2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest provides numerous tent camping opportunities surrounding Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin, including established campgrounds and dispersed backcountry sites. Wabasso Lake Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites with lakeside settings, while Three Johns Lake provides primitive dispersed camping with no amenities except a fire ring. Several campgrounds in the area feature boat-in access, particularly in the Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area where tent campers can find secluded island sites.
Many tent camping locations in this region require visitors to pack in their own supplies, as services are minimal. Wabasso Lake provides fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with vault toilets as the only facility. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage features rustic tent sites with pit toilets that are unsheltered and exposed to the elements. One camper noted that "you're literally sitting on a toilet seat in the middle of the woods." Most tent sites in the national forest are first-come, first-served, though some locations like Sylvania Wilderness require reservations. Water must typically be filtered from nearby lakes, and campers should bring toilet paper and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Tent camping in this region provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities amid old-growth forests. Sites at Wabasso Lake offer views of the water while remaining shaded by forest canopy. At the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, campers can experience what some call the "Boundary Waters of Wisconsin" with isolated tent sites spread across hundreds of islands. According to a visitor's review, "when you're out there you feel like you're on your own little piece of paradise." Many campsites are accessible only by canoe or kayak, creating natural separation from motorized vehicles and providing quiet surroundings. Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito activity in summer months and potential weather changes in spring and fall, requiring tent campers to prepare accordingly.
"The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water."
"This campground has 4 walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, and suitable areas for tents."
from $26 / night
from $26 / night
from $26 / night
"The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is dubbed the "Boundary Waters of Wisconsin" and for good reason! The quality of the waters, vast array of channels, islands and camping spots is simply amazing."
"It is a larger site with the addition of a picnic table"
Available this weekend
from $19 - $50 / night
from $26 / night
from $170 / night
from $25 / night
"A lovely area with a good balance of open space and tree cover. Nearby Clark Lake is very pretty, good for swimming, and serves as the primary water source."
"We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear."
Campground full this weekend
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GuideWhat a beautiful, peaceful spot. Site 14 was very level, and looked down on the blue waters of Ottawa Lake. Double dump station was clean, as were the bathrooms. Very well maintained campground. Can't wait to come back.
GuideWe stayed at Robinson Lake Dispersed Campground last night and really enjoyed it! It’s very easy to get to, located right off the highway, so you don’t have to worry about driving miles down rough backroads. There’s plenty of room to set up camp, and being right next to the lake makes it an even better spot.
There’s also plenty of downed wood around for a campfire, which is always a bonus when camping. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend a night away from everything.
Definitely a spot we’d recommend and would stay at again!
GuideHappened to stumble upon this gem of a campground.
TravelerWe camped with our camper and boat. It was very nice to keep our boat at the dock. There is a small swimming area with a pier. The campground doesn’t have many amenities but the staff was very helpful. We loved hiking in the campground and adjacent and nearby state forest hiking trails. Beautiful lake. The north side of the lake is Untouched state forest. The campground is close to many sightseeing spots such as museums and shops.
GuideRestate here , six nights at the very tail end of the season. We were the only ones left in the park , so it was very peaceful and quiet , lots of birds and squirrels and rabbits , which kept our dog and our cat entertained. This is like a state park with gravel parking spots, gravel dirt road on the way in, very well maintained. Lots of site options with and without power, full hookups with long big rig options are in the middle of the loop. But many of the sites within the park itself are not level, make sure you have leveling blocks or you look at your site options before you park. Very friendly, helpful people in the office.The bathrooms were clean , but basic. You pay for the shower with quarters. There are some nice little cabins scattered around to have family visit that don't have tents or trailers. Very niceChildren's play equipment near the entry and bathroom. Certainly more affordable than the fancy resorts. Starlink works well here. There's an old Speedway nearby, you can see it on google satellite view, but it is no longer used.So don't worry about that.
TravelerWe had a site along the lake, close to the bath house and across from the camp host. Barb house and showers very clean. Bought fire wood at a great a lot right down the road.
GuideWell separated sites offer excellent privacy in an old growth forest. CG was very quiet
GuideVery nice showers and modern bathroom, a much welcome amenity after a few days without amenities. But it is in town, next to the highway, however it was fairly quiet.
GuideAmazing campground. A little traffic from nearby road but really quiet at night. We launched our row boat right from our campsite and the lake is gorgeous
Tent camping opportunities near Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin extend across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest with sites situated between 1,500-1,700 feet elevation. The region features over 2,000 lakes and streams within a 50-mile radius, creating numerous waterfront camping options. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.
Fishing at remote lakes: Three Johns Lake Dispersed offers a single tent site on a quiet lake with excellent fishing opportunities. "Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest," notes one camper about this primitive site.
Hiking near camp: Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping provides access to numerous hiking trails through old-growth forest. One visitor describes the area as having "a good balance of open space and tree cover. Nearby Clark Lake is very pretty, good for swimming, and serves as the primary water source."
Wildlife viewing: At Boulder Junction, campers have opportunities to spot unique wildlife including white deer. As one visitor mentioned, "We were lucky enough to see a white deer. Mosquitos were horrible but we managed! Thankfully we had our bug rackets to fry those suckers."
Secluded island camping: Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offers boat-in island camping across hundreds of islands. One camper notes, "The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is dubbed the 'Boundary Waters of Wisconsin' and for good reason! The quality of the waters, vast array of channels, islands and camping spots is simply amazing."
Lakeside tent sites: Wabasso Lake Recreation Area features walk-in tent sites near the water. A camper shares, "The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water."
Easy day-use options: For those wanting the best tent camping near Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin without overnight stays, Newman Lake Shelter provides alternatives. "If you're looking for a place to rest and play for the day this is a good choice. I grew up in this region and this little spot is a hidden gem for day camping, fishing, picnicking, and swimming," writes one visitor.
Rustic toilets: Many sites in the area have minimal facilities. At Turtle Flambeau, visitors should prepare for primitive conditions as "All sites have a pit toilet but be aware they are not covered."
Water sources: Most tent sites require filtering lake water for drinking. At Sylvania Wilderness, one camper explains, "Nearby Clark Lake is very pretty, good for swimming, and serves as the primary water source."
Campsite spacing: Some sites that appear remote on maps may be closer to neighbors than expected. At Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site, visitors find "a huge campsite on a dead end road. The parking area is huge so one could fit a trailer or pop up there. There is a sandy beach on a small lake full of fish."
Pack extra insect protection: The Northwoods region has significant mosquito populations in summer. A Boulder Junction camper warns, "Mosquitos were horrible but we managed! Thankfully we had our bug rackets to fry those suckers."
Consider canoe camping: Sylvania Wilderness offers beginner-friendly canoe camping options. One visitor shares, "Loved my first experience at canoe camping. We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear."
Look for beach access: Many sites offer swimming opportunities for children. At Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site, "There is a sandy beach on a small lake full of fish. The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it's a nice walk to another tiny lake."
Limited RV options: Most remote sites near Arbor Vitae are tent-only, but Moen Lake Campground & RV Park accommodates smaller RVs. "The basic amenities are here, picnic table, fire pit, bath house with showers within walking distance, electrical(30amp) and water hookups, but don't expect them to be 5 star quality, they are there, they are functional, that's about all you can say."
Private camping experience: Even RV sites can offer seclusion. A Moen Lake camper describes, "If you want a quiet, secluded campground where you can just sit back and enjoy being out in the woods(we had deer walk through the back of our campsite at night), then you will enjoy this campground."
Limited hookups: Few campgrounds offer full hookups. Moen Lake provides "No onsite sewer, but did have a dump station."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arbor Vitae, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Arbor Vitae, WI is Wabasso Lake Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Arbor Vitae, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Arbor Vitae, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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