Camping options near Mountain, Wisconsin feature several public sites within the Nicolet National Forest, where the elevation ranges from 870 to 1,200 feet. Located in Oconto County, this area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-80°F and cold winters dropping well below freezing. The surrounding forest terrain includes multiple lakes and rivers with camping facilities typically open from May through October.
What to do
Trout fishing at local waterways: Diamond Lake Family Campground and Trout Farm offers on-site fishing opportunities. One visitor notes, "First time being at this campground and I absolutely fell in love with it. Family-owners take pride in owning a quiet campground and doesn't allow outsiders."
Hiking forest trails: The surrounding Nicolet National Forest provides extensive hiking options. At Boot Lake Campground, a camper shared, "A group of us stayed at Boot Lake campground in the end of July. There is a trail that goes along the lakeshore and if you follow it going clockwise, you'll find a rope swing for jumping in to the lake."
Lake activities: Multiple lakes offer swimming, kayaking, and other water recreation. According to a visitor at Bear Lake, "The beach is nice size with a roped off swimming area that has plenty of space for the kids to swim and explore. Kayaking, fishing and swimming are the best activities for this campground."
Geocaching adventures: Some parks feature hidden geocaches for a technology-enhanced treasure hunt. A camper at Governor Thompson State Park mentioned, "Beautiful Lakes secluded areas and a crazy amount of ticks in May. Lots of geocaches in the park to keep us busy."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Bear Lake receives praise for its privacy. A visitor commented, "If you are looking to get away and relax then this is the campground to go to. Camp sites are large and private. There is drinking water and pit toilets. The pit toilets were the cleanest I have ever used."
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept amenities. At Governor Thompson State Park Campground, a camper observed, "Thanks to the camp hostess, Melody H, and the other park employees, the bathrooms and showers were impeccable. I've been camping in a tent for two weeks and I look forward to coming back next year."
Waterfront access: Several locations offer direct lake or river frontage. A camper at Tilleda Falls Campground shared, "Excellent campground! Well maintained and easy to maneuver around. Nice playground for the kids, swim beach for great summer fun, campground store/food/drinks if you're hungry or desire a cold drink to beat the heat and such amazing riverside views."
Wildlife viewing: The forested settings provide opportunities for wildlife observation. One camper at Governor Thompson State Park noted, "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping in Mountain, Wisconsin operates from May through October. At Oconto River-2nd Branch, visitors should know about accessibility issues: "If you come in on the first site and try to take the path through to the 2nd, be sure to have a high clearance vehicle with 4x4. There are a lot of ruts and mud at the moment."
Tick precautions: The area has significant tick populations, especially in spring. A camper warned, "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."
Limited supplies: Some locations have minimal services. A Boot Lake visitor noted, "Be sure to get your firewood & ice in town, as there is none available in the campground."
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty in this rural area. One camper at Bear Lake reported, "ZERO WiFi and cell service," while another at Governor Thompson mentioned, "You will lose service & if you're relying on GPS directions, you'll find yourself in a bind like us. But we got out our trusty map & winged it."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Pine Grove Campground offers numerous water activities. A parent shared, "As a father with 3 young kids, I thoroughly enjoy this camp for the activities and amenities available. The water area is a favorite for kids and the grounds sport plenty of things to grab their attention from mini-golf to the lake."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Tilleda Falls Campground, visitors appreciate the "playground for the kids, swim beach for great summer fun."
Nature exploration: The forested settings provide natural play spaces. A visitor to Boot Lake Campground mentioned, "A group of us stayed at Boot Lake campground in the end of July. Normally this campsite takes reservations but for 2020 it's strictly first come, first serve. We lucked out and managed to snag one of the better sites (#14) on the lake."
Activity schedules: Some campgrounds coordinate special events. A Pine Grove camper noted, "This weekend there was a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas (one of our favorites) and loads of cool decked out campsites. Nice amenities, lake, splash pads, mini golf, splash pad outdoor pool, golf car rentals, outdoor movies, a full size haunted house!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all glamping locations near Mountain, Wisconsin accommodate large RVs. At Tilleda Falls Campground, a visitor noted the campground is "well maintained and easy to maneuver around. Quiet and enough sun and shade for everyone."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by location. A Pine Grove camper advised, "Only a few places with full hook up and ALL by the dump station."
Road conditions: Forest access roads can be challenging. At Oconto River-2nd Branch, one camper warned, "Absolutely no trailers larger than a teardrop. Even that is questionable. I wouldn't recommend anything larger than a van or sprinter."
Limited maneuvering space: Some sites have tight turns or limited space. A Governor Thompson State Park visitor shared, "For reference: We have a 19ft travel trailer & a ford truck. We stayed at site 19, it is pull in & it was perfect, with plenty of room for everything. We took a walk to be nosy & also liked site 20, it was even bigger! Site 14 looked great for a pull thru site."
