Tent camping options near Hurley, Wisconsin range beyond the Turtle Flambeau Flowage into lesser-known areas of the northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan wilderness. Most sites sit between 1,500-1,600 feet elevation with predominantly northwoods pine and hardwood forest cover. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-80°F during day and drop to 50-55°F at night, creating ideal conditions for tent camping from June through September.
What to do
Paddle to island campsites: At Stockton Island, part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, visitors access the campground "by water shuttle or via your own watercraft." One camper noted that "kayaking to this site and camping for a few days was one of my favorite trips ever," with a reminder that "kayaking there took time and effort, but beautiful site was worth it."
Explore backcountry hiking trails: The Union River Rustic Outpost Camp in the Porcupine Mountains offers hiking directly from camp. As one visitor described, "Keep walking past campsites and over the bridge. Take the right trail and it connects with the Union River mine trail. It's 1 mile long and perfect for relaxing after dinner."
Watch for northern wildlife: The region offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. At Oak Island in the Apostle Islands, campers should "bring head nets and long clothes june-july for bugs" but can enjoy a "long hike to get to The Overlook," where wildlife viewing opportunities abound.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: The Point Detour Wilderness Campground offers sites where "most had decent space between them so you couldn't see neighbors. Lots of mature trees and bushes." Another camper mentioned, "Our site had a short trail directly to Lake Superior."
Walk-in tent sites with lake views: At Wabasso Lake Recreation Area, "there are only walk-in tent sites here." Campers appreciate that "the lake is gorgeous and swimmable" with "campsites [that] are wooded and spacious."
Easy canoe access: Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping offers an entry point for beginners to try canoe camping. One visitor described their experience: "We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear."
What you should know
Site reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds like Point Detour have unusual booking processes: "The reservation set up is a bit odd since you have to make it with the casino/hotel front desk and check in there, but the campground is about 9 miles away."
Limited facilities at rustic sites: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. At Union River Outpost, "The rustic toilet was very clean and was no struggle to use," but campers should expect primitive facilities at most locations.
Weather patterns and bug seasons: The best tent camping near Hurley, Wisconsin requires preparation for insects and changing weather. At Big Rock Campground, campers stayed "when everything else was full" and found a "great location on a river," but visitors should check local conditions before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible options for special needs: Stockton Island offers extraordinary accessibility options with "a stellar handicapped accessible platform campsite adjacent to the ranger station, the best and most accessible I've ever seen and would be perfect for a family member of mine with special needs and mobility issues."
Day-use alternatives: For families not ready for overnight stays, Newman Lake Shelter works well for day trips. One reviewer noted, "If you're looking for a place to rest and play for the day this is a good choice... this little spot is a hidden gem for day camping, fishing, picnicking, and swimming."
Site selection for group camping: When camping with multiple family members, select appropriate sites. At Oak Island, "Site-A is where it's at for group camping (8-24 people)" while other locations may better suit smaller family groups with 1-2 tents.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping near Hurley is not suitable for RVs. At Wabasso Lake, one visitor noted they "missed that before we headed here so we needed to look elsewhere. There are other campgrounds just a few miles away."
Alternatives for larger vehicles: When tent-only areas don't accommodate RVs, consider campgrounds with mixed accommodations. Point Detour Wilderness Campground accepts both tents and RVs, with sites that have "a fire pit and picnic table," though amenities remain rustic.
Supply considerations: RV campers converting to tent camping should plan carefully for supplies. One Sylvania Wilderness camper recommends "We rented our canoe and a bear barrel from the Sylvania Outfitters," suggesting rental options exist for specialized equipment needed for tent camping when an RV won't reach the site.
