The Wisconsin River is consistently rated as one of the best canoeing rivers in the Midwest. The last 92.3 miles have been protected from further development by the creation of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway which now encompasses nearly 80,000 acres of land on both sides of the river. The Lower Wisconsin begins at Prairie Du Sac below the last dam on the river. From Prairie Du Sac, it flows freely through the unglaciated hills of southwest Wisconsin where it joins the Mississippi river at Prairie Du Chien and Wyalusing State Park.
Because the sandbars of the river are constantly shifting and the average depth is only 5 feet, motorboats have trouble navigating the river which makes for a very canoe friendly experience. In some places, you're actually more likely to see hovercrafts than boats, however local fishermen do make their way onto the river. (Hint: If you ever ask one of the locals for information, make sure to get at least a second opinion - for whatever reason, they find it hilarious to send people in the wrong direction).
The DNR publishes a very useful paper containing all of the put ins and take outs along the Wisconsin River including availability of bathrooms and water. The paper also includes some history of the area in addition to maps of the entire Lower Wisconsin Riverway.
The river itself is wide open, sometimes nearly a half mile across. The river has a sandy bottom and a significant number of sandbars suitable for camping. The river is usually fairly crowded on the warmest weekends of summer so your best bet is to go during the week if possible for solitude and the best chance of having your own sandbar. At peak periods, it's not uncommon to have to share a large sand bar with another group - though there is plenty of space to spread out.
The DNR does not require camping permits or fees of any kind. Sandbars are first come, first serve. (Hint: I recommend starting early and finishing early in order to have the best chance at getting a great sandbar) In the middle of summer, mosquitoes along the river bank and in stands of trees can be intense. Your best bet to avoid mosquitoes at your campsite is to aim for a spot in the middle of the river and away from trees and grasses. The light breezes in the evening and the distance from shore helps keep the annoyance to a minimum. The ideal sandbar has a small stand of trees and grass at one end of the island that serves as a privacy area for bathroom breaks.
The water level can fluctuate depending on the amount of rain in the area. If dry weather or very light rain is expected, the river is not likely to move more than an inch or two a day. If heavy rains have been in the area, the river can rise as much as a foot or more overnight. In order to minimize any risks, set up your campsite in a place at least 16 inches above the waterline and pull your canoes way up onto shore (you can place a stick in the sand at the waters edge to keep gauge in changes in water level). If rising water is a serious concern, you can also tie your canoe to your tent which will keep it from floating away without you.
Bring garbage bags to pack out all of your trash. Also, be aware that absolutely no glass, whatsoever, is allowed on the water. This is strictly enforced by the DNR and can result in fines of more than $300.
