Tent campsites near Adams, Wisconsin range from simple walk-in sites to group accommodations with varying amenities. The camping terrain primarily consists of glacial features with kettle moraines, hills, and small lakes scattered throughout the region. Temperatures typically range from 20°F in winter months to mid-80s during summer, with significant precipitation in spring and early summer.
What to do
Water recreation on Devils Lake: At Devils Lake State Park Group Campground, visitors can rent various watercraft. One camper noted, "At this area you can rent paddle boards, Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats."
Rock climbing opportunities: The East Bluff trail at Devils Lake State Park offers accessible climbing areas suitable for beginners and families. A visitor shared, "We took the East Bluff trail to do some rock climbing with the kids."
Biking the trail system: The Elroy-Sparta State Trail connects directly to Sparta Campground, making it ideal for cycling enthusiasts. A reviewer mentioned, "It is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride into the town of Sparta."
What campers like
Well-spaced group sites: The group camping areas offer good separation between sites with convenient facilities. A camper observed, "The group sites are well spaced out from each other and offer pit toilets and full bathroom facilities with sinks, toilets and showers within walking distance from all sites."
Access to scenic hiking: The park system near Adams features extensive trail networks with notable viewpoints. One visitor emphasized, "Everyone was impressed by Devils Doorway. Would love to go back and hike the Western Bluff."
Budget-friendly options: Norwalk City Park and Hillsboro offer free tent camping alternatives to state parks. A camper pointed out, "I made reservations at the Village of Norwalk and the town of Hillsboro instead. Both have City parks with free tent camping."
What you should know
Highway noise concerns: Some camping areas near Adams suffer from interstate traffic noise. A reviewer warned, "The site is close to I90 so traffic noise is great, particularly during the week. Our first night was a Thursday and truck traffic was loud all night."
Weather preparedness: Late fall camping requires proper cold weather gear with temperatures dropping significantly. One camper reported, "Spent a weekend here in one of the group sites (G3) in mid November 2021. It was in the 30s at night but got up to the high 40s during the day, great camping weather!"
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife can be noisy and potentially disruptive at Camp Wilderness. A camper mentioned, "The birds near the group camp are cool, but can also sound like a large pack of dinosaurs squawking at each other...very loud."
Tips for camping with families
Adventure activities for children: Camp Wilderness offers structured outdoor activities specifically designed for younger campers. A visitor recommended, "There's primarily tent sites with trails, a lake, an obstacle course and more right nearby."
Shower alternatives: While shower facilities are limited at most tent sites near Adams, public facilities offer alternatives. A resourceful camper noted, "I saw that the Sparta Aquatic Center (10 minute bike ride) allows shower access for $3."
Space considerations: When camping with multiple families, select sites with adequate space for all equipment. One group explained, "We had site 3 (103 on the DNR campground map), which was about a 600 yard hike in from the parking lot, down a trail that can get quite muddy, especially during rain."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Adams have limited accommodations for larger recreational vehicles, with tent sites predominating. A camper at Devils Lake State Park Group Campground noted, "You can even drive to the bathrooms as there is a small parking area next to them."
Meal planning options: Dutch oven cooking works well at group sites with appropriate fire rings. An experienced camper shared, "Camp life was awesome, we ate very well since we brought two Dutch ovens. We are Cowboy Casserole, Mountain Man breakfast, peach cobbler, 7 can soup, hobo dinner and apple sausage casserole."
Weekend crowds: Popular camping areas become significantly busier during weekends, affecting availability and noise levels. A camper observed, "Weekends are pack with campers. The beaches have hard pebbles and rocks."
