Maxime D.doesn't recommendOctober 17, 2024
Riverfront Campsite #1
Lovely but no good sleep possible
I really wanted to love this campsite. What's not to like about a lovely retreat in a wooded campsite right by the river? In addition, Brenda and her husband were extremely lovely and welcoming. They brought us life jackets for my son and me so we could fish on the pier safely. They brought fresh eggs and 7 gal of water and offered to take you up the river with kayaks so you could paddle back to camp. They deserve extra points.
But I would not return to the Waupaca River Retreat mainly because there are train tracks that meet the road 0.3 miles away from the camp. Trains have to blast their horn when they enter the crossing to warn of their presence. There were about 20-25 trains during the night of Friday and 15-20 the night of Saturday. I always bring earplugs for me just in case and a white-noise machine for my 5-year-old. Neither covered the really loud horns that kept waking us up all night. Barely got any sleep.
During the day, the highway less than half a mile away made the camp less enjoyable. It was less of a deal breaker than the trains, but it is just not the right location for a peaceful camp.
Lastly, there should only be two campsites there. We had the #1 that has direct access to the pier. A couple was on #3. Camp #2 was unoccupied but it felt too close to both occupied camps. Camp #2 should be kept as a privacy buffer for a better experience.
If you don't mind barely sleeping at night, this is a gem. If you need your sleep, this is not for you.
Andy S.recommendsOctober 14, 2024
Riverfront Campsite #3
Such a quaint little gem! Mature trees right next to the river and 4 minute drive into town for Friday fish fry. Host gave a ride with their kayaks and dropped us off for a two hour drift down the Waupaca River plus made sure we had plenty of wood and water for the stay. We are now anxious to book all three sites with a friend group next year. Can't wait.
Adam W.recommendsSeptember 16, 2024
Riverfront Campsite #2
The campsite was wonderful! Right by the river. There was firewood for sale on property. It was a nice amenity to have a portable toilet. Brenda and her husband were very gracious and made sure we had a good time and had everything we needed. I definitely recommend this campsite.
Tim J.recommendsSeptember 9, 2024
Riverfront Campsite #1
Do not miss Waupaca River Retreat!
My daughters and I had a fantastic time at Waupaca River Retreat. Brenda and Josh were the most welcoming and helpful hosts! Besides providing excellent campsites, they gave us farm fresh eggs from their chickens and provided us extra blankets as the temps dipped into the low 40s when we were there. Outside of their hospitality, they provide kayaks for a small fee and drove us up river to drop us in for a 3 hour kayak paddle down river back to the campsite. This was the highlight of the trip. We were able to fish(caught some smallmouth) and see a bunch of wildlife. We can't wait to go back!
Leigha W.recommendsAugust 25, 2024
Riverfront Campsite #1
We had the BEST time at Waupaca River Retreat! The sites truly have it all - so spacious, huge picnic tables, designated fire pits, gorgeous river views, and plenty tree cover for shade and for stringing up hammocks. Brenda and Josh are also wonderful hosts. They set us up with a 7-gallon jug of potable water on site, had many options for paddleboard/kayak/water toy rentals and life jackets, and even dropped us off up river so we could float back down to our site. It was a perfect slice of paradise! It is also conveniently located near town which made for quick ice runs. We loved swimming off of and lounging on the two docks off the sites, and our dog even got in the mix in the shallows. Come armed with bug spray, and you'll have all you need for a quick escape!
Ed S.recommendsAugust 11, 2024
Riverfront Campsite #3
Beyond expectations! 3 sites nestled next to the Waupaca River. What's more awesome was 2 day's in a row a drop off up the river with a good fishing kayak, much appreciated. First weekend open and will definitely be back!