest office. It's crucial to confirm this requirement before your trip.

• Limited Stay Duration: Some remote sites in state forests have limits on stay duration, such as "one night only" for certain remote sites in the Peshtigo River State Forest, though this can vary by specific site type.

The true allure of Johnson Falls Canoe Sites lies in its distinctive features and highlights, which cater specifically to those seeking an authentic wilderness adventure in Wisconsin.

• Remote, Water-Access-Only Camping: The primary highlight is the truly "remote" nature of these "canoe sites," accessible exclusively by watercraft. This provides an unparalleled sense of seclusion and tranquility, ideal for escaping crowded conventional campgrounds. It's a genuine opportunity to immerse oneself in the wilderness.

• Proximity to Johnson Falls: The sites are named after "Johnson Falls," indicating their close proximity to a natural waterfall. This adds a beautiful scenic element and the opportunity to hike to and experience the cascading water, as suggested by the mention of the "canoe tube" being "like a little water slide." The Wisconsin DNR also notes Johnson Falls as a State Natural Area with a 1.5-mile section of the Peshtigo River below the Johnson Falls Dam.

• Unique River Experience: Being on the Peshtigo River's Johnson Falls Flowage offers excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities. While the provided review is concise, it evokes a sense of fun and refreshment from being on the water, with the river itself being a major feature.

• Wildlife Observation: The mention of a "loon" singing highlights the potential for incredible wildlife viewing and listening opportunities. Loons are iconic symbols of northern wilderness, and their calls add immensely to the peaceful ambiance of a remote campsite.

• Untouched Natural Beauty: The overall impression is one of pristine natural surroundings. These sites are within the Peshtigo River State Forest, which is known for its "mature dry-mesic pine and oak forest and a white cedar-dominated wet-mesic forest," suggesting rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes to explore.

• Authentic Wilderness Connection: For campers tired of crowded sites, Johnson Falls offers a chance to truly disconnect. The lack of extensive amenities emphasizes self-reliance and fosters a deeper appreciation for the simple beauty of nature.

For Johnson Falls Canoe Sites, specific direct contact information like a dedicated campground phone number is not typically available, as these are remote sites managed as part of a larger state forest system. However, for reservations and inquiries, you will need to contact the managing authority:

Address: The sites are located in the vicinity of Stephenson, WI 54114, USA, specifically within the Peshtigo River State Forest, on the Johnson Falls Flowage.

Contact Information for Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest (managing authority):

The Wisconsin DNR manages these sites. While a direct phone number for the specific canoe sites isn't listed, the general contact for the Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest, which oversees these remote campsites, is usually through its main office.

It is highly recommended to search the official Wisconsin DNR website for "Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest" or "Johnson Falls State Natural Area" to find the most current contact details, including phone numbers for the forest office, and information on how to obtain the required free permit for remote camping. Email addresses may also be available for permit submission. This direct approach will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for planning your remote canoe camping trip.

Johnson Falls Canoe Sites are exceptionally well-suited for Wisconsin locals who truly value an authentic, self-reliant outdoor adventure. For many Wisconsinites, the allure of the Northwoods lies in its vast, untouched beauty and the opportunity to escape the everyday hustle. These remote canoe-in sites deliver precisely that experience. Unlike crowded drive-up campgrounds, Johnson Falls offers a profound sense of solitude and immersion in nature, where the sounds of wildlife, like the unforgettable call of a loon, become the soundtrack to your getaway.

The adventure begins even before you set up camp, with the paddle-in access reinforcing the feeling of entering a special, secluded realm. This appeals to those who are comfortable with primitive camping and are eager to truly disconnect. For families seeking a unique bonding experience, navigating the waters together and discovering the "canoe tube" fun provides memorable moments that go beyond traditional camping.

Furthermore, the proximity to the actual Johnson Falls, a scenic natural landmark, adds an exciting dimension of exploration. Locals familiar with Wisconsin's State Natural Areas will appreciate the ecological significance and biodiversity of the area, making it a place to both relax and learn. It’s an ideal spot for paddlers, nature photographers, and anyone looking to embrace the wilder side of Wisconsin camping, proving that sometimes, the best experiences are found off the beaten path, reached only by the effort of your own paddle.