How Hipcamp Saved My Camping Trip

This Hipcamp review begins with a camping disaster—and ends on a private Lake Superior beach.

I had reserved four nights at a beautiful forest campground more than six months in advance. Instead, I ended up pulling my camper onto property owned by a complete stranger in Washburn, Wisconsin.

That was definitely not the plan.

But after staying at 22 Hipcamps over the past two years, I’ve learned that sometimes the unexpected backup plan becomes the best part of the trip.

Why I Had to Leave My Campground

I was excited about spending four nights at a forest campground with a gorgeous lake. Unfortunately, when I arrived, I discovered a problem I hadn’t anticipated.

The campsite itself was large enough for my little camper, but the campground road was extremely narrow. Trees on the opposite side prevented the front of my truck from clearing them as I tried to back into the site.

I tried several different approaches, but eventually I had to admit it wasn’t going to happen.

Thankfully, the campground found another open site for me. It still took approximately 30 minutes of maneuvering, but I finally got my camper backed in, unhitched and settled.

I drove back to the campground office to let them know I would take the replacement site. That was when I received more bad news: someone had booked it while I was getting my camper situated.

I could stay for one night, but I had to leave the following morning.

To make matters worse, I had no cell signal. The thick forest also blocked my Starlink connection. It was August, the weekend was approaching and I had no idea where Thor and I would camp next.

My Backup Campground Wasn’t Much Better

I remembered a first-come, first-served campground approximately two hours away. Early the next morning, Thor and I hitched up and headed there.

We arrived just in time to grab one of the last available campsites.

Technically, I now had somewhere to stay. Unfortunately, it wasn’t somewhere I wanted to spend the next four nights.

My neighboring camper was so close we could have practically passed sugar between our campsites. Also, a trail ran directly through my site to the bathhouse.

Privacy was nowhere to be found.

The good news was that I finally had cell service. I opened the Hipcamp app to see whether anything better was available nearby.

That decision changed the entire trip.

Finding a Last-Minute Hipcamp in Wisconsin

A Hipcamp property appeared just ten minutes away—and it was available immediately.

The listing showed a beautiful private beach on Lake Superior, but the precise parking spot wasn’t completely clear. After my stressful experience at the forest campground, I wasn’t interested in another maneuvering surprise.

I messaged the Hipcamp owner, Peter, and explained that I would be arriving with my camper. He assured me that I would be able to get in without any trouble.

Thankfully, he was right. Pulling into the property and positioning my camper was easy.

That alone was a huge relief.

When Peter discovered that I’m a YouTuber, he jokingly suggested a title for my video:

“Awesome lake, awesome beach, awesome host.”

Those were three pretty bold promises coming from a stranger, so I decided to put Peter’s claims to the test.

Awesome Lake: Check!

The property is located near Washburn, Wisconsin, along the shore of Lake Superior.

When I walked from my camper to the water, I was amazed by how close it was. Lake Superior was literally just steps away.

I have always loved camping around Lake Superior, but campsites this close to the shoreline are difficult to find. Having this enormous lake practically in my backyard immediately made the stressful campground experience feel much farther away.

Awesome lake?

Absolutely.

Awesome Private Beach: Check!

The sandy beach was even better than I expected.

While camping there, I had the beach all to myself. I could sit beside the water, listen to the waves, and enjoy the Lake Superior scenery without neighboring campers packed around me.

The property also included chairs, firewood, and a fire pit directly on the beach. The owner also provides kayaks for an additional cost.

Just a few hours earlier, I felt as though my trip had completely fallen apart. Now I was camping beside my own private Lake Superior beach.

That was quite the camping plot twist.

Awesome beach?

Definitely.

Is This Hipcamp Suitable for RV Camping?

This particular Hipcamp is a primitive camping property. There are no electrical hookups, water hookups, or sewer connections.

It is best suited for self-contained campers who arrive with everything they need. My Little Guy Max has a bathroom, freshwater storage, and its own power system, so primitive camping usually works well for me.

Before booking any Hipcamp, read the complete listing carefully. Amenities vary significantly from one property to another.

Some Hipcamps provide full RV hookups. Others may offer only a beautiful, private place to park. Prices, accessibility, and privacy also vary.

Knowing what you need—and what you can comfortably camp without—will help you choose the right property.

My Honest Hipcamp Review After 22 Stays

This Lake Superior campsite wasn’t simply beginner’s luck. I’ve stayed at 22 Hipcamps over the past two years, both by myself and with my husband, Tom.

What keeps bringing me back is the opportunity to discover camping experiences I probably wouldn’t find at a traditional campground.

Through Hipcamp, I’ve found:

Private beaches
Waterfront campsites
Peaceful farms
Spring-fed creeks
Large secluded camping areas
Properties close to popular destinations
Last-minute campsites when other plans failed

I especially appreciate having photos and reviews from previous campers. If something is still unclear, I can message the property owner directly.

That was extremely valuable during this trip. After struggling to maneuver at the forest campground, I could ask Peter about the parking situation before arriving.

His reassurance made pulling into the property much less stressful.

Is Camping on a Stranger’s Property Safe?

Camping on a stranger’s property can sound questionable when you say it out loud. I had plenty of questions before booking my first Hipcamp, especially as a woman who frequently camps alone.

Would it feel awkward? Would I have privacy? Would I feel comfortable?

My experience has taught me to carefully examine the listing, study the photos and read reviews from previous guests. I also communicate with the owner whenever I have unanswered questions.

Of course, no two Hipcamps are identical. The same is true of traditional campgrounds. Each location, host and campsite provides a different experience.

Trust your instincts, research the property and choose places that match your personal comfort level.

At this Lake Superior Hipcamp, I felt welcomed without feeling watched. Peter communicated well, answered my questions, allowed me to check in early and provided everything promised in the listing.

Awesome host?

Yes. Peter earned his third checkmark.

Is Hipcamp Worth Trying?

Based on my experiences, Hipcamp is absolutely worth exploring—especially if you enjoy unusual campsites, added privacy, or locations outside traditional campgrounds.

I use it when I’m traveling far from home, looking for a special solo camping experience, or simply curious about what’s available nearby.

The app can become slightly addictive. I might begin by casually searching around one destination, and before long, I’m mentally planning several new camping trips.

However, Hipcamp isn’t automatically better than every campground. Properties vary, and you still need to do your homework. Read the listing carefully, review the rules, and confirm your RV and camping style suit the location.

My Final Hipcamp Review

This camping trip did not go remotely as planned.

I had to leave the campground I reserved six months earlier. I spent one night at a crowded backup campground I didn’t enjoy. Then I took a chance on a last-minute campsite owned by someone I had never met.

That stranger—and his beautiful Lake Superior property—turned my entire trip around.

Sometimes the best part of a backup plan becomes the best part of the trip.

If you want to discover private beaches, farms, waterfront campsites, and other unique places to camp, use my link below to see which Hipcamps are hiding near you.