Tent campsites near Hiles, Wisconsin are concentrated mainly in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where forest roads lead to sites positioned along lakes and streams. Seasonal temperatures range from 70-80°F in summer to below freezing in late fall, with summer nights typically cooling to 50-60°F. Many sites are accessed via gravel forest roads that can become rutted after rain.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ada Lake Recreation Area provides excellent fishing in a tranquil setting. According to a visitor, "Trolling motors only on this lake. Good fishing and quite [sic]," making it ideal for anglers seeking peaceful waters.
Trail exploration: The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site connects to the Sam Campbell Trail. A camper noted, "The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it's a nice walk to another tiny lake," providing convenient hiking options from camp.
Beach activities: Several campgrounds offer lake access with designated swimming areas. At Ada Lake NF Campground, one camper mentioned, "A nice little beach, quiet well spaced sites, and nearby snowmobile/hiking trails," making it suitable for water recreation beyond fishing.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: At Stevens Lake Campground, the mirror-like water surface creates memorable mornings. One camper described, "The morning greater us with a misty fog and raining leaving. After breakfast the fog burned off and the mirror surface lake showed her magic."
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides ample wildlife observation opportunities. At Boulder Junction, one camper reported, "We were lucky enough to see a white deer," highlighting the potential for unique wildlife encounters.
Solitude: Many campsites offer significant privacy, particularly midweek. At Three Johns Lake Dispersed, a visitor noted, "Short walk to campsite only one on lake," emphasizing the isolation available at certain sites.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly throughout the area. At Stevens Lake Campground, a camper noted, "Poor cell service for AT&T," suggesting visitors should prepare for limited connectivity.
Dirt and gravel sites: Most tent pads are natural surfaces rather than concrete pads. A camper at Ada Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Great campground, albeit gravely," indicating surface conditions might require thoughtful tent placement.
Limited reservations: Many sites operate on first-come, first-served basis, particularly at National Forest campgrounds. A visitor to Ada Lake Recreation Area wrote, "No reservations so it is first come first serve," suggesting early arrival is advisable during peak periods.
Tips for camping with families
Beach restrictions: Check regulations for each beach area before planning water activities. A camper at Ada Lake NF Campground cautioned, "No dogs allowed on the beach or even in the beach area," indicating pet policies vary by location.
Consider campground libraries: Some campgrounds maintain community book exchanges. At Ada Lake NF Campground, a visitor mentioned the camp host "maintained a small camp library," providing entertainment options for rainy days.
Quiet lake regulations: Look for lakes with motor restrictions for safer family water activities. A camper at Moen Lake Campground & RV Park appreciated that "If you want a quiet, secluded campground where you can just sit back and enjoy being out in the woods(we had deer walk through the back of our campsite at night), then you will enjoy this campground."
Tips from RVers
Small rig accessibility: Many forest campgrounds accommodate smaller trailers despite access via forest roads. At Boulder Junction, a camper reported bringing a "teardrop camper and the screen room with plenty of space left to roam around in," suggesting compact setups work well.
Firewood availability: Local firewood purchases may be required due to invasive species concerns. A Moen Lake Campground visitor noted, "The owner was very generous with the size or the stacks we bought and we were able to enjoy ourselves on a single stack each night," indicating on-site purchases can be economical.
Parking challenges: Some sites require separation of vehicles from camping areas. A visitor to Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site observed, "The parking area is huge so one could fit a trailer or pop up there," suggesting vehicles can be accommodated even at walk-in sites.
