Best Tent Camping near Gleason, WI
Tent camping near Gleason, Wisconsin provides access to the pristine forests and lakes of northern Wisconsin's Northwoods region. The area features several established tent campgrounds within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, including Ada Lake NF Campground and Camp New Wood County Park. Primitive tent camping opportunities can also be found at Three Johns Lake Dispersed site and along the Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail passes through several of these areas, offering tent campers direct access to hiking opportunities. Picnic Point Campground in the Chequamegon National Forest section provides a reservable group tent site with boat landing access.
Most tent campgrounds in the Gleason area feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Camp New Wood County Park offers seven first-come, first-served tent sites with large fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets, though water access requires a hike through the woods. Ada Lake NF Campground provides drinking water, fire rings, and vault toilets on gravelly tent sites. The campground operates seasonally from May through mid-October. Dispersed tent camping areas like Three Johns Lake require a short walk to reach the site and have minimal facilities. Wisconsin state regulations require purchasing firewood locally due to invasive beetle concerns, and many campgrounds sell bundles on-site.
The tent camping experience around Gleason emphasizes quiet, natural settings with opportunities for wildlife viewing. According to reviews, Camp New Wood County Park rarely fills to capacity, making it reliable for spontaneous backcountry tent camping trips. One camper noted, "The sites are a decent size and it's right on the Ice Age Trail with lots of hiking to be enjoyed right from your camp site." At Ada Lake, tent sites are well-spaced with some positioned directly on the water. The lake allows only electric motors, creating a peaceful atmosphere for tent campers. Walk-in tent sites at Three Johns Lake provide complete solitude as it's the only campsite on the lake, though access requires a $5 parking fee for National Forest land. Campers should bring flashlights for navigating to facilities after dark, as most areas have minimal or no lighting.