Tent camping options near Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin are scattered throughout the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and surrounding county parks. The region sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Most tent sites in the area are rustic with basic amenities, and many forest campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ada Lake Recreation Area offers quality fishing in a small, motor-restricted setting. According to camper Andy K., "Trolling motors only on this lake. Good fishing and quite [sic]. Dirt and gravel sites with no concrete pads. Great place to spend a week or two!"
Swimming beaches: Old Veterans Lake County Park provides a secluded swimming beach accessible by foot paths. One camper noted, "It was a short walk to the pit toilets and there's another path to a little beach behind the toilet building. It was great for swimming and finding more tiny fish."
Trail hiking: Several forest service roads and hiking trails connect campgrounds to broader trail networks. At Ada Lake NF Campground, campers can access "nearby snowmobile/hiking trails" that convert to multi-use paths during summer months, as mentioned in Cynthia B.'s review.
What campers like
Lake tranquility: At Stevens Lake Campground, morning fog creates exceptional views. One camper described the experience: "The morning greeted us with a misty fog and raining leaving. After breakfast the fog burned off and the mirror surface lake showed her magic. By far this is the best place we've camped on our trip!"
Wildlife viewing: Frog catching and wildlife watching rank high on camper satisfaction lists. At Old Veterans Lake, Melissa K. reports, "We come here with the kids every spring. They always catch frogs, fish, and turtles."
Site privacy: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural separation. At East Bass Lake Park, campers appreciate the isolation despite limited capacity. As GA J. notes, "While there is only 2 spots for camping in this town park. It is a great place for those who want some solitude."
What you should know
Motorized restrictions: Several lakes in the region limit boat motors. Ada Lake camper Cynthia B. explains, "The lake is small with a few lake cabins across the lake," and notes the lake has motor restrictions that maintain the quiet atmosphere.
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas offer only basic amenities. At Chequamegon National Forest Perch Lake Campground, Kirsty G. warns, "There is no bear box and there definitely are bears... so you'll want to hang your food."
First-come availability: Many tent sites operate without reservations. Tammie R. found Old Veterans Lake ideal because "each site was by itself. The campground is very small and has no running water or campstore."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: Chequamegon National Forest Perch Lake Campground offers walk-in sites with minimal hiking required. According to Two Snoops, "Loved the hike in, decided to walk the whole loop and unfortunately the bridge at the end was under water and we had to turn around and walk back instead. Lake was gorgeous and the hike in wasn't too bad."
Kid activities: Old Veterans Lake County Park provides multiple water-based activities for children. Melissa K. reports her children "enjoy swimming across, and hiking and biking around the lake. Nearby trail to the Peshtigo River Flowage."
Bug preparation: While many campgrounds report moderate insect populations, some riverside locations have higher concentrations. At McClintock County Park, Jeremy S. advises to "bring ways to keep mosquitoes at bay" when camping near the river.
Tips from RVers
Surface conditions: For those with small pop-ups or teardrop campers, Ada Lake provides adequate space despite the uneven terrain. Kinni P. notes, "Great campground, albeit gravely. The amenities were well kept and placed and having our dog with us wasn't a problem."
Power limitations: Some tent camping areas near Armstrong Creek prohibit generators. At Old Veterans Lake, one camper reported being "ratted on us for using our generator to supply our CPAPs because there was no electricity or water."
Cell service: The best tent camping near Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin often comes with connectivity trade-offs. Max S. from Stevens Lake Campground warns of "Poor cell service for AT&T" in the area, which is important for those needing to stay connected.
