Best Tent Camping near Chilton, WI
The glacial terrain surrounding Chilton, Wisconsin provides several tent camping options within a short drive, with Kettle Moraine State Forest's Northern Unit offering some of the most popular tent-only sites in the region. Greenbush Group Campground and Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp both provide dedicated tent camping experiences approximately 30 miles east of Chilton. For smaller groups, Waubedonia County Park in Fredonia and Little Turtle Lake offer more intimate tent camping settings. Camp Wilderness, though farther from Chilton, provides additional primitive tent camping options with walk-in sites for those seeking a more secluded experience.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities suited for traditional tent camping. Drinking water is available at most locations, though campers at Greenbush Group Camp report that water spigots may be located only at central points rather than at individual sites. Pit toilets are standard at these primitive tent campgrounds, with no shower facilities available at most locations. Sites typically feature fire rings and picnic tables, with fires permitted at all the tent campgrounds near Chilton. The camping season generally runs from April through November, with Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp specifically noting these operational dates.
Tent campers frequently praise the spaciousness of sites in the Kettle Moraine area. According to reviews, Greenbush Group Campground's sites 2 and 9 can accommodate over 20 backpacking tents simultaneously, making them ideal for large group outings. The grassy sites are surrounded by trees that provide both shade and hammock-hanging opportunities. One camper noted that while the nine sites at Northern Unit Greenbush Group Camp are visually separated, noise can carry between them, potentially affecting the backcountry tent camping experience. Families with children often choose Camp Wilderness for its kid-friendly tent sites near trails, a lake, and an obstacle course, making it a good introduction to primitive tent camping for younger outdoor enthusiasts.