Camping near Mountain, Wisconsin offers access to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest's 660,000 acres of public lands. The area sits at approximately 1,400 feet above sea level, creating a northwoods ecosystem characterized by mixed hardwood forests, glacial lakes, and spring-fed rivers. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer highs typically reach the mid-70s with occasional humidity spikes in July and August.
What to do
Trout fishing along spring-fed rivers: The Oconto River system provides accessible fishing spots for brook and brown trout. Oconto River-2nd Branch offers handicap-accessible fishing areas. "This area is close to Boulder Lake Campground. If you cannot find the campsite or wish to camp closer to a small river with trout, this is a great location," notes Christopher R.
Kayaking on clear lakes: Multiple small lakes throughout the region support paddling opportunities, particularly during early morning hours. "We spent several hours kayaking & fishing on Boot Lake, along with several other lakes in the area," reports Vicki B. at Boot Lake Campground.
Water recreation at Chute Pond: The dam-created pond features designated swimming areas with sandy bottom sections. "They have a little footbridge to fish off of, a playground, and a nice beach. You can rent out kayaks and little boats. There's lots of hiking trails," shares Emily K.
What campers like
Riverside sites with natural sound barriers: Many campers value waterfront access for both recreation and ambient noise. "I have stayed here a couple of times and it is hands-down my favorite campground. Many of the sites are right on the river... You can hear the constant rushing of the water over the rapids, which is so relaxing at night," writes Mary M. about Bagley Rapids NF Campground.
Private, wooded campsites: The forest setting creates natural separation between sites at many campgrounds. "We were in a bind & needed something last minute but we still had specific wants.....like privacy! Our site was perfect. It was lush, green, & private. Well sized, easy to find, part grass, part gravel," reports PJ F. at Governor Thompson State Park.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "It's a great campground to watch the stars!" notes Shelby N. from Chute Pond Park. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours from 10pm-7am, enhancing the night sky experience.
What you should know
Limited cell service throughout region: Coverage varies significantly between providers and location. "We ultimately decided not to stay here simply because it was so shaded. While that made it nice and cool, it made solar & Starlink impossible. There was no AT&T to speak of, but TMobile had 20 down/1 up," notes Rebecca B. at McCaslin Brook.
Tick prevalence during spring/summer: Ticks remain active from April through October. "Beautiful Lakes secluded areas and a crazy amount of ticks in May. This could be why we were the only people in our loop of the campground so early in the season. Sprayed the entire site with Apple cider vinegar to try to keep the ticks off the dogs," reports Jill G.
ATV traffic on forest roads: The extensive trail system attracts motorized recreational users. "We arrived on a Sunday and probably missed the crowds, but that was deliberate. There was some occasional traffic on the main road and a quite a few UTVs," notes John G. from River Forest Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for hot days: Several campgrounds offer swimming options for children. "The lake is not very deep, which is great for swimming or water recreation," explains Christopher R. about Boulder Lake. Sites directly on water bodies can present safety concerns for young children due to currents.
Campground-specific attractions: Some facilities maintain specialized recreational features. "The camp store is also super convenient if you forget smores and Fire supplies... The trails that go down towards the falls are really nice," shares Shelby N. Chute Pond Park rents kayaks for $20 per hour according to Makenzie S.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential animal sightings and sounds. "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night," reports Jeff F. Bear-proof food storage is recommended throughout the forest area.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Many forest roads present difficulties for larger rigs. "Turn off is rough. 4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily," warns Michael U. about Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road. Most dispersed sites accommodate vehicles under 25 feet.
Limited hookup availability: Full-service sites remain scarce throughout the region. "The site has water and 20 amp electric service, the power is substantial to power the necessities. The site has no sewer but we have large enough holding tanks where that is not an issue," explains John G.
Uneven terrain at many sites: Leveling equipment remains essential for comfortable stays. "We stayed in site 18 which is right on the water and across from the shower house. It was decently spaced out from the other sites... The waterfront sites are on the main road, so you do hear all the RVs coming and going," notes Julia B.
