Tent camping near Milladore, Wisconsin offers options throughout central Wisconsin's glacial terrain, with most sites situated within 30-45 minutes of town. The region features a mix of hardwood forests and waterways, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. Winter camping is limited to select locations that maintain year-round operations, primarily for cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Wazee Lake Recreation Area provides exceptional fishing opportunities in Wisconsin's clearest and deepest inland lake. A reviewer notes, "The water is so clear, the trout fishing is great and so is the beach!" The non-motorized lake rules help maintain water quality.
Ice Age Trail hiking: Camp New Wood County Park offers direct access to the Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail directly from campsites. Located near Merrill, this smaller campground with only seven sites connects to this historic trail system.
Scuba diving opportunities: Wazee Lake Rec Area attracts divers with its exceptional water clarity and depth. The lake is popular with certified divers, particularly during weekdays when swimming crowds are reduced. Equipment rentals are available in nearby communities.
Family adventure courses: Camp Wilderness features an obstacle course and other youth-focused activities. According to one visitor, "If you have kids looking for adventure, this is a great place to be... There's primarily tent sites with trails, a lake, an obstacle course and more right nearby."
What campers like
Peaceful waterfront settings: Camp Shin-Go-Beek offers tranquil lakeside camping with private beach access. One camper shared, "Incredibly peaceful with a ton of beautiful birds singing throughout the day, relatively private (even with fellow campers in the area), and a short walk to the private beach at the lake."
First-come, first-served availability: Camp New Wood County Park typically has sites available even on busy weekends. A camper reported, "We decided to hit the road on Labor Day Weekend and took a chance on not knowing where we'd stay the night. This first come first served campground with only 7 sites still had some available."
Non-motorized lakes: The restriction of motorized boats at several area lakes creates quieter camping experiences. This policy maintains both water quality and peaceful conditions at lakes like Wazee, where visitors appreciate the calmer atmosphere during less crowded periods.
What you should know
Facilities vary significantly: Plover River Retreat permits fires and provides firewood but lacks drinking water and toilet facilities. Campers must bring all necessary water supplies and prepare for primitive conditions.
Seasonal crowds: Some locations experience heavy weekend traffic during summer months. A reviewer of Wazee Lake notes, "The beach does get crowded with college kids in the summer and is a known party spot. Weekdays and off-season dates are recommended as it is more peaceful."
Water access challenges: Camp New Wood County Park has limited water spigot access that requires planning. A camper advises, "The water is a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods so you might want to bring your own."
Limited amenities: Most tent camping near Milladore lacks shower facilities, requiring advance planning for longer stays. Many campgrounds offer only pit toilets without electric lighting, so flashlights are essential for nighttime bathroom visits.
Tips for camping with families
Storm preparation: Weather can change rapidly, particularly during summer afternoons. A Camp Shin-Go-Beek camper shared, "Ian was a great host and even checked on us to offer shelter in the admin building before a storm rolled through."
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with beach access for family activities. As one visitor to Camp Shin-Go-Beek noted, "Being able to swim and float in the lake is an added bonus" that keeps children entertained throughout the day.
Skill-building focus: Camp Wilderness offers educational outdoor opportunities. According to a camper, "Camp Wilderness is a good place to initiate your kids with the outdoors and teach them fun skills."
Toilet considerations: Families with young children should note facility limitations. A Camp New Wood County Park visitor warned, "The pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting so bring a flashlight."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Milladore lack electrical or water connections. RV campers seeking services should look toward larger state parks or private campgrounds farther from town.
Dump station access: Camp New Wood County Park provides a sanitary dump station, making it suitable for short-term RV stays despite lacking hookups. This facility helps extend boondocking capabilities for self-contained units.
Fire ring considerations: Campfire cooking requires planning as many sites have non-standard setups. One camper at Camp New Wood County Park observed, "The fire rings are quite large and hold a lot of fire wood. There are no grates for cooking over the fire ring but there are stand alone grills at each site that would require charcoal."
