Best Tent Camping near Mercer, WI
Several primitive tent camping options exist within 30 miles of Mercer, Wisconsin, concentrated around the Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area. This 12,942-acre flowage offers numerous backcountry tent sites accessible primarily by boat, with campsites scattered across its 300+ islands. Tent campers will also find walk-in tent sites at Wabasso Lake Recreation Area, which is located within driving distance of Mercer.
Most primitive tent sites around Mercer feature cleared areas with basic amenities. The Turtle Flambeau campsites are designated as rustic, typically providing fire rings, pit toilets, and occasionally picnic tables, but no drinking water. Sites are classified as either family or rustic, with family sites offering slightly more amenities. A review noted, "These islands are all first come first serve so you take your chances but there are plenty." Campers should bring water filters for drinking water, toilet paper, and bear-resistant food storage, as wildlife is abundant in the area. Wabasso Lake offers walk-in tent sites with fire rings and tables, plus vault toilets and water access.
Tent campers seeking solitude will appreciate the secluded nature of island camping on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. The waterway provides excellent paddling opportunities with numerous channels, islands, and camping spots that one camper described as "the Boundary Waters of Wisconsin." Sites typically offer some tree cover, though finding perfectly flat spots can sometimes be challenging. While most sites feel isolated, some reviewers mention that weekend boat traffic can create noise that echoes across the water. For more accessible tent camping, Wabasso Lake's walk-in sites offer a balance of convenience and privacy, with a beautiful lakeside setting that remains moderate in use even during mid-week periods.
