Tent campsites near Marinette, Wisconsin are situated in the northern forest region of the state at elevations averaging 600-700 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with average summer temperatures between 65-80°F during the day and 45-55°F at night. Water temperatures in Lake Michigan near Marinette remain cold even in summer months, rarely exceeding 65°F.
What to do
Swimming at natural beaches: Peninsula State Park offers a swimming beach where campers can cool off during summer months. According to David M., "The pit toilets are better than most, the facilities with running water and flush toilets are clean as are the shower sites."
Kayaking quiet waters: Welcker's Point Campground in Peninsula State Park provides excellent kayaking opportunities. Caroline R. notes, "Very pretty, lots of hiking and biking trails. If you are planning on kayaking in the lake, our little kayaks could barely take it it was difficult paddling."
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas around tent camping sites provide habitat for various wildlife. At Old Veterans Lake County Park, Paul&Faith B. observed, "Tons of tiny fish everywhere that are very interactive... It was great for swimming and finding more tiny fish."
Stargazing: The dark skies in northern Wisconsin make stargazing excellent. At Rock Island State Park Campground, Kevin S. mentioned, "There is very little light pollution and star gazing is a must."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the separation between campsites. At Newport State Park Campground, Emily H. noted, "The sites are far enough apart to feel like no one else is around. Enjoy the best that Wisconsin has to offer!"
Lake access: Campers value sites with direct water access. Kylie S. from Peninsula State Park shared, "Campsites close to the boat launch are more secluded. Stayed at site 854 which had private access to the water, plenty of shade, and secluded from other sites."
Quiet atmosphere: The peaceful environment is frequently mentioned in reviews. According to Zachary S. from Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, "The first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away. The campsite is right along a deep, and steadily moving stream."
Vehicle access limitations: Some campers appreciate that limited vehicle access reduces noise and crowds. Karnpal C. notes about Rock Island, "The ferries to the island make the trip there an experience in and of itself. Camping on Rock Island is refreshing for Wisconsin, as more campers are aiming for an experience in nature than that of a weekend-long tailgate party."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many tent sites have limited or no cell coverage. Jacob V. reports at Welcker's Point, "Site 85 had absolutely zero T-Mobile and Verizon signal. Our phones were in SOS Mode. Brought the Starlink dish, but the tree cover was too thick for it to work."
Pack-in requirements: For remote sites, be prepared to carry all your gear. Calli N. shares about Rock Island, "We stayed at backpacking site B, which is a little over a mile from the ferry dock. This is where the flush toilets and water are, so prepare for your journey in."
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be significant. Calli N. adds, "The island gets very windy and cold at night. Be prepared and bring extra layers! On the plus side, bugs were very very minimal."
Road conditions: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. Michael U. warns about Oconto River, "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily."
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Look for camping areas with calm water access. Melissa K. notes about Old Veterans Lake County Park, "We come here with the kids every spring. They always catch frogs, fish, and turtles. They also enjoy swimming across, and hiking and biking around the lake."
Playgrounds and open spaces: Some campgrounds offer places for kids to play. C A. mentions that Rock Island has "a big mowed field. It's a great spot for kids to play. We had a great time with flying kites and playing soccer!"
Educational opportunities: Marinette County Goodman Park and other sites offer learning experiences for children. C A. notes that at Rock Island "the boathouse is a great spot to explore the history and ecology of the island. We learned that the spot was used by liquor runners during the days of prohibition, which was of great interest to the little ones."
Pet-friendly options: Many families camp with pets. Ann M. shares about Old Veterans Lake, "Very private and our dog was able to roam at will."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds have strict policies on generator use. Ann M. reports, "We did have someone ratted on us for using our generator to supply our CPAPs because there was no electricity or water."
Water quality issues: Be aware of water quality at some sites. Jacob V. notes about Welcker's Point, "The water here is loaded with iron and comes out looking orange, even the well water for drinking. It didn't taste bad, but it definitely looked gross in a water bottle."
Campsite selection: Choose sites based on specific needs. Donna C. advises about Peninsula State Park, "If you are camping RV style, you may want to check out the site you would like to reserve to be sure it will accommodate your vehicle."
