Best Tent Camping near Florence, WI
The Florence, Wisconsin region offers several tent-specific camping opportunities in the surrounding forests and parks. East Bass Lake Park provides secluded tent camping with only two spots available on a first-come, first-served basis with a two-day maximum stay. Chequamegon National Forest's Perch Lake Campground features walk-in tent sites that require a short hike from the parking area, offering a more immersive forest experience. Stevens Lake Campground is another tent-only option with basic amenities in a natural setting.
Most tent sites in the Florence area feature minimal amenities, with pit toilets being the most common facility. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at some locations like Perch Lake Campground, but others may have no designated facilities. Potable water access varies significantly - East Bass Lake has no drinking water, while some campgrounds offer hand pumps that may produce mineral-heavy water. Campers should bring adequate water supplies, especially during peak summer months. Sites typically accommodate standard tent setups on natural surfaces with varying degrees of privacy, from open areas to wooded sections with natural screening between sites.
The tent camping experience around Florence offers genuine solitude and natural beauty, particularly at the walk-in sites. Tent campers at Perch Lake can access the water directly from their sites, providing opportunities for fishing and paddling. The secluded nature of these campgrounds makes them ideal for those seeking to disconnect, though they require more preparation than developed campgrounds. Wildlife sightings are common, with some areas requiring proper food storage due to bear activity. A camper at Perch Lake noted, "The sites still feel very secluded and private. There is no bear box and there definitely are bears, so you'll want to hang your food." The remote locations often provide excellent star-gazing opportunities, particularly at sites away from town lighting.