Tent camping near Eau Claire, Wisconsin offers campers access to the Chippewa Valley's mixed hardwood forests and numerous waterways. The region sits approximately 800 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season. Most tent sites in the area are situated on relatively flat terrain with pine and oak tree cover, providing natural windbreaks during spring and fall camping seasons.
What to do
Water activities on non-motorized lakes: At Coon Fork Campground in Augusta, campers enjoy a peaceful lake experience as "no outboard motors allowed on this lake. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available at the office," according to reviewer Brook. The lake features two beaches and a boat landing specifically designed for non-motorized watercraft.
Hiking accessible trails: Explore the network of nature trails surrounding the campgrounds. One reviewer at Hok-Si-La City Park noted, "The campground is very green and luscious, full of beautiful trees, plants and wildlife, we heard bullfrogs, owls, woodpeckers and more." Most trails in the region are rated easy to moderate with minimal elevation changes.
Wildlife observation: The Black River State Forest area provides opportunities for viewing native Wisconsin wildlife. Eagle watching is particularly rewarding at certain campsites, with one camper sharing, "On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing." Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing at Rock Lake Lodge and Campground in Bloomer, which has only 7 designated tent sites spread across its property. At Coon Fork, campers note "The sites are very generous with a lot of green between spaces. You are not on top of your neighbor" and "great private campsites" that allow for a more secluded experience.
Clean facilities: Tent campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight. One Coon Fork camper reported, "The bathrooms were always nice and clean with hot showers." Another mentioned that the campground maintains "flush toilets and hot showers" that are regularly serviced, an important consideration for tent campers without access to onboard facilities.
Enforced quiet hours: For those seeking peaceful camping, many campgrounds actively enforce quiet times. A parent noted at Coon Fork, "Quiet hours enforced, DNR on duty and sheriff tends to drive through," while another mentioned, "Quiet hours are reinforced early at night but it's an excellent campground for small children."
What you should know
Tent-specific camping areas: Some locations like Island Campground at Merrick State Park offer walk-in tent sites away from RV areas. These designated tent zones typically provide more seclusion and natural settings but require carrying gear from parking areas to your campsite.
Wildlife precautions: Raccoons are common visitors to campgrounds in the region. At Coon Fork, "they will give you trash bags at check in to keep them at bay. That's a great way to help control the problem." Food storage containers are not typically provided, so bringing your own secure storage is recommended.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day), advance reservations are strongly recommended. Many campgrounds maintain a portion of sites for walk-ups, but these fill quickly by Friday afternoon. At Coon Fork, "A total of 108 spaces with about 30 that are first come" are available.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly swimming areas: Families with children should consider the swimming options at each location. One parent noted Coon Fork is "great for kids! Way more fun later in the summer so you can go swimming. Although, children don't seem to notice cold water anyway!" Most swimming areas are unguarded, so parental supervision is required.
Activity options for various ages: Look for campgrounds with recreational amenities. A repeat visitor to Coon Fork mentioned, "I have stayed here multiple times. Always a blast. The kids love swimming, kayaking, fishing, and bike trails." These activities keep children engaged without requiring additional equipment or travel from the campsite.
Playground access: Stargazen Retreat Center provides camping areas with access to open play spaces for children. Some campgrounds like Coon Fork include playground equipment, as one camper noted, "Playground, shower/bathrooms are decent." These amenities provide entertainment options during downtime at camp.
Tips from RVers
No-vehicle tent sites: RVers looking for tent camping should note that some locations like Hok-Si-La prohibit vehicles at campsites. A camper explained, "This campsite also doesn't allow cars or generators on any of the camping spots, so be sure to keep that in mind!" These tent-only areas require unloading gear and returning vehicles to designated parking areas.
Electric options for hybrid camping: For those wanting electric access with tents, some campgrounds offer powered sites. At Coon Fork, "campsites are private with waterfront and electric sites," allowing tent campers to use electrical equipment while maintaining a traditional tent experience. These sites typically cost $3-5 more per night than non-electric options.
Self-contained areas: RV campers looking for more separation can find dedicated loops at some campgrounds. Coon Fork features "a totally separate loop (Loop D) for units that are self contained," providing more space and appropriate hookups while maintaining access to the same natural features as tent-only areas.
