Best Tent Camping near Kennan, WI

Tent campsites in the Chequamegon National Forest near Kennan, Wisconsin provide primitive experiences for backcountry adventurers and weekend campers alike. Notable options include the Picnic Point Campground on Mondeaux Flowage and North Twin Lake Recreation Area, both offering tent-only sites within a 20-mile radius of Kennan. Several backcountry sites along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, such as Sailor Creek and Lake Eleven campsites, provide additional options for hikers seeking more remote tent camping.

Most tent camping areas in this region feature minimal amenities, with many sites offering fire rings and pit toilets but lacking running water or shower facilities. Camp New Wood County Park provides tent sites with drinking water and trash disposal, while the more primitive backcountry sites require campers to pack in all supplies and filter water from nearby lakes or streams. Sites typically feature natural terrain with minimal site preparation, consisting of forest duff or compacted dirt surfaces. A review 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."

The heavily forested setting of tent campgrounds in this region creates a secluded atmosphere even when sites are relatively close to access roads. Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area provides boat-in tent sites that offer exceptional privacy on islands throughout the flowage. A visitor commented, "When you're out there you feel like you're on your own little piece of paradise." Walk-in tent sites at Wabasso Lake Recreation Area balance accessibility with seclusion, requiring a short hike from the parking area to reach campsites overlooking the lake. Many tent camping areas throughout the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest serve as excellent basecamps for exploring the extensive trail system, viewing wildlife including eagles and deer, and experiencing the quiet beauty of northern Wisconsin's forests and waterways.

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Spearhead Point

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Best Tent Sites Near Kennan, Wisconsin (13)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Kennan, WI

192 Reviews of 13 Kennan Campgrounds


  • Debra M.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Connors Lake Campground — Flambeau River State Forest

    Great Canoe and Backwoods Place– Maybe Not the Place for Families

    The State Forest is very beautiful. There is a lake as well as the Flambeau River to explore. There are two campgrounds, Lake of the Pines which has 30 non-electric sites and Connor Lake which has 3 electric sites and 26 non-electric. All sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. There are no play grounds. There are only vault toilets at the campground. There is one shower at the ranger station which is about 4 miles away. There is no cell service at Connors Lake Campground. I could not even make an emergency call which was a concern for me. There are many signs that say to go to the ranger station, about 4 miles to make an emergency call. There is no weather safe shelter at the campground. There are 14 canoe camp areas and the park is beautiful. If you like to canoe this is a great park. We did a hike and cut our stay short since we like a bit more services and safety.

  • Theodora M.
    Jul. 19, 2022

    Wabasso Lake Recreation Area

    Lovely Spot on Lake Wabasso

    The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water.

  • Caroline C.
    Jun. 7, 2021

    Sandy Beach Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    Beautiful lake views and big sites

    Campground is a hidden gem - these sites are huge and if you can get one of the sites right on the lake, do it! We reserved a site last minute and stayed on site 1933 which had a slight lake view but site 1925 looked amazing. Families staying here had kids swimming right off the campsite in the very nice lake.

    There are bathrooms here but no showers. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. There are dumpsters in the campground. They also had firewood for sale for $5 (cash or check).

    We were inspired to stop here by the other Dyrt reviewer!

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2019

    Sailor Lake NF Campground

    Spacious sites in the Wisconsin woods

    Nestled within Wisconsin forest you find Sailor Lake. This national forest campground has water access as well as sites away from the lake. We stayed at site 12 - a pull through site away from the water.

    Many, although not all, of the waterside sites are for tents. You park and carry your gear down a few steps for a close to the water feel. There is an open area for everyone to enjoy the lake - it’s filled with purple flowers today. With plenty of woods around, all sites offer privacy but they have different vibes. Plenty of choice here so look around or reserve one. Plenty of sites available for walk-ins too. A couple of vault toilets, garage receptacle and water source round out a nice camp.

    ATV trails as well as non-motorized trails are plentiful. We hiked on them and it was nice. Minimal cell signal encourages disconnecting for your stay.

  • M
    Sep. 23, 2021

    Lake of the Pines Campground — Flambeau River State Forest

    Nice area. Awkward check in.

    We arrived at Lake of the Pines knowing sites were reservable. We didn't know they had to be reserved. There were no less than eleven signs at the entrance. You could purchase a vehicle pass required for entry but could not pay for camping. The instructions said to call a telephone number. With no cell service we were about to drive until we could call. Luckily a very pleasant maintenance women told us there was a dedicated phone for reservations at the forest headquarters a few miles away. We apparently missed that sign.

    We took a chance and paid for an out-of-state annual vehicle pass for $38 as opposed to buying an $8 pass every day. We checked out the park and there were only two sites occupied. We chose one next to some campers on motorcycles because it had a partial view of the lake and drove to the headquarters. We called and asked for a specific site number. The person said she had no Lake of the Pines in her system. We figured out it was Flambeau/Lake of the Pines and confirmed that the adjacent site was occupied. We reserved the site and paid by card over the dedicated reservation phone. They said we would receive a confirmation email but...no cell service. Returning to the campground we found that the site we reserved was the one occupied. Apparently the motorcycle guys blew off the whole camping reservation and fee. We set up on another site and hoped no one reserved that one. All the site number signs said first come-first served? We corrected the site number at the phone at the forest headquarters the next day. First we tried the office which had hours posted but was closed, so we used the dedicated phone line.

    After all this, we had a nice time paddling the milder sections of the Flambeau River. Shuttle prices for private canoes at local tavern/outfitters were reasonable. No one we saw other than DNR wore masks. Wisconsin DNR needs to get their act together. There is no reason to have a payment drop box for vehicle permits but not camping. Consolidate your check-in signs.

  • M
    Jun. 21, 2022

    Brunet Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful quiet campground on island with forest and river surrounding it.

    This is one of our favorite Wisconsin state parks. It is quiet and shady, next to the Chippewa River. You can kayak on the river and in-between the islands where the water is very calm and full of lily pads and wildlife. There is a paved bike trail, Old Abe, that connects to the park and is 20 miles long to Chippewa Falls. It's an easy bike ride, a few miles, into Cornell for ice cream at one of 2 shops that have it! One camground loop has electric and bathroom with showers and flush toilets. The other loop has no electric and pit toilets and has many sites next to the water. Campsites are roomy and shaded.

  • Krissy G.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Jan. 21, 2022

    Connors Lake Campground — Flambeau River State Forest

    Beautiful & Quiet State Forrest

    This was our first camping trip into the beautiful Flambeau River State Forest. It was stunning. Plenty to do and see at this campground. It’s the true north woods experience. Large, wooded sites. Secluded from neighbors. Only 7 electric sites right now. There were no showers on site, so we had to drive to the ranger station in order to shower, just a quick 5 min drive. The hiking in the area is amazing, and I would highly recommend taking in the beauty at the falls.

  • A
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Eastwood NF Campground

    Beautiful, Remote

    We stayed 3 nights at site number 9 in the midst of the pandemic. Overall fairly quiet and private. One side of site 9 is a parking area. Our site had a wooded trail down to the flowage and onto the Mondeaux Esker Trail segment of the Ice Age Trail (“East” segment - most people use the dam as their definition). I had a hard time confirming before hand but yes the trail runs right through this campground. The Mondeaux Esker segment was challenging (muddy) but fun.

    Our site was large though not real flat. We fit a car, suv and 17 ft boat.

    One drawback was the water at the campground is shut off due to bad water tests (not due to covid). Plan ahead - there is a glacial spring within driving distance and other federal campgrounds that you might be able to get water from. Pit toilets were very clean and didn’t stink. No showers. stayed late August 2020

  • Kendra N.
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Camp New Wood County Park

    Nice FCFS

    We decided to hit the road on Labor Day Weekend and took a chance on not knowing where we'd stay the night. This first come first served campground with only 7 sites still had some available. 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. It was a bit tricky to find as its north of the park and not well identified. The water is a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods so you might want to bring your own. The fire rings are quite large and hold a lot of fire wood. There are no grates for cooking over the fire ring but there are stand alone grills at each site that would require charcoal. The pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting so bring a flashlight. There are no showers but that didn't bother us for the 2 nights we were there. Others we spoke to that stayed there before said its hardly ever full and you can easily get a spot. For $15 a night, it was a decent stay and we would go again if ever in the area.


Guide to Kennan

Tent camping near Kennan, Wisconsin offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape.

Tent campers should check out Picnic Point Campground

  • Enjoy a serene experience at Picnic Point Campground, where fires are allowed, and pets are welcome, making it perfect for family outings.
  • This campground features reservable sites and picnic tables, ideal for a comfortable camping experience amidst the beautiful Chequamegon National Forest.
  • With no electric or sewer hookups, it provides a true back-to-nature experience, allowing you to disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for tent camping near Kennan

  • For a quiet retreat, consider North Twin Lake Recreation Area, which is known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent fishing opportunities.
  • Be prepared for a more rustic experience at Sailor Creek Campsite, where you'll find no amenities like drinking water or toilets, but plenty of natural beauty and solitude.
  • If you're up for a hike, the Northside Lake Eleven Campsite offers a backcountry experience with a lovely lake view and ample space for large groups.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Explore the scenic trails of the Ice Age Trail, which runs near Camp New Wood County Park, providing access to beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities.
  • The Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is often referred to as the "Boundary Waters of Wisconsin," offering stunning waterways and a chance to canoe or kayak while camping.
  • For a day of fishing and picnicking, the Newman Lake Shelter is a hidden gem, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kennan, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kennan, WI is Picnic Point Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kennan, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Kennan, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.