Camping options near Gillett, Wisconsin extend throughout Oconto County and neighboring areas within a 40-mile radius. The region features mixed hardwood forests interspersed with waterways at elevations ranging from 700-1,000 feet. Several campgrounds remain open from late spring through fall, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during peak season. Limited equestrian camping near Gillett requires careful planning as dedicated horse facilities aren't common in this area.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing opportunities: Chute Pond Park offers water activities beyond basic swimming. "The camp store is also supe convenient if you forget smores and Fire supplies... You can rent out kayaks and little boats," notes Shelby N. in her review. More recently, Makenzie S. mentioned that "This year they also have now available kayaks for rent at $20 per hour."
Natural waterslide adventures: Chute Pond Park features unique water attractions. "One trail leads to a scenic overlook and another leads to slippery rock. Slippery Rock is a waterfall from the river that you can actually slide down. They also have a rock you can jump off as well into water," shares Emily K.
ATV trail access: For equestrian alternatives near Gillett, consider motorized trail options. The Embarrass River Campground and ATV Park offers direct trail access. "You can bring your ATV to ride on the ATV track there or on the trails in the woods. We seen deer while riding through the trails," says Matthew J.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: River Park in nearby Michigan offers isolated camping spots. "Each campsite seems to be separated pretty far apart. I couldn't see anyone else from my site (#2)," notes Cole M. Another camper, Eric S., confirms: "Plenty of space at each of the sites. Some of the sites were right on the river while the ones uphill had horse fences."
Waterfront camping opportunities: Riverside camping locations provide scenic views. At River Park, David K. describes the setup: "Some of the sites themselves are elegantly perched above the riverbank and give you a great view overlooking the mini rapids at the convergence of the river split."
Clean facilities: Bay Shore Park maintains well-kept amenities. "Everything was very clean and even with the campground full it was nice and quiet. The spots are beautiful and shaded," reports Celeste D. Another camper mentions, "The bathroom and showers are decent and cleaned daily around 6 am."
What you should know
Limited horse camping facilities: While equestrian camping options near Gillett are restricted, River Park offers some horse-related infrastructure. Eric S. notes that "Some of the sites were right on the river while the ones uphill had horse fences," providing at least basic accommodations for horse owners.
Seasonal weather considerations: Fall camping brings special rewards at High Cliff State Park. "Beautiful fall colors! The campsite was large and relatively private. We enjoyed hiking on the trails," writes Laura D. Another camper adds, "Stayed here for 4 days in late October. Site 112 is nice pull through. Lovely state park."
Winter camping availability: Unlike most area campgrounds, High Cliff State Park remains operational year-round. Tim H. reports: "November 7th-8th. Site 91. 25-30 degrees. Near cliff above Lake Winnebago. Windy as expected. Beautiful site. Clean primitive toilet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bay Shore Park offers recreational facilities specifically for children. Kristine M. shares, "This is a great spot for kids..although there isnt swimming there are 2 playgrounds and lots of space to play frisbee or run around. We habe a great yime every time we go!"
Historical exploration: Green's Green Acres Campground offers alternatives to traditional outdoor recreation. "While it may not look like much from the road in the approach, as the photos and some of the signage suggests, this camp is largely centered around music. A local staple, many regular and occasionally irregular music festivals are held here," explains David K.
Kid-friendly hiking options: High Cliff State Park features accessible trails for children. "Great place to explore with the fam. Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout," shares Sam F. Another visitor adds: "me and my 4year old love going to high cliff. between the beautiful scenery and multiple hiking trails I'd recommend it to anybody."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Watch for tight access at smaller campgrounds. At River Park, Cole M. advises: "I would not recommend this campground for anyone with a larger camper. I have a 38' long, 12'+ tall bumper pull and was scraping the roof on trees and struggled to get backed into the site."
Hookup locations: Bay Shore Park requires careful positioning. One camper noted, "The electric and water hookups were on opposite sides of the site, and we had to keep adjusting the travel trailer to get both to actually hook up."
Weather readiness: Be prepared for seasonal ground conditions. "The ground was a sandy-dirt, which wasn't too bad at first, but after an overnight rain it was a muddy mess," shares one Bay Shore Park visitor. At River Park, another camper mentioned "The road in was a little muddy but not bad enough to get stuck."
