Camping options near Athelstane, Wisconsin provide access to the Nicolet National Forest with its mixed hardwood forests and pristine lakes. The area sits at approximately 1,050 feet elevation and receives about 32 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush woodland environments. Most campgrounds remain open from mid-April through October, with limited winter access at select locations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Governor Thompson State Park Campground features multiple walking paths through northern Wisconsin woodlands. "There are a few hiking trails which i enjoyed spending time on. If you go down the street a bit you will find Old Veterans state park which has a secluded quiet lake and beach," notes reviewer Tammie R.
Geocaching opportunities: Several parks in the area maintain geocaching sites for visitors. "Geocaches can be found on the hiking trails which is always fun!" mentions Natasha T. about Governor Thompson State Park Campground.
Berry picking: Seasonal wild berries grow throughout the forest areas. "As an added bonus- there were raspberry bushes everywhere! They were just coming in, but if you catch it right. You'll be up to your eyeballs in fresh raspberries," shares PJ F.
Water activities: Several campgrounds provide access to lakes and rivers. "There is a small lake which is great for kayak and swimming. This park also has a boat launch onto the Cauldron Falls Reservoir," reports Tammie R.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. "The sites are a perfect size, and people are generally very kind and respectful," writes Lauren P. about Governor Thompson State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom buildings. "The bathrooms were clean and the site was a good wooded tent site," Christine W. notes. Another camper adds: "Clean showers that are their own facility on the back side of building for restrooms, single shower, toilet and sink with locking door."
Wooded environments: RV sites with natural forest settings are available. "There's an abundance of sites to choose from - heavily to lightly wooded, pull thru, back-in, full or partial hookups, and tent sites are available," describes Deb M. about HTR Door County in Egg Harbor.
Central location: Many campgrounds provide convenient access to regional attractions. "They are uniquely situated just outside of Egg Harbor, with plenty of the local attractions within minutes of the park. Trolley Tours, Local Farmer's Markets, Local Wineries, and many other attractions are close by," explains Rich M.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Some campgrounds offer minimal services. "This is solely an RV park. They do not have any cabins to rent or any tent areas. They have one shower house," reports Julia H. about Island Resort and Casino RV Park.
Tick awareness: Ticks are common in warmer months. "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," warns Jill G.
Wildlife encounters: The forests contain active wildlife. "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night," shares Jeff F.
Cell service limitations: Digital connectivity varies significantly. "Barely any cell service if that is important to you," notes Natasha T. Another camper mentions: "Although, you will lose service if you're relying on GPS directions, you'll find yourself in a bind like us."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several parks have beach areas for children. "Once in the water at the beach, the water turns black (ugh)," cautions Scott D. about Governor Thompson State Park Campground.
Entertainment considerations: Verify recreation amenities before booking. "If you have kids they will be bored. There is no playground that we saw. But if you just want some peace & quiet - this is the place for you! Most of the campers were older retirees," advises PJ F.
Activity options: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities. "Showers pool mini-golf. No lake river or fishing," notes David V. about Maple Heights Campground in Lakewood.
Spacing between sites: Site separation varies between campgrounds. "This campground is huge, it is a lot of permanent RV park sites but there's a significant amount of sites available. Sites are pretty close together so if you looking for quiet privacy I would look elsewhere," writes Judy B. about Lake Hilbert Campground.
Tips from RVers
Campsite leveling: Some RV sites require adjustment. "The site was easy to level but the wheels of our motor home were off of the ground," mentions Julia H. about Island Resort and Casino RV Park.
Site selection: Certain sites accommodate larger rigs better than others. "For reference: 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," suggests PJ F. about Governor Thompson State Park Campground.
Seasonal availability: RV sites near Athelstane, Wisconsin typically operate within specific date ranges. "We stayed in a pull through full hookup 30amp site with our Class C in the fall, and the leaves were beautiful," shares Debi M. about HTR Door County.
Dump station access: Verify sanitation facilities before arrival. "NO DUMP STATION AT ALL. No garbage dumpster. Water and electric only. I thought they had to have a dump station by law to be an rv place," warns Barbara B. about Countryside Motel & RV Sites.
