Best Tent Camping near Montello, WI
Montello, Wisconsin offers tent campers a range of established campgrounds within reasonable driving distance, including Devils Lake State Park Group Campground and Camp Wilderness. Devils Lake State Park provides group tent sites nestled in wooded terrain approximately 45 miles southwest of Montello, while Camp Wilderness offers a more primitive tent camping experience about 35 miles northeast. Both locations feature dedicated tent sites with varying levels of amenities and natural settings.
Tent sites at Devils Lake State Park Group Campground have dirt surfaces covered with leaves due to the heavily wooded setting. The campground provides pit toilets and full bathroom facilities with showers within walking distance of all sites. Water is available from pumps near the bathrooms but must be hauled back to individual sites. Fire rings are present at most tent areas, and the campground maintains picnic tables at each site. Camp Wilderness offers more basic primitive tent setups with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options, vault toilets, and drinking water access, but lacks shower facilities.
The backcountry tent camping experience varies significantly between locations. Devils Lake provides access to numerous hiking trails with scenic views and climbing opportunities, making it a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts. The group sites offer good spacing and privacy from neighboring campers. However, the popularity of the park means weekends can become crowded, particularly during summer months. One camper noted that "sites are well spaced out from each other" with natural tree cover providing protection from rain. Camp Wilderness tends to be quieter and more secluded, primarily catering to tent campers rather than RVs. A visitor commented that it's "a great place to be" for those seeking adventure, with trails, a lake, and natural features nearby that create an immersive outdoor experience.