Best Tent Camping near Nekoosa, WI

Tent campsites around Nekoosa, Wisconsin provide access to several primitive and established campgrounds suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Wazee Lake Recreation Area offers tent camping with access to Wisconsin's deepest and clearest inland lake, while Camp Wilderness provides more remote tent sites with walk-in access options. Black River State Forest, located west of Nekoosa, features canoe-accessible tent sites that offer a truly secluded camping experience.

Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Camp Wilderness includes picnic tables, drinking water, and trash disposal, making it suitable for families introducing children to outdoor experiences. At Canoe Campsite Near Hawk Island in Black River State Forest, campers access sites via watercraft only and navigate steep banks to reach the camping area. Sites typically feature fire rings where fires are permitted, though facilities are minimal. A camper noted that the canoe sites are "very primitive and isolated" with "no water, no facilities, just two fire rings and two picnic tables about 100 ft apart."

The tent camping experience near Nekoosa offers opportunities for various outdoor activities. Wazee Lake Recreation Area attracts visitors with its exceptional water clarity, making it popular for swimming and fishing. According to a review, "The lake is the clearest and deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. It is non-motorized to promote quiet and clean conditions." Weekday camping typically provides more peaceful conditions than weekends when areas like Wazee Lake can become crowded. Camp Wilderness features trails, lake access, and an obstacle course, creating an environment well-suited for families with children seeking adventure-based camping. The terrain throughout the region varies from forest settings to lakeside sites, with most campgrounds maintaining natural surroundings that appeal to tent campers seeking a connection to nature.

Best Tent Sites Near Nekoosa, Wisconsin (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nekoosa, WI

4 Photos of 7 Nekoosa Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Nekoosa, WI

387 Reviews of 7 Nekoosa Campgrounds


  • Erin Z.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Mill Bluff State Park Campground

    Secluded, but noisy.

    We were at site #9, great spot for tent. There were only trees behind us and our neighbors were far enough way we had privacy. There was no electricity, but we charged our phones and my son’s iPad at the ranger station. There was no running water so bring sanitizer. The swimming pond was great and not rocky. The hikes were good but lots of mosquitoes which made it hard to enjoy. Wish there was more to do in the area. No showers and no electricity in the bathroom near our site.

  • P
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Jordan Park

    Beautiful site on the water.

    Quiet little campground, I was in one of the three canoe/ walk in sights and they were right on the water. All three sights were separated from the rest of camp and are tent sites. All have a picnic table, grill, and fire ring and are big enough for 2-3 tents depending on the size of the tents. Set back from a county hwy and state hwy, however not too much traffic and the traffic that does exist was not very disruptive. 2 night minimum, 14 night maximum reservation.

  • Janet B.
    Jun. 3, 2023

    Buckhorn State Park Campground

    Pretty good one for the weekend

    Snagged a spot (#102) right before the Memorial Day weekend. Spacious site, somewhat private because of the surrounding trees. If you want to be surrounded by hammock-able trees, i suggest sites 94-99. Our site was both close to vaulted toilets/water and shower building, which was a plus. Shower head pressure was lovely and hot water was great! One downside was that people were loud and playing music till midnight but oh wells.

    Was worried about bugs but I think it was okay. Maybe we were there before it began. i did find some ticks on my camping chair though so beware.

    Though we didnt explore much of the Buckhorn SP, we chose this site because it was under an hour drive from Mirror Lake SP and Devils Lake SP. Making a day trip to those parks and Wisconsin Dells was a breeze.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest

    Solid campground

    Camp sites were good. Plenty of room for multiple tents & some hammocks. Came with picnic table and fire pit. Fire wood was only $5 on site for a decent sized bundle. Campground was quiet and well kept. Vault toilets in most of the campground (smelly and not the cleanest but this is expected with vault toilets) there was a main shower/restroom area at the entrance to the campground which was very clean. Drinking water available by the showers. Added bonus - the hiking trail was within the campground and was very scenic. Cool rock formations and a decently easy hike.

  • N
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Rocky Arbor State Park Campground

    Good place, horrible site

    This state park is very nice, decent trails clearly marked and the walking paths around the sites are pretty clear. Overall the noise from other sites was minimal and I liked the layout of the campground.

    The bad- the sites labeled for highway noise should be closed. It was an absolutely awful experience. I was walking through all of the campground when we first got in and as we approached our site the noise was so distracting and completely ruined the peaceful experience that most state parks offer. It was a serious bummer when night construction started on the highway on Sunday night as well. Our neighbors stayed well beyond the checkout time and the camp host did nothing to get them to leave, why even be present if you’re not gunna do anything? It wouldn’t have been a big deal if they weren’t randomly shooting a bow and arrow into the trees behind their site and then proceeded to record TikTok’s with endless repetition of those songs. Not the parks fault other than the host should at least clear the sites with the new checkout times.

    If you’re going to this park avoid the highway spots at all costs!

  • Lesley R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2022

    Black River State Forest Outdoor Camp — Black River State Forest

    Low Ground

    This campground would be best for RVing IMO. The entire place is lifted from a swamp which means that it’s low, damp ground. They also must have used sand, as it drains very quickly. I describe the site as such because we spent the weekend in a tent and it literally rained the entire weekend. The site we were at turned into a lake four times, submerging our fire pit and picnic table. This made making a fire near impossible, let alone accessible, it was in the middle of a small lake! As we scrambled most of the fear to the car, we watched the water creep to the front door of the tent, from the highest ground. It’s a good thing we had a tarp under the tent, otherwise we would have been swimming in our tent. Anyway, busy place, near the road and a honky tonk. Not our preferred experience. Vault toilets, firewood, nice beach if the weather was nice.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Canoe Campsite Near Hawk Island — Black River State Forest

    Canoe in, very primative and isolated

     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. Just two fire rings and two picnic tables about 100 ft apart. But the grass is mowed and well kept

  • Stephen T.
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Buckhorn State Park Campground

    Amazing camping on Castle Rock Lake

    I have camped here several times. I have hiked in, backed in, and camped lakefront. All are gorgeous. The trails are beautiful with some wooded areas and some prairie. The hike in is just shy of a mile. The lakefront is a simple walk in, but you can launch your kayak or canoe from your site, which I did. The fishing is fantastic with Striped, Largemouth, and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Musky, and all kinds of panfish. Many natural sites are within driving distance. Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the International Crane Foundation, many other fishing opportunities. Very minimal noise. Modern showers, fishing pier. Great for the family.

  • Liz M.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    Buckhorn State Park Campground

    First Camping Adventure for the nieces

    My husband and I picked this park because of it's friendliness towards kids. We took our 2 9 year old nieces on their first tent camping adventure. We chose site 28 because it was a walk in site and on the water. When we arrived and checked in we grabbed one of their pre-loaded GPS units for Geocaching; It's something the park offers for free. They give you a bag, GPS and information book on all the Geocaching sites. We drove to the site and started loading up the cart to walk in. We walked past a very open campsite that was right next to ours, could be bad if you have loud neighbors but ours were great. There are 2 other sites in this location but far enough away and they don't walk past your site to get to them. The site was spacious and has a great fire pit for cooking. There is a small trail leading to the water with an extremely small beach front but it was enough to keep the girls entertained. Set up camp and started our geocaching fun. We hiked to the kids fishing pond & the tower. Trails are easy and well groomed. Following hiking we made our way to the beach; unfortunately, the algae was in bloom so the water was caked green! However, it doesn't do any harm so we made our way out into the more clear portion of the water and had a blast! The beach area has showers and a great area to have a picnic. The evening presented itself with an amazing sunset from our beach and lots of crickets chirping. It made for a peaceful night. In the morning we took the girls fishing off the dock and then over to the kids pond; the park also offers free poles and tackle. We ventured into the campground area for fresh water. From what we saw the sites were spacious and fairly private. The shower area was well maintained and is also accessible for anyone with disabilities. We will be coming back to this park; it was great! We didn't run into any issues with mosquitoes or other bugs while there.


Guide to Nekoosa

Nekoosa, Wisconsin, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat in nature. From serene lakeside spots to secluded forest camps, there’s something for everyone.

Tips for tent camping near Nekoosa

  • Merlin Lambert Park provides a rustic experience with essential amenities like drinking water, perfect for those who enjoy a back-to-basics camping trip.
  • Wazee Lake Rec Area is ideal for campers who appreciate clear waters and outdoor activities, though it’s important to note that there are no showers or electric hookups available.
  • Camp Wilderness is a great choice for families, featuring trails and an obstacle course, making it an excellent spot for kids to explore and learn outdoor skills.

Local attractions and activities

  • Plover River Retreat offers a peaceful setting right by the dam, allowing for fishing and enjoying the soothing sounds of water while camping.
  • Wazee Lake Rec Area is known for its non-motorized lake, making it a popular destination for scuba diving, swimming, and fishing, especially during the summer months.
  • Elroy Campground is conveniently located near the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts looking to explore the scenic routes.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

  • Canoe Campsite Near Hawk Island is a free option for those who enjoy a primitive camping experience, accessible only by canoe or kayak.
  • Patzers Last Resort and Campground typically operates from May 15 to October 15, offering a budget-friendly camping experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Oakwood Campsites Bar and Grill provides year-round tent camping, making it a versatile choice for those looking to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nekoosa, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nekoosa, WI is Wazee Lake Rec Area with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Nekoosa, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Nekoosa, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.