10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Neillsville, Wisconsin ranges from developed tent campsites with drinking water, fire rings, and hot showers to free primitive backcountry sites, with Coon Fork Campground in Augusta and Wazee Lake Recreation Area offering tent-specific sites. The Black River State Forest provides canoe-accessible tent camping, while the Ice Age Trail offers more remote backcountry tent sites at Lake Eleven and Sailor Creek for hikers seeking primitive experiences.
Sites may be set on dirt, gravel, or forest duff with minimal grading across the region's tent campgrounds. Coon Fork Campground provides more amenities for tent campers, including drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and clean restrooms with hot showers. More primitive options like the Black River State Forest canoe sites offer only basic facilities with vault toilets. A visitor commented, "Only two sites, one is much nicer than the other. Canoe/kayak in only with a steep bank up to the sites. No water, no facilities." Most tent campgrounds in the area require permits or reservations, with prices typically ranging from $15-30 per night, though some backcountry sites are free.
Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion and less noise pollution for tent campers. The Sparta Campground along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail provides walk-in tent sites accessible via short trails from parking areas, though some campers note highway noise can be disruptive. According to one visitor, "This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails." For tent campers seeking peace and privacy, Coon Fork receives consistent praise for its spacious, well-separated tent sites surrounded by trees. The backcountry tent sites along the Ice Age Trail, such as Northside Lake Eleven Campsite, offer excellent hammock camping options and access to water that can be filtered for drinking. Seasonal considerations include mosquitoes, which can be particularly problematic during summer months at lower-elevation tent sites.
"The campground is lovely considering it's only $20 for lakeside ($17 non lakeside). It has a shower house, bathroom, dump station, wood for sale ($6/bundle), ice for sale and is non electric."
"Coon Forks is a county campground with a nice lake with two beaches and a boat landing, but only non-motorized crafts allowed. Campsites are private with waterfront and electric sites."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"This is a walk-in campground intended for very light camping, particularly for those biking the Elroy-Sparta or Lacrosse Trails, as it is right on the Elroy-Sparta trail and only a 10 minute bike ride"
"After biking 47 miles was a welcome respite on our first day of biking the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. We spent a second night on our out and back along the trail."
from $19 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Campground Review: Lake Eleven campsite is a back country site located within the Chequamegon National Forest in Taylor County, Wisconsin."
from $35 - $135 / night
Check Availability
RangerFantastic little park in the forest, and can't be beat for $7 per night! Camped here in October last in 43-ft motorhome and found a spot which had good sun for our solar. UTV trail entrances at campground, as well as hiking up and around the beautiful rock formations. No elec or water =no problem if you're used to dispersed camping anyway!
GuideSpent 3 months July-Oct has just what you need 3 free hot showers stalls, flushing toilet, convenient dump station, potable water, all situated on what seems like an island, with the water on 3 sides of the campground $500 a month for long term
TravelerI biked into the park and was assisted by the campground host. The swimming area was closed for the season but there was much to see and explore. There was no way to pay in person at the campground. The cost was $27 per night but there was a hefty $10 processing fee. A bit high.
GuideLast minute phone call reservation...early evening...We told the lady on the phone we would be arriving late...She stated she would email me specifics on the camp site etc. For one reason or another I never received the email. We arrived about 11pm. No information left for us in regards to site etc.,so we found what looked like an easy site to back into for the night. I made contact again via telephone with the same lady to get bath house code and mentioned to her that I never received the email....She was very nice and polite. Perhaps an envelope with information left out in addition to an email may have helped. However it was a nice campground, clean, safe, and secure ,Decent level lot with elec and water...Dump station on site.....I would use this campground again if I'm ever in the area. Even when you hit a snag such as not getting the check in email it sure is nice to hear a pleasant voice at the other end of the line.
TravelerI really like this campground, I feel safe as a single person camping with my pups here. The owners are super friendly and the price is very reasonable. There are mostly seasonal here which helps cut back the noise and the crowds.
GuideThe East Fork part of the campground is a beautiful area along the river. The sites are nicely spaced and there are pit toilets located throughout. The animals came alive at night and we could hear coyote packs howling to each other, owls hunting, and the crickets and frogs are still going. September makes for hot days and pretty cold nights, but there was good tree cover, that still allowed to see the ALL the stars. There was plenty of room for the 2 allowed cars. Site 124 is located at the end of a loop with dumpsters nearby, that were empty and clean. A very nice place to spend a couple nights!
LegendClean bathrooms, nice showers but they're a dollar for 6 minutes.
TravelerBeautiful city park and campground with very reasonable rates. Most sites have 30 or 50 amp, electric and water as well as walk-in campsites for tents. Park has a rental shelter, dump station frisbee golf a man-made lake for fishing and multiple areas with playground equipment.
ScoutI have camped there many time. Sites are spacious and level. The view of the lake and the geese. Deer park right there. Will be going again.
Tent camping opportunities abound in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin surrounding Neillsville. Located in Clark County where the terrain transitions from farmland to forest, this region experiences warm summers with high humidity and cold winters with significant snowfall. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 900-1,200 feet above sea level, with tent sites typically positioned on compacted dirt or pine needle surfaces.
Swimming opportunities: Coon Fork Campground features a small, motor-free lake with two beaches for swimming during summer months. "Great for kids! Way more fun later in the summer so you can go swimming. Although, children don't seem to notice cold water anyway!" notes camper Hannah E.
Scuba diving adventures: Wazee Lake Rec Area offers unique underwater exploration in Wisconsin's deepest and clearest inland lake. "The lake is the clearest and deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. It is non-motorized to promote quiet and clean conditions," explains one visitor, making it popular with divers seeking visibility.
Hiking the Ice Age Trail: Multiple primitive tent sites along the Ice Age Trail provide access to unique geological features. While exploring the Jerry Lake Segment near Sailor Creek Campsite, hikers can traverse the Hemlock Esker. "In the Jerry Lake Segment you cross over the mile-long Hemlock Esker. An Esker is basically an inverted river... It also provides incredible views as you're about 80 feet up," reports one backpacker.
Private, spacious sites: Tent campers consistently praise the well-spaced sites at Coon Fork Campground. "The sites are very generous with a lot of green between spaces. You are not on top of your neighbor," writes Amy G. Another camper adds, "Favorite place to camp as a kid. Nice lake with plenty of hiking and biking trails. Great private sites where you're not on top of your neighbor."
Non-motorized lakes: Several campgrounds near Neillsville restrict motorized boats, creating peaceful water experiences. One Coon Fork visitor notes, "No outboard motors allowed on this lake. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available at the office." This creates ideal conditions for paddling and fishing without noise pollution.
Hammock camping options: For those who prefer hammocks to tents, Northside Lake Eleven Campsite on the Ice Age Trail offers excellent trees for suspension. "This site also provided excellent space for hammock camping. Located next to the lake, it provided ease of access to water that was drinkable with a filtration system," according to one backpacker who found the pine grove setting ideal.
Highway noise considerations: When seeking the best tent camping near Neillsville, Wisconsin, be aware that some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Sparta Campground along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, one camper reported: "The most disappointing factor for me was the highway noise. I had read about that from another reviewer, and it was indeed bad, all weekend long. I had to wear noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise in order to sleep."
Water availability varies: Many primitive sites require filtering surface water. At Northside Lake Eleven, campers report, "Located next to the lake, it provided ease of access to water that was drinkable with a filtration system." Bring appropriate filters or purification methods when camping at backcountry sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Neillsville, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Neillsville, WI is Coon Fork Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Neillsville, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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