Best Tent Camping near Mellen, WI

Recent Tent Reviews near Mellen, Wisconsin

487 Reviews of 32 Mellen Campgrounds

• S

  Scott B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 12, 2023

  Herbster Campground

  Beautiful but a tad chilly

  We loved our stay here, just a bit colder than I was expecting and after coming across the US in June I was not dressed for the cold. We had warm stuff and were totally fine just something to think about. We camped at tent site #3 because we could park right next to our camp site. There are camping spots back in the woods a bit that you can park right next to but we wanted to be on the lake. The sunset was breathtaking, and we had fun picking stones. Be sure to bring your UV light for finding yooper lights.

  We lost cell service on the way there and got a bit nervous, taking screen shots of the map but there is service there.

  We camped in a tent without 2 dogs and young toddler and had a great time.

• 

  Peggy M.

  Traveler

  

  May. 14, 2021

  Chequamegon National Forest Beaver Lake Campground

  On North Country Trail

  A small NFS campground on a small lake. Good for afternoon sun and hiking on the North Country Trail. I camped in early May, before ticks, mosquitos & gnats got going. Locals say mosquitos are tough in summer due to marshy area nearby. Not to far from Mellen or other access points on the NCT.

• 

  Kaitlyn K.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 14, 2024

  Herbster Campground

  Super pretty!

  Loved the view. We had a lakeside tent site. Campsites aren’t that spread out. We had a good amount of space but we could easily hear the neighbors and was annoying late at night. There are some outhouses and ADA restrooms/showers. We were 15 minutes from Meyer’s Beach, which was great. Lakeside tent sites are right by the beach. Beach was rocky - bring a pair of crocs or similar shoe if you’re sensitive to the rocks and branches in the sand. Water was cool and felt great!

• 

  Nicky S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 19, 2018

  Herbster Campground

  Very Relaxing

  Very beautiful place right on Lake Superior. The tent sites are right along the beach. Small and remote. Beautiful hiking locations close by.

• P

  Paul H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 5, 2021

  Phipps Landing

  Phips Landing

  Lovely spot on the Namekagan River. 3 established tent sites 1 is more secluded than the others. Pit toilets. A little road noise from nearby highway.

• 

  Henry B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 19, 2020

  Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

  This is a RV-centric campground

  Been there twice in the last few years. Last time, in late Sept, we had the place to ourselves. It was peaceful and lovely. This time (mid Sept) and it was a friggin zoo. The place was packed with large RVs, several of which had drunken, stupidly loud hooting and hollering yahoos taking it into the night. There is a separate tent camping area that is isolated from the main area by some trees but unfortunately not enough to block the noise.  The tent camping sites are not isolated from each other-just a long strip of lawn with about 6 sites or so. 

  Nice supply of quality firewood and pay to spray shower (closed this year probably due to the pandemic). There is a nice, new modern bathroom facility for the Little Sand Bay park right next to the campgrounds.

• 

  Kim

  Guide

  

  Oct. 1, 2020

  Potato River Falls Campground

  No amenities but worth it

  Who knew this park out in the middle of nowhere would have camp sites! I have been visiting the falls for years as it is one of the most beautiful (and little known) places in northern Wisconsin.

  I didn't realize until recently that Iron County actually has first come-first served camp sites at a variety of amazing locations at or near the North Country Trail. This park is not on the NCT but a short drive from Mellen.

  The camp sites are rustic. No potable water, but the quality of the water from the river is good for filtering. There is a vault toilet in the parking area. There is 5 sites to choose from, all in a heavily wooded area. What this camp site lacks in amenities, it makes up for in sheer natural beauty. The falls may be accessed from a long set of stairs climbing down to see the lower falls. You can also take a shorter set of stairs down to a platform to see the upper falls. If you are willing to climb a little (it's not difficult or dangerous) you can get down to the base of the first drop and look down at the top of the 2nd drop.

  There is so much to explore and enjoy here! It can get buggy in the summer heat so be prepared with lots of repellant. Oh, and the road in is all dirt and gravel.

• p

  patricia

  Scout

  

  Aug. 20, 2021

  Top O’ the Morn Resort & Campground

  Great Spot to Camp

  Found this gem of a campground while passing thru this area.

  Nice quiet campground. This campground seemed to be mostly filled with RVs. We were tent camping and they had a well shaded,very clean and quiet area for us.

  The owners were quick to return our phone call when trying to make a reservation.

  Very friendly owners!

• 

  Hans E.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 6, 2022

  Chequamegon National Forest Beaver Lake Campground

  Our Happy Place for over 30 years

  I started camping a Beaver Lake as a Forest Service volunteer back in the late 1980s and have done so every year, even while working as a ranger for another agency, ever since. Usually quiet, clean, and very well maintained, to my wife and I Beaver Lake's biggest asset is that it is completely off the grid; no cell service, no electric, nothing (except baying hounds in the distance during bear hunting season) to disturb the peace and quiet. Trout fishing in the lake and nearby streams, canoeing/boating/paddleboarding, hiking (there's a spur trail leading to the North Country National Scenic Trail), and relaxing. It's a place we go to to seriously get away from it all and disconnect. Drives our daughter and her family crazy to be without cell service! But hey, we get away from it all NOT to bring it all with us. #5 and 7 are the nicest reservable sites, 1 and 3 the best open sites. Tall pines abound, loons on the lake, Northern Lights in the sky. What's not to love? PS: BYO firewood from Mellen, Clam Lake, or Grand View. No hosts, and the other two campgrounds in the area are closed.

• L

  Lanie R.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 14, 2019

  Herbster Campground

  Nice Campground

  Great campground with tent sites next to the beach. RV sites are small and close together. Both 30 & 50 amp service for RV's. First come first serve for all sites. Can be very crowded in July and August. I recommend this campground if you like great views of Lake Superior.

• 

  Amber A.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 31, 2016

  Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

  Simple green site in true wilderness

  Pretty rolling hills and water in leaf peeping season. Amazing trails out on the peninsula and throughout the park. Lots of birds and critters. Tent sites are very wooded. No one else was here when I was in October. Obey bear rules! Didn’t see any porcupines or mountains despite the park name!

• 

  Kellysue H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 16, 2019

  Potato River Falls Campground

  Free camping

  The camp ground is off 169 south. It is very small maybe 5 sites No power and did not see water and there is one vault toilet Perfect for tent camping but not for big trailers. Easy walk to the upper Falls. Quite and pretty clean some trash in the fire pits but that would be my only complaint. I would stay again but would worry it would fill up fast on the weekends.

• 

  Lesley R.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 25, 2022

  Herbster Campground

  Post Season Bliss

  Camped here July 5th on our way South from Lake Superior and it was empty. Camped right along Lake Superior, practically the entire sandy beach to ourselves. Though close to the road and open, secluded, wooded tent sites and open. Even spots are also available. Cute place in an even cuter town. Excellent spot and would stay again if timing were right.

• A

  Anna

  Guide

  

  Sep. 19, 2020

  Big Bay State Park Campground

  Great Campground, fun island

  Big Bay State Park is a perfect place for your summer vacation. You can camp with a tent or RV at Big Bay State Park. Don’t forget to look at the cost of the ferry over if you’re bringing your RV. It can get expensive depending on length, but still a better deal than renting an air bnb. Easy walking trails and cliffs to jump off. There are a lot of fun places to visit on the island. Definitely recommend bringing a car if you’re planning to tent camp, the park is far from town.

• K

  Kalene H.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 20, 2020

  Herbster Campground

  Right on the lake!

  Not much privacy with these campsites (or shade if you have one right on the lake) but the view is worth it to us! Boat landing is about a 10 minute drive down a gravel road, but it’s a nice area! There are tent sites on the side road that provide shad and some privacy as well. All sites and first-come (no reservations)

• 

  Tim S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

  Tent Site

  Tent “lakeside” site is an open court yard setting which is a little strange. All sites can face The lake. Try and avoid the other tent sites as they are behind fish house in the woods. Those sites are still less than 2 minute walk to lake. Showers are 2 dollars for 8 minutes. Great location for apostle island kayak tours or starting point.

  One bogus item or plus item.

  County ran so some people pull up and bandant camp.

• A

  Alexandra B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 8, 2018

  Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

  Well maintained and absolutely gorgeous

  The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful for starters. Also, the campground is gorgeous and there are a wide variety of sites suitable for trailer or tent camping including some walk-in sites that are very private. There are plenty of trees to shade you from the morning sun. The campground is located right on the shore of Lake Superior so each night prepare yourself for the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever witness. You’re also located near plenty of trails that lead to water falls.

• 

  Kim K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 3, 2021

  Herbster Campground

  Amazing location

  We tried it on the way to the UP of Michigan and came back the same route for two more nights. If you are a water lover, you’ll love the easy access to the water and walkable beach. 12 Reservable campsites online. Tent camping and electrical camping on water, and dry camping in the back woods first come first serve. Camp hosts are nice. Picnic table and fire ring included. Wood bundles $5 for a lot of wood. Laundry, separate bathrooms from shower trailer. Faucets in shower were odd. Definitely would stay again.

• k

  ken W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 18, 2018

  Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

  Nice campground right on Lake Superior

  This campground has a marina and a beach right on Lake Superior. We went in mid September and it was pretty empty. There were about 10 tent only sites and there were campers at only 1 of the other tent sites and they were there only 1 night. I think if it was busy it might feel too crowded because the sites are very close. You had to pay 2 dollars for the showers but the water was hot and you got a good amount of time. The bathrooms were clean.

• K

  Kelley P.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 11, 2017

  Herbster Campground

  Clover

  This is one of my favorite campgrounds. If your looking for a place to camp on the shore of Lake Superior, then this is your place. Nothing beats the sunsets!

  They recently have gotten showers and a place to wash dishes.

  From my experience if you want a tent site on the lake and not in the woods, you need to get there early Friday or go during the week.

  Bring food with you, the nearest store is 7 miles away in Cornucopia.

• 

  Debra M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 18, 2021

  Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping

  Great Location and Nice Staff

  This is a  private campground that fills up quick.    It is 1 mile from Bayfield town center.  It is close to the ferry dock, restaurants, parks and beaches.  All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up.  There are cabins and tent sites as well.   The office/store is very clean and stocked with things you may need.  8 flavor ice creams on site!  There is a  dump station and picnic tables and fire rings at each site.   There is free wi-fi and a shower house, bathrooms and laundry.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 11, 2020

  West End Thompson City Park

  Not the best for tent campers

  for short stay RV campers or seasonal campers, this might be a campground of interest due to its proximity to the Bay as well as into the town of Washburn. However, I am reviewing this from the perspective of a tent camper, and this campground proides bathrooms and menities etc, but this is not a reall desireable location for tent camping. Few trees, small campsites, close together, no privacy. The waterfront area needs a bit of work and maintanence too, in rough shape due to shoreline flooding. It would be more than adequate to stay here if nothing lse in the area is avaialble, or would be a decent place to stay overnight before launching out into the Apostle Islands, but not the best place as a destination camping area for tent campers.

• 

  David H.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2023

  Lac du Flambeau Campground and Marina

  A great place to camp.

  Site #7 was a bit sandy and sat on the highest mound overlooking the peninsula campground. Some seasonal, some weekly, and a couple of tent campers occupied about half the sites. The 2 bath houses were well maintained and freshened each morning. Showers were clean and hot and free. The lake water surrounding was very clean and refreshing; you're able to swim at your own risk wherever you choose. Tent sites were well shaded and all lakeside. We had tents but chose an electric site. The casino close by was immaculate, an unexpected pleasure. The wife's luck on the slots paid for our 2 dinner buffets, bravo my honey! PS: Bring your best mosquito defenses as they are thick in the morning and early evening.

• 

  Elizabeth G.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 23, 2020

  Top O’ the Morn Resort & Campground

  Private and peaceful

  We had a very difficult time finding a place to camp for the night traveling from MN back to GA. We found this place and I’m so glad we stayed here. We got a site with water and electric to plug in our teardrop trailer. We really wanted to tent camp so we pitched our tent and started a fire.

  The camp host was quick to respond whenever we needed something (we just needed some firewood and had questions about the restrooms Before making a reservation) and even though the restrooms were closed for covid, they did provide a port-a-potty for campers.

  This place was quiet and peaceful and left me well rested. I wish this wasn’t a pit stop and I could’ve stayed for a few days! I’ll be back!

• E

  Elizabeth F.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 14, 2020

  Prentice Park Campground

  Great for a City Park!

  Great location, few spots so first come first serve. $35.00 a day, water and electricity, also tent sites. A nice park for family away from the camping grounds, but close enough. We came up on Thursday evening from Baraboo, got there in the evening. Found our spot right away and it was GREAT for us and our dog. This was our second outing in our RV. We were close enough to Lake Superior you could walk there. The dumping station is at another park not far away.  We decided to come to this site  because we wanted to see our new puppy, a basset  hound. We will visit again!

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 28, 2019

  Herbster Campground

  Great camping near the Apostle Islands

  Right on Lake Superior! The campground name was a bit confusing as it is also called The Town of Clover Campground, but most of the signage seems to say Herbster Campground, so that is what we will go with. The RV campground section is up front on a large lot with views of the lake (if you are in the front row). Across the street are a few tent sites right on the beach, as well as a few on the main campground side of the street. There is a nice loop going back into the woods that has most of the tent/small trailer sites. You get your pick- sand flies on the beach or skeeters in the woods. The campground overall is well maintained and very private- everything was well mowed to keep bugs down, and the sites in the woods were well spaced so that most sites are out of sight from each other. The shower house is in a newer shower trailer- sounds weird, but they were actually very nice and obviously cleaned daily. There was a sink station outside the shower trailer for cleaning dishes. I think I saw a fish cleaning station too. Most tent sites seemed to have electric (bonus!) and all had picnic tables and fire rings. They are pretty strict about firewood- it must be local! They have some wood for sale but also had recommendations for where to purchase nearby. This is a first come first serve campground that doesn’t take reservations, which is nice so close to the busy Apostle Islands. This is the place to come as it is much quieter than some of the campgrounds closer to the Islands. There is a boat launch about 5 minutes away that is reasonably priced if you have your own boat for exploring the islands/sea caves.

• 

  Art S.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 8, 2021

  Wabasso Lake Recreation Area

  Walk-in only camping in a beautiful lakeside setting

  There are only walk-in tent sites here. We missed that before we headed here so we needed to look elsewhere. There are other campgrounds just a few miles away. The road in evokes that remote camping feeling - we loved the drive! 

  We walked in to see the sites and they are beautiful. Wabasso Lake is visible from campsite but step closer and it’s beauty awaits. The close campsites were taken mid-week but one group was heading out as we arrived. It appears to get moderate use. 

  The boat launch is also the camping parking lot. We love the look of this small lake but wonder if we could have camped a night in the parking area.