Best Tent Camping near Hiles, WI
Tent camping near Hiles, Wisconsin offers secluded options within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with several tent-only sites scattered throughout the region's lakes and woodlands. Three Johns Lake Dispersed Camping provides a walk-in tent site on a peaceful lake, requiring a short hike from the parking area with a $5 National Forest parking fee. Stevens Lake Campground in Long Lake features tent-friendly sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets in a tranquil setting. The area's campgrounds typically operate from May through September or early October, with some remaining open into November depending on weather conditions.
Most tent campgrounds in the Hiles area feature basic amenities suited for primitive camping experiences. Three Johns Lake is a true dispersed site with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Stevens Lake Campground offers vault toilets and hand-pump water but no showers or trash service. Fire rings are provided at established sites, though firewood must typically be purchased locally due to invasive species regulations. Many sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation options, making midweek arrival advisable during peak summer months. Dirt and gravel tent pads are common, with varying degrees of levelness.
Backcountry tent camping in this region offers exceptional solitude and lakeside settings. According to a recent visitor, Three Johns Lake features "only one campsite on the lake" with a short walk from the parking area, making it ideal for those seeking privacy. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Sites provide free primitive tent camping with access to hiking trails and water recreation. Ada Lake Recreation Area, though slightly farther from Hiles, offers what one camper described as "quiet well-spaced sites and nearby snowmobile/hiking trails" with "beautiful lakeside sites available." Wildlife sightings are common, and the region's lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities, though insect protection is essential during summer months.