Tent camping around Gillett, Wisconsin centers primarily on the Nicolet National Forest, which spans over 661,000 acres of northern Wisconsin forest. Most dispersed camping locations sit at elevations between 1,500-1,700 feet and feature sandy or loamy soil types that drain well after rainfall. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making May through September the primary camping season for tent campers in the area.
What to do
Swimming access: Ada Lake Recreation Area offers a designated swimming beach with gradual entry points. A camper noted, "A local family drove in to spend the day at the Ada Lake beach" and the "trillium in the wooded areas are radiant in the morning sun shining through the trees."
Fishing opportunities: Ada Lake NF Campground restricts watercraft to trolling motors only, creating excellent fishing conditions. As one visitor mentioned, "Trolling motors only on this lake. Good fishing and quite. Dirty and gravel sites with no concrete pads."
Hiking nearby: Many campgrounds connect to trail systems. At Ada Lake, a camper discovered "an ATV trail right at the entrance. This trail connects to others and gave us some nearby hiking options. I didn't find these on the maps that I had so it was a good bonus!"
Wildlife viewing: The quiet camping areas foster good wildlife spotting opportunities. One camper at Ada Lake described, "Lots of frogs and basically no bugs!" while others frequently report seeing small mammals and birds throughout the forest areas.
What campers like
Quiet environment: Old Veterans Lake County Park receives consistent praise for its peaceful setting. A camper shared, "We stayed at Site 10 and LOVED it. Very private and our dog was able to roam at will."
Water features: Many tent sites provide direct water access. One visitor to Old Veterans Lake explained, "Each site was by itself. The campground is very small and has no running water or campstore... the lake is beautiful and a few of the sites have lake access. It's the perfect lake for kayaking."
Site spacing: Oconto River - South Branch offers well-separated camping areas. According to a visitor, "There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart. The first has more of an opening if solar and Starlink matter to you. The second was tucked in the back where the road turns around."
Budget-friendly: Most dispersed camping in the area remains affordable. At Oconto River - South Branch, a camper reported, "Unless you have the Golden or Access pass, it is $5/day" with access to "a clean and maintained vault toilet."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many sites require navigating rough terrain. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, a camper warned about site access, noting it was a "small site little rough to get into a lot of trash left. Short path to river this is a two site spot good distance between them."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed tent sites near Gillett lack standard facilities. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, "there is an outdoor toilet" but a camper cautioned not to "follow road past campsites, either way unless your vehicle is lifted" as sedans could get stuck.
Insect preparation: Some areas experience heavy insect activity. One camper at McClintock County Park advised visitors to "bring ways to keep mosquitoes at bay" when camping near the river areas.
Cell service limitations: Many forest camping areas lack connectivity. A visitor to Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road reported "No service" with both AT&T and other providers, which can affect navigation and emergency communications.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Marinette County Goodman Park offers camping near water features that children enjoy. While specific details are limited, campers describe it as "very nice peaceful feels like you're in the middle of nowhere."
Wildlife observation opportunities: Old Veterans Lake provides excellent wildlife viewing for children. One family reported, "We come here with the kids every spring. They always catch frogs, fish, and turtles. They also enjoy swimming across, and hiking and biking around the lake."
Educational trails: Many camping areas connect to interpretive trails. A visitor to Ada Lake noted discovering unmarked trails that offered "nearby hiking options" not shown on standard maps.
Preparation necessities: When tent camping with children near Gillett, families should bring all water and supplies. At Old Veterans Lake, a camper noted, "You can drive back to the Governor Thompson building and get firewood, ice, and use the shower building and flushing toilets."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: McClintock County Park and similar areas have limited space for larger RVs. Most sites accommodate smaller trailers and campervans, but big rigs will find few suitable options.
Generator policy: Some campgrounds restrict generator usage. One camper at Old Veterans Lake mentioned, "We did have someone ratted on us for using our generator to supply our CPAPs because there was no electricity or water."
Navigational challenges: Many forest roads require careful driving. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, a visitor commented that "the entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky. I believe a camper could make it going slowly."
ATV accessibility: For those bringing ATVs, McClintock County Park provides convenient access to trail systems. A visitor noted it's a "nice place if you're into ATV riding. Trails really close. Good view of the river."
