2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping near Hiles, Wisconsin offers secluded options within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with several tent-only sites scattered throughout the region's lakes and woodlands. Three Johns Lake Dispersed Camping provides a walk-in tent site on a peaceful lake, requiring a short hike from the parking area with a $5 National Forest parking fee. Stevens Lake Campground in Long Lake features tent-friendly sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets in a tranquil setting. The area's tent campgrounds typically operate from May through September or early October, with some remaining open into November depending on weather conditions.
Most tent campgrounds in the Hiles area feature basic amenities suited for primitive camping experiences. Three Johns Lake is a true dispersed site with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Stevens Lake Campground offers vault toilets and hand-pump water but no showers or trash service. Fire rings are provided at established sites, though firewood must typically be purchased locally due to invasive species regulations. Many sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation options, making midweek arrival advisable during peak summer months. Dirt and gravel tent pads are common, with varying degrees of levelness.
Backcountry tent camping in this region offers exceptional solitude and lakeside settings. According to a recent visitor, Three Johns Lake features "only one campsite on the lake" with a short walk from the parking area, making it ideal for those seeking privacy. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Sites provide free primitive tent camping with access to hiking trails and water recreation. Ada Lake Recreation Area, though slightly farther from Hiles, offers what one camper described as "quiet well-spaced sites and nearby snowmobile/hiking trails" with "beautiful lakeside sites available." Wildlife sightings are common, and the region's lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities, though insect protection is essential during summer months.
"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."
"Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest."
"The road to the campground is gated off but the hiking trail and boat landing are accessible and regularly maintained by the USFS."
"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."
"The weather was a bit cold on Lake Superior and our picnic was ruined. However we had a great laugh making sandwiches in the car in a middle of a rain storm."
"We rolled in at dark and we’re enchanted by trees, falling leaves and mystic lake. There aren’t many spots, but they all quintessential WI. Free water is available via a hand pump."
"A nice little beach, quiet well spaced sites, and nearby snowmobile/hiking trails. The lake it small with a few lake cabins across the lake."
"Trolling motors only on this lake. Good fishing and quite. Dirty and grave sites with no concrete pads. Great place to spend a week or two!"
from $5 / night
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.
GuideThis is a typical national forest primitive campground. For me, it was the perfect middle point while driving along the seven hour plane crash trail. The sites along the lake are really beautiful. I did see a fifth-wheel camper at one of the sites so larger trailers can fit at some sites. Most sites are level but a few aren’t.
I could not find this campground in recreation.gov, so it may be first come first serve only, not sure.
There are pit toilets and hand pumps for potable water.
It’s $22 per night unless you have a senior pass, etc. they use the honor system so there is no one here at the pay station.
There are 24 sites and counting me there was only three or four in use on a Sunday night.
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.
TravelerThere are 3 sites at this location. The 2 southern sites can fit decent size trailers. The middle one, which we stayed in, for my 26” trailer pulled by my suburban. Pulled straight in and pulled straight out. Site was clean and the views were awesome!
GuideWell separated sites offer excellent privacy in an old growth forest. CG was very 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 campsites near Hiles, Wisconsin are concentrated mainly in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where forest roads lead to sites positioned along lakes and streams. Seasonal temperatures range from 70-80°F in summer to below freezing in late fall, with summer nights typically cooling to 50-60°F. Many sites are accessed via gravel forest roads that can become rutted after rain.
Fishing opportunities: Ada Lake Recreation Area provides excellent fishing in a tranquil setting. According to a visitor, "Trolling motors only on this lake. Good fishing and quite [sic]," making it ideal for anglers seeking peaceful waters.
Trail exploration: The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site connects to the Sam Campbell Trail. A camper noted, "The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it's a nice walk to another tiny lake," providing convenient hiking options from camp.
Beach activities: Several campgrounds offer lake access with designated swimming areas. At Ada Lake NF Campground, one camper mentioned, "A nice little beach, quiet well spaced sites, and nearby snowmobile/hiking trails," making it suitable for water recreation beyond fishing.
Lakeside camping: At Stevens Lake Campground, the mirror-like water surface creates memorable mornings. One camper described, "The morning greater us with a misty fog and raining leaving. After breakfast the fog burned off and the mirror surface lake showed her magic."
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides ample wildlife observation opportunities. At Boulder Junction, one camper reported, "We were lucky enough to see a white deer," highlighting the potential for unique wildlife encounters.
Solitude: Many campsites offer significant privacy, particularly midweek. At Three Johns Lake Dispersed, a visitor noted, "Short walk to campsite only one on lake," emphasizing the isolation available at certain sites.
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly throughout the area. At Stevens Lake Campground, a camper noted, "Poor cell service for AT&T," suggesting visitors should prepare for limited connectivity.
Dirt and gravel sites: Most tent pads are natural surfaces rather than concrete pads. A camper at Ada Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Great campground, albeit gravely," indicating surface conditions might require thoughtful tent placement.
Limited reservations: Many sites operate on first-come, first-served basis, particularly at National Forest campgrounds. A visitor to Ada Lake Recreation Area wrote, "No reservations so it is first come first serve," suggesting early arrival is advisable during peak periods.
Beach restrictions: Check regulations for each beach area before planning water activities. A camper at Ada Lake NF Campground cautioned, "No dogs allowed on the beach or even in the beach area," indicating pet policies vary by location.
Consider campground libraries: Some campgrounds maintain community book exchanges. At Ada Lake NF Campground, a visitor mentioned the camp host "maintained a small camp library," providing entertainment options for rainy days.
Quiet lake regulations: Look for lakes with motor restrictions for safer family water activities. A camper at Moen Lake Campground & RV Park appreciated that "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."
Small rig accessibility: Many forest campgrounds accommodate smaller trailers despite access via forest roads. At Boulder Junction, a camper reported bringing a "teardrop camper and the screen room with plenty of space left to roam around in," suggesting compact setups work well.
Firewood availability: Local firewood purchases may be required due to invasive species concerns. A Moen Lake Campground visitor noted, "The owner was very generous with the size or the stacks we bought and we were able to enjoy ourselves on a single stack each night," indicating on-site purchases can be economical.
Parking challenges: Some sites require separation of vehicles from camping areas. A visitor to Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site observed, "The parking area is huge so one could fit a trailer or pop up there," suggesting vehicles can be accommodated even at walk-in sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hiles, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hiles, WI is Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hiles, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Hiles, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
