Best Tent Camping near Merrimac, WI
Tent campers visiting Merrimac, Wisconsin have several established options within a short drive, including Devils Lake State Park Group Campground and Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites. Both parks offer dedicated tent camping areas with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Additional tent-friendly locations include Hickory Ridge Group Camp, which provides a more developed camping experience, and New Glarus Woods State Park, located farther south but offering walk-in tent sites.
Most tent campsites in the Merrimac area feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites at Governor Dodge State Park require a hike of approximately half to one mile from parking areas, making them suitable for campers seeking more seclusion. Devils Lake's group sites are set on dirt with abundant leaf cover due to the heavily wooded surroundings. According to one visitor, "The sites are heavily wooded which protects from rain but also means they are dirt with a ton of leaves." Vault toilets are standard at most locations, with some parks offering shower facilities within walking distance of tent camping areas.
The backpacking sites at Governor Dodge State Park provide excellent opportunities for tent campers seeking a more remote experience. A recent review noted, "Great backpack base camp! Great views, plenty of privacy and an easy hike." These sites serve as ideal starting points for exploring the park's extensive trail system. Tent campers at Devils Lake benefit from proximity to beaches, hiking trails with scenic overlooks, and rock climbing opportunities. The walk-in tent sites at New Glarus Woods offer more privacy than drive-in options, with sites spaced well apart in wooded settings. Summer visitors should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly at sites near water sources. Fall camping provides more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects at most tent campgrounds in the region.