Best Tent Camping near Gillett, WI
Dispersed camping options in the Nicolet National Forest dominate the tent camping landscape near Gillett, Wisconsin. Two notable tent-friendly sites include the Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road and Oconto River - South Branch, both located within a 45-minute drive north of Gillett. These primitive tent camping areas offer riverside sites with varying levels of seclusion and basic facilities. Old Veterans Lake County Park in Crivitz provides established tent campsites with more amenities for those seeking a less primitive experience.
Access to tent sites varies significantly throughout the region. The Oconto River dispersed campsites require careful navigation, with one camper noting that "4x4 is recommended" as "2WD trucks couldn't make it easily." Sites typically feature dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal grading. Most tent camping areas include fire rings and primitive pit toilets, though potable water is generally unavailable at dispersed sites. Tent campers should bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water. The Oconto River locations offer $5/day camping with vault toilets, while established campgrounds like Old Veterans Lake provide picnic tables, trash collection, and drinking water.
The Nicolet National Forest tent camping areas provide exceptional opportunities for solitude and direct access to water features. Sites along the Oconto River offer immediate riverside tent spots where campers can fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. A visitor commented that one location was "very cool right on the river" with an "in-ground fire pit," though they also mentioned "decent off-road vehicle traffic." Another camper described their experience as "loved this spot...the first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall about a mile away." Most tent campsites are well-spaced from neighboring sites, providing privacy even during busier periods. Ada Lake Recreation Area offers tent campers lakeside sites with vault toilets and swimming access, though these fill quickly during summer weekends.
