Rustic camping options near Crandon, Wisconsin span the Nicolet National Forest's 661,000 acres where elevations range from 1,200 to 1,800 feet. Located in Forest County, the region features over 60 lakes within a 20-mile radius of Crandon, creating opportunities for shoreline campsites. Winter temperatures can drop below -20°F, while summer camping season typically runs May through October with daytime temperatures averaging 75-80°F.
What to do
Fishing quiet waters: Bear Lake Campground offers electric-motors-only boating on its pristine waters. "The lake has a swimming area & beautiful Sandy beach & is perfect for fishing, swimming and kayaking," notes one camper who frequents this rustic spot.
Explore hiking trails: Governor Thompson State Park Campground maintains several trail systems through mixed hardwood forests. "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," shares a visitor who appreciated the park's natural features.
Visit artesian wells: Chipmunk Rapids draws visitors specifically for its natural water source. "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," notes one reviewer who discovered this hidden gem.
Search for geocaches: Several campgrounds in the area maintain geocache locations for treasure hunters. "Lots of geocaches in the park to keep us busy," writes a visitor to Governor Thompson State Park who enjoyed this tech-enabled outdoor activity despite encountering numerous ticks in May.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Lost Lake Campground offers rustic camping with significant space between sites. "The campground is along the lake. You can choose a spot lakeside or more wooded. Some sites are reservable and others are first come first serve," explains a camper who found openings on a Friday afternoon.
Wildlife encounters: Chipmunk Rapids provides opportunities to observe forest animals. "Lots of deer and turkeys. Heard wolves at night. It was great!" remarks an enthusiastic visitor who appreciated the remote nature of this small campground.
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Bear Lake Campground maintains its basic facilities well. "The pit toliets were the cleanest I have ever used," notes one reviewer who otherwise enjoyed the rustic nature of this waterfront campground without showers or electric hookups.
Canvas yurt options: Yurt camping near Crandon, Wisconsin offers alternatives to traditional tent sites. Seasonal yurt accommodations at several forest locations provide solid floors with canvas walls, typically available from May through October. "The setting for this campground is so pristine and beautiful," writes a visitor to Bear Lake, where temporary yurt structures appear during peak season.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate May through October. "Be aware the lake is very popular for water activities so if you're looking for a calm quiet location for fishing or canoeing, you're mostly limited to mornings and evenings," advises a camper who visited Boot Lake in July.
Bugs and wildlife concerns: Boot Lake Campground visitors should prepare for insects. "Fair warning, both campsites we were at had poison ivy around them so watch out. Also they have just finished clean up following the storm in 2019 so some of the campsites are a bit more open than I imagine was intended," warns a visitor who camped there in late July.
Varying cell service: Connectivity fluctuates throughout the region. "ZERO WiFi and cell service," reports a Bear Lake camper who stayed at site 25, while others note intermittent service at campgrounds closer to towns.
Water access logistics: Many campgrounds feature lake access but with varying facilities. "The lake is electric motors only, so boat traffic is quiet, and there are minimal private properties on the lake. It is flat between the campsite and the lake, so easy to access the water from your campsite," explains a visitor to Bear Lake who appreciated the quiet setting.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Hi-Pines Campground organizes regular programming for children. "Great activities for kids…fishing presentation, movie, kickball. The site was full sun which got hot. There were shaded sites, but we couldn't get sites together in the woods," explains a family who planned a group camping trip.
Beach selections: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas with varying features. "The beach is nice size with a roped off swimming area that has plenty of space for the kids to swim and explore," notes a Bear Lake visitor who found the sandy shoreline ideal for families.
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds offer quieter environments than others. "This campground is very clean and nice with tons of things to do! The sites are nice and big and the pond has inflatables that are very fun," writes a Hi-Pines camper who appreciated the family-oriented amenities.
Toilet facilities: Vault toilets are standard at most rustic sites, with varying cleanliness. "The toilet is clean," notes a simple but important observation from a Chipmunk Rapids visitor, while other campgrounds receive mixed reviews regarding bathroom maintenance.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: Chain O'Lakes Campground offers full hookup options. "Huge campground and well organized. Pull thru site," notes a reviewer who appreciated the layout designed for larger vehicles and easy access.
Site leveling requirements: Many forest campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Most are fairly level or it doesn't take much to make your camper level," reports a West Bay Camping Resort visitor who found the campsite manageable despite minimal grass and compact spacing.
Weekend versus weekday differences: Occupancy patterns affect campground atmosphere. "We arrived on a Sunday and the weekend crowd had cleared out, so nice and quiet," shares a Hi-Pines camper who preferred the less crowded weekday experience.
Laundry timing: Plan accordingly if you need to wash clothes. "Do not plan on doing laundry on a Monday. The personnel use all the machines to wash linens and towels from the cabins after folks check out," advises a Hi-Pines visitor who encountered this unexpected scheduling conflict.
