The Hiles, Wisconsin area sits on the edge of the Nicolet National Forest, with an average elevation of 1,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-80°F during the day, cooling significantly at night even in July. The region features numerous pristine glacial lakes connected by rivers, creating ideal conditions for water-based outdoor activities during the May to mid-October camping season.
What to do
Swimming in secluded lakes: Bear Lake Campground offers a clean swimming area with a sandy beach ideal for families. A camper noted, "The lake has a swimming area & beautiful Sandy beach & is perfect for fishing, swimming and kayaking."
Fishing in multiple waterways: At Chain O'Lakes Campground, anglers can access connected lakes with various fish species. "Big sites, paved roads, nice camp store, beach area is so so, but the multiple lakes and canal are awesome," according to one visitor.
Wildlife viewing on forest trails: West Bay Camping Resort provides access to wildlife viewing opportunities. "Does have a wildlife school across the road with free trails you can walk," explains a camper who stayed there in September.
Paddleboarding on quiet waters: Cunard Lake in the Northern Highlands American Legion State Forest restricts motorized watercraft, making it perfect for paddleboarding. A visitor mentioned, "Loved getting to paddleboard (brought my own) and listen to the loons day and night."
Geocaching adventures: The Northern Highlands State Forest area has numerous geocaching opportunities. A camper at Cunnard Lake Campground shared, "Geocaching is hot in this area too!"
What campers like
Artesian wells for pristine water: Chipmunk Rapids Campground features a natural artesian well that draws visitors. A camper advised, "The best feature is the artesian well right at the entrance. We filled up with water and the line started just as we finished. Even if you camp elsewhere the water is worth a visit."
Lake clarity and cleanliness: The lakes near Clear Lake Campground are known for their exceptional water quality. One regular visitor stated, "The lake is one of the cleanest I've ever been on. Campsites are reasonably far from each other for privacy."
Quiet, undeveloped shorelines: Lost Lake Campground offers a peaceful lakeside experience without development. A visitor described it as, "The campground is very rural, the closest town being Florence which is 20 miles away. It is right off of lost lake which is a small lake that can swim in, small boating, fishing."
Nature sounds instead of noise: Cunard Lake Campground was designated a "Quiet" campground. As one visitor explained, "That means no 'noise producing devices', including generators, radios, TV's, video games, guitars, etc. No means none. Prohibited."
Wooded privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near Hiles offer good separation between campsites. At Bear Lake, "Camp sites are large and private. There is drinking water and pit toilets. The pit toliets were the cleanest I have ever used."
What you should know
Seasonal operating limitations: Most camping and glamping close to Hiles, Wisconsin operates from May through mid-October. Lost Lake Campground specifically runs "April 30 to October 14."
Limited services and amenities: Bear Lake Campground represents the rustic camping common in the area. A visitor explained, "This is a great campground in the north woods. It is rustic, so limited services. It is small, just one road with a handful of campsites on it."
Distance from towns and supplies: The remote nature means planning ahead. At Lost Lake Campground, "The campground is very rural, the closest town being Florence which is 20 miles away."
Varying reservation policies: While some campgrounds require reservations, others operate first-come, first-served. At Cunard Lake, you can "come here on the 4th of July without reserving ahead of time and still find plenty of open sites."
Drinking water availability varies: Not all sites offer potable water. One visitor to Chipmunk Rapids suggested, "Pro tip: drive down the road to Chipmunk Rapids Campground and get your water at the artesian well."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with kid activities: Hi-Pines Campground offers numerous family-friendly amenities. A visitor shared, "This campground is very clean and nice with tons of things to do! The sites are nice and big and the pond has inflatables that are very fun."
Check for shallow swim areas: Some lakes are better suited for children than others. At West Bay, visitors noted the "beautiful lake access with small beach" which can be ideal for families with young children.
Consider family-sized sites: Some campgrounds offer larger spaces for families. Clear Lake has options for groups: "If you have a lot of people there are no group sites but there are some double sites that work great."
Balance wooded sites with open areas: While wooded sites offer privacy, open areas give children space to play. At Hi-Pines, "There is a good mix of open and wooded sites. The weekends it gets busy, but the sites are for the most part spaced well enough apart that you don't feel packed in."
Look for paved trails: Northern Highland State Forest offers accessible paths: "There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registraion area," making it easier for children to bike safely.
Tips from RVers
Check electrical capacity: Electrical service can be inconsistent in some campgrounds. One visitor to West Bay Camping Resort warned about "nothing but electrical issues the entire time we stayed there in a very hot part of summer."
Note site leveling requirements: Many sites in the forested terrain may require leveling. At West Bay, "Some sites are tight/close and others you could turn around in. Most are fairly level or it doesn't take much to make your camper level."
Consider reservation timing for premium sites: For glamping close to Hiles, Wisconsin at Peaceful Pines Resort, premium waterfront locations book quickly. A visitor described it as a "Wonderful RV Resort! Brand New and Wow what a Bathhouse! The lake is right there steps away that is crystal clear and sandy bottom!!"
Check for full hookup availability: Services vary widely between campgrounds. At West Bay, visitors can expect "Full hookups, no wifi or at least we couldn't find it. Dogs are welcomed, no barking allowed. Cell phone service was good so you can work if you have too. AT&T and Verizon."
