Camping near Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin offers diverse outdoor experiences across national forest lands. The region sits at elevations between 1,500-1,800 feet within the Nicolet National Forest, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures frequently dropping below 20°F, with the area receiving over 70 inches of snowfall annually.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on quiet waters: Bear Lake Campground provides excellent paddling opportunities on electric-motor-only water. "The lake is electric motors only, so boat traffic is quiet, and there are minimal private properties on the lake," notes a visitor to Bear Lake Campground.
Fishing in secluded settings: Boot Lake offers both shoreline and boat fishing options. "Boot lake is actually the shape of a boot. It provides some decent fishing from shore but excellent fishing from a boat," explains a camper at Boot Lake Campground.
Exploring hiking trails: Several trails wind through the Nicolet National Forest. "Lots of geocaches in the park to keep us busy," mentions a camper at Governor Thompson State Park, while another points out that "the Quartz Hill Trail is a bit of a drive past Townsend."
What campers like
Artesian wells for fresh water: The natural spring at Chipmunk Rapids draws visitors from nearby campgrounds. "The best feature is the artesian well right at the entrance. We filled up with water and the line started just as we finished. Even if you camp elsewhere the water is worth a visit," according to a review of Chipmunk Rapids Campground.
Secluded, rustic camping: Lost Lake offers waterfront sites in a remote setting. "The campground is very rural, the closest town being Florence which is 20 miles away. It is right off of lost lake which is a small lake that can swim in, small boating, fishing," shares a visitor to Lost Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the area offer chances to spot local wildlife. "Lots of deer and turkeys. Heard wolves at night. It was great!" reports a camper at Chipmunk Rapids, while another at Governor Thompson State Park noted, "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night."
What you should know
Tick awareness: Several campgrounds report tick issues, especially in spring. "Beautiful Lakes secluded areas and a crazy amount of ticks in May. This could be why we were the only people in our loop of the campground so early in the season," cautions a visitor to Governor Thompson State Park.
Limited cell service: Most remote campgrounds have poor or no connectivity. "ZERO WiFi and cell service," reports a Bear Lake visitor, while others mention losing GPS signal while navigating forest roads.
Firewood availability: Policies vary between campgrounds. "The wood grab was very generous and rather than them taking 5 small pieces and wrapping them together with cellophane, you fill up a wheelbarrow via honor system with large split dry logs," notes a camper at Governor Thompson State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach areas for swimming: Several lakes offer designated swimming areas. "The beach is nice size with a roped off swimming area that has plenty of space for the kids to swim and explore," shares a visitor to Bear Lake Campground.
Playground access: Some county parks provide playground equipment. "The grandkids" enjoyed the "great" playgrounds at Lake Antoine Park Campground, which also features "a really nice beach."
Consider yurt camping: For families seeking Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin yurt camping options, several sites offer alternatives to traditional tent camping. While permanent yurt structures aren't common, cabin rentals and glamping units provide similar comfort for families not ready for tent camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Governor Thompson State Park offers various site types. "We have a 19ft travel trailer & a ford truck. We stayed at site 19, it is pull in & it was perfect, with plenty of room for everything. We took a walk to be nosy & also liked site 20, it was even bigger! Site 14 looked great for a pull thru site."
Electric hookups: West Bass Lake Park provides electrical options. "Each site has electric hookup, and some sites have more than one box," according to a recent visitor, making this a good option for those needing power near Armstrong Creek.
Seasonal availability: While many campgrounds close for winter, some remain accessible. "Open year round but water is shut off in winter. No reservations. First come first serve," notes a camper about West Bass Lake Park, providing an option for off-season RV camping near Armstrong Creek when many other facilities close.
