Tent camping near Long Lake, Wisconsin offers remote wilderness experiences within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The region features numerous small lakes connected by forest roads and hiking trails. Campsites range from established campgrounds with minimal facilities to dispersed backcountry sites requiring additional preparation. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F with cooler nights around 55°F, while mosquitoes and biting flies can be prevalent from June through August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes offer different fishing experiences throughout the area. At Stevens Lake Campground, anglers can enjoy the mirror-like surface in morning fog. According to one visitor, "After breakfast the fog burned off and the mirror surface lake showed her magic. By far this is the best place we've camped on our trip!"
Hiking trails: The Sam Campbell trail connects several small lakes and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. A camper at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site noted, "The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it's a nice walk to another tiny lake."
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds offer swimming access directly from campsites. At the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site, one camper reported, "There is a sandy beach on a small lake full of fish."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. As one visitor to Boulder Junction noted, "We were lucky enough to see a white deer."
What campers like
Lake access: Many campsites offer direct water access for swimming, fishing and paddling. At East Bass Lake Park, one camper appreciated that sites are "right on the lake" and noted they're "close to waterfalls and other lakes and parks."
Privacy between sites: Walk-in sites typically offer more seclusion than drive-up locations. A visitor to Chequamegon National Forest Perch Lake Campground reported, "The sites still feel very secluded and private. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each site."
Natural setting: The northwoods environment creates an immersive forest experience. A camper at Stevens Lake Campground described arriving at dark and being "enchanted by trees, falling leaves and mystic lake."
Stargazing: Minimal light pollution allows for exceptional night sky viewing. When camping at Boulder Junction, visitors reported enjoying "god's beauty" and "taking a breath" in the natural surroundings.
What you should know
Bear activity: Black bears inhabit the forest and proper food storage is essential. A camper at Perch Lake noted, "There is no bear box and there definitely are bears (during one camping trip some hunters treed and shot a bear in the early morning and we saw them carrying it while hiking out) so you'll want to hang your food."
Cell service limitations: Most campsites have poor or no cellular coverage. At Stevens Lake Campground, a visitor reported "Poor cell service for AT&T."
Weather variability: Be prepared for rapid weather changes, even in summer. At Boulder Junction, campers described "the weather was a bit cold on Lake Superior and our picnic was ruined. However we had a great laugh making sandwiches in the car in a middle of a rain storm."
Insect preparedness: Biting insects can be abundant, especially in early summer. Campers at Boulder Junction reported "Mosquitos were horrible but we managed! Thankfully we had our bug rackets to fry those suckers."
Tips for camping with families
Short hike-in options: Several campgrounds offer walk-in sites with minimal hiking required. A visitor to Perch Lake Campground noted, "The hike to these sites is very short. We paid when we parked. It's a great place to camp if you want to experience being in the woods for the first time."
Safety in numbers: Some remote sites may not be suitable for solo campers or small groups. At Paint River Forks NF Campground, a camper cautioned the site "would be great Mid summer with a big group of people! just keep on lights!"
Trail navigation: Some forest trails can be confusing. Boulder Junction campers reported "We Had fun exploring in the woods and getting lost! Good thing we had Lucas to guide us towards the river."
Site selection: Choose sites with level ground for comfortable tent placement. At Bates Township Park, a camper noted, "If there was a drawback would be sites have some slope toward lake. Being only one there I found flat spot to tent but if busy choice might be limited."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most sites near Long Lake accommodate tents only. At Three Johns Lake Dispersed, a visitor specifically noted, "Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest."
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds have separate parking areas that may accommodate trailers while tent sites remain walk-in. At the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site, a camper observed, "The parking area is huge so one could fit a trailer or pop up there."
Road conditions: Many forest roads are unpaved and may be difficult for larger vehicles. At Paint River Forks NF Campground, a visitor mentioned it was "Just a mile or so down the dirt road" with "5 or so campsites" and a "clean out house right on river."
