Nicolet National Forest surrounds Lakewood, Wisconsin, creating opportunities for camping among northern hardwood and pine forests at elevations around 1,700 feet. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F and cold winters, with most camping facilities closing by mid-October. Water access is a significant draw with numerous lakes and rivers providing recreation options.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: Boulder Lake at Boulder Lake offers excellent water recreation with a sandy shoreline. "The shore was pretty level and easy to get our kayaks in and out. The shore is shallow and mostly sand. Nice for swimming," notes Julia B.
White water rafting: The Peshtigo River near Peshtigo River Campground provides exciting water adventures. "This camp does a great job on their tubing and river-based activities. People come from far and wide to enjoy the camp's outdoor offerings," reports David K. The campground rents tubes for $14 per person with bus service to drop-off points.
Geocaching: Governor Thompson State Park contains numerous hidden caches. "Lots of geocaches in the park to keep us busy," mentions Jill G., though she warns about ticks in May.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Lakewood support diverse wildlife including bears. At Governor Thompson State Park, one camper reported, "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night."
What campers like
Private, well-spaced sites: At Governor Thompson State Park Campground, campers appreciate the isolation. "Almost all the campsites are private and hidden away in their own little spots," writes Tammie R. Another camper, PJ F., adds, "This place is PRIVATE. It is out there but still very well maintained."
Clean facilities: Campground hosts receive praise for maintaining facilities. At Boulder Lake, campers note, "The shower house was nice and clean" and "Bathrooms and showers were excellent" at Governor Thompson State Park.
Firewood availability: Many campgrounds offer generous firewood supplies. "The wood grab was very generous... you fill up a wheelbarrow via honor system with large split dry logs and pay for it that way. Made for some great campfires," reports Jeff F. about Governor Thompson State Park.
Family-friendly atmosphere: River Forest Campground And Outdoor Retreats gets high marks for family activities. "The kids got to sing karaoke and go tubing among many other activities. The owners Raf & Amy work very hard to make sure their guests are comfortable," shares Crystal H.
What you should know
Winter closures: Most RV sites near Lakewood close seasonally. Boulder Lake operates from May 5 to November 1, Northern Hideaway runs mid-April to mid-October, and Peshtigo River Campground operates mid-April to mid-October.
Wildlife caution: Bears and wolves inhabit the Nicolet Forest area. "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night," reports one Governor Thompson camper.
Cell service limitations: Forest locations often have poor connectivity. "You will lose service if you're relying on GPS directions, you'll find yourself in a bind like us. But we got out our trusty map & winged it," shares PJ F. about finding Governor Thompson State Park.
Tick awareness: Ticks are common in warmer months. "Beautiful Lakes secluded areas and a crazy amount of ticks in May. This could be why we were the only people in our loop of the campground so early in the season," warns Jill G.
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming beaches: Maple Heights Campground offers family amenities beyond just camping. "Showers pool mini-golf. No lake river or fishing," notes David V., indicating recreational options beyond water activities.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Maple Heights, one camper mentioned "Busy highway noise all night" despite giving the campground a positive rating overall.
Bring bug protection: The wooded setting means insects are common. Some campers report using natural solutions: "sprayed the entire site with Apple cider vinegar to try to keep the ticks off the dogs."
Check beach conditions: Water clarity varies by location. At Governor Thompson State Park, one visitor noted, "Once in the water at the beach, the water turns black (ugh)," suggesting families may want to research swimming conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: When booking RV sites near Lakewood, Wisconsin, look for pull-through options. At River Forest Campground, one RVer with a 34' fifth wheel noted, "backing into the spot was tricky but very doable."
Power considerations: Some campgrounds have limited electrical capacity. "The site has water and 20 amp electric service, the power is substantial to power the necessities," mentions John G. about River Forest Campground.
Level sites advantage: Boulder Lake receives praise for site preparation. "And the views and the level sites, didn't even need the levelers!" reports one camper, making setup easier for RVers.
Holding tank management: Sewer hookups are limited in the area. As one RVer noted about River Forest, "The site has no sewer but we have large enough holding tanks where that is not an issue." Plan accordingly for longer stays.
