Roam Adventure Basecamp Review: A solo camping adventure in Wisconsin.
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I recently had the chance to take a trip to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where an amazing system of mountain bike trails exists. There is also a cool campground, Roam Basecamp, that caters to mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. That is where I pitched my tent for my first solo camping trip.
Location of Roam Basecamp.
Roam Basecamp is located in Seeley, Wisconsin, just 10 miles north of Hayward. This prime location is right in the heart of the CAMBA (Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association) trail system, which has over 100 miles of marked and mapped trails. This area is an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and more. The base camp is in a quiet, secluded setting surrounded by national and county forests. Right at the camp entrance is one of the best trails, the Seeley Pass, an 8-mile trail to warm your legs up for the day.
How to Get to Roam Basecamp.
Roam Basecamp is a short drive from several major cities. I started from Rockford, Illinois.
Here's a quick guide on the distance from major cities in the area to Roam Basecamp:
Chicago, IL: Approximately 400 miles, about a 6-hour drive.
Rockford, IL: Approximately 300 miles, about a 5-hour drive.
Madison, WI: Approximately 250 miles, about a 4-hour drive.
Milwaukee, WI: Approximately 300 miles, about a 5-hour drive.
St. Paul, MN: Approximately 120 miles, about a 2-hour drive.
Minneapolis, MN: Approximately 130 miles, about a 2.5-hour drive.
Top Facilities and Amenities at Roam Basecamp.
One of the cabins at Roam Basecamp.
Roam Basecamp offers a variety of facilities to make your stay comfortable:
Campsites: 28 drive-up and two walk-in sites, all well-spaced for privacy.
Cabins: Four winterized cabins adjacent to the area’s premier trails, complete with internet access, making them perfect for those who want to work remotely and then hit the mountain biking trails.
Restrooms and Showers: The showers and restrooms were super clean. The showers have heated floors, too. The showers do cost a few quarters.
Sauna: A wood-fired Finnish sauna to relax after a day of activities. They have a sign-up sheet outside the door to keep everyone happy.
Firewood: Available on-site for $5 a bundle
The Finnish sauna is in the foreground, and the showers are to the left of the sauna at Roam Basecamp.
One of the many bathroom set-ups at Roam Basecamp.
Two wood carriers and a pay box sit right next to the firewood shed at Roam Basecamp.
My Camp Setup at Roam Basecamp.
My campsite at Roam Basecamp.
Since this was my first solo camping trip, I wanted to ensure that my site was perfect and that I felt safe. I emailed the owners and asked about a few site locations, and they helped guide me to one that would feel secluded but also right across from the showers and not far from the restrooms. The site was large, with a picnic table and a fire ring.
Safety and Community at Roam Basecamp: What You Need to Know.
Safety is a top priority at Roam Basecamp, and I felt secure throughout my stay. The staff were friendly and always ready to help. Despite being on a solo trip, I never felt alone. Fellow campers were welcoming, and we chatted about trails. I ran into a guy from Rockford who would come up with his son and stay at Roam. The owners are a husband and wife team. The wife was very helpful and would stop and chat with me about the trails and where to go. It was great.
Activities and Attractions Near Roam Basecamp: Mountain Biking, XC Skiing, and More.
There’s no shortage of activities at Roam Basecamp. Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, or just exploring, there’s something for everyone. Some highlights include:
Mountain Biking: Over 100 miles of marked and mapped trails are within the CAMBA (Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association) trail system. Click here for a link to CAMBA.
Hiking: Numerous trails in the surrounding national and county forests offer scenic hiking opportunities.
Canoeing: Easy access to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Spider Chain of Lakes.
Swimming: A swim at the spring-fed Silverthorn Lake’s sandy beach.
Cross-Country Skiing: Explore well-groomed cross-country skiing trails right from the base camp. This includes the 50K Birkie Trail and 54K Birkie Classic Trail, groomed and maintained year-round by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
Pros and Cons of Camping at Roam Basecamp.
I don’t have a lot of cons. Overall, the campground was the cleanest I have stayed at. The one con is one they can’t control.
Pros:
Beautiful, scenic location
Clean and well-maintained facilities
Variety of activities
Friendly staff and community atmosphere
Cabins with internet access for remote work
Cons:
Limited cell service (though this can be a pro for those wanting to disconnect)
Pro tip: Download Trailforks and buy the subscription. No matter what the cell service is like, you will always know where you are on the trails.
Conclusion: Is Roam Basecamp Worth the Visit?
Yes. Overall, my solo camping trip to Roam Basecamp was a great experience. The natural beauty, excellent facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere made it a perfect escape. Roam Basecamp has something to offer whether you’re an experienced camper or a first-timer. I highly recommend it.
To learn more about Roan Basecamp and make a reservation, visit their site.
Happy camping, everyone!