Tent camping near Florence, Wisconsin provides a rustic outdoor experience in the heart of northern Wisconsin's forest country. The region receives approximately 60 inches of snowfall annually, creating a dramatically different camping environment between summer and shoulder seasons. Most primitive campsites in this area sit at elevations between 1,500-1,700 feet, contributing to cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer direct access to lakes and rivers. Stevens Lake Campground provides immediate lake access where campers can fish for various species. One visitor noted, "The morning greeted us with a misty fog and raining leaving. After breakfast the fog burned off and the mirror surface lake showed her magic" (Stevens Lake Campground).
Hiking nearby trails: The area surrounding Chequamegon National Forest Perch Lake Campground features multiple hiking options. A camper mentioned, "Loved the hike in, decided to walk the whole loop and unfortunately the bridge at the end was under water and we had to turn around and walk back instead. Lake was gorgeous and the hike in wasn't too bad."
ATV trail access: Several sites connect to the extensive northern Wisconsin ATV trail system. McClintock County Park provides direct trail access, as one camper reported: "Nice place if your in to ATV riding. Trails really close. Good view of the river. Bring ways to keep mosquitoes at bay though."
What campers like
Secluded camping experience: Most tent sites near Florence offer genuine privacy away from larger campgrounds. East Bass Lake Park provides extremely limited capacity with just two sites, creating an exclusive experience. A camper shared, "While there is only 2 spots for camping in this town park. It is a great place for those who want some solitude. Small sites for tent or pop-up."
Proximity to water features: Paint River Forks NF Campground sits directly on a river with clean, well-maintained sites. A recent visitor commented, "5 or so campsites. Clean out house right on river. Just a mile or so down the dirt road."
Natural surroundings: The unspoiled forest setting remains the primary attraction. Marinette County Goodman Park offers a deeper wilderness feel, with one camper stating, "Very nice peaceful feels like youre in the middle of nowhere."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Hand pumps at some sites produce questionable water. At Genes Pond State Forest Campground, a camper warned, "The only downside to this campground is the horrid water. It comes from a cistern and has a hand pump. The water is awful. Cloudy and foul tasting, stale and full of minerals."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites feature basic amenities only. Vault toilets are standard, with very few offering showers or flush toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings vary by location.
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. No dedicated bear boxes exist at most sites, requiring campers to hang food. Perch Lake Campground has confirmed bear sightings with one camper mentioning hunters "treed and shot a bear in the early morning."
First-come availability: Many campgrounds operate without reservations. East Bass Lake Park enforces a two-day maximum consecutive stay policy to ensure turnover.
Tips for camping with families
Best beginner-friendly options: For first-time wilderness camping experiences, consider walk-in sites that aren't too demanding. A reviewer noted about Perch Lake Campground: "The hike to these sites is very short. We paid when we parked. It's a great place to camp if you want to experience being in the woods for the first time."
Entertainment alternatives: Bring additional activities for children during inclement weather. A camper at Boulder Junction recalled, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers chances to spot unique wildlife. One Boulder Junction camper mentioned, "We were lucky enough to see a white deer."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Florence cannot accommodate larger RVs. Sites generally support smaller pop-ups or truck campers only.
Alternative motorcycle camping: Bates Township Park offers motorcycle-friendly tent camping with decent amenities. A motorcyclist noted, "Great find. Sunday night beginning of June. Only camper in the tent section. Quiet spot with good hosts. Close to the lake. Grass and gravel."
Site gradient concerns: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. The same motorcyclist at Bates Township Park observed, "If there was a drawback would be sites have some slope toward lake. Being only one there I found flat spot to tent but if busy choice might be limited."
