Tent camping near New London, Wisconsin primarily occurs in north-central Wisconsin's mixed hardwood forests where summer temperatures average 78-85°F during peak camping season. The region sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level with several waterways including the Wolf River and surrounding Chain O' Lakes that influence local weather patterns. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though most tent campsites operate from May through October.
What to do
Lakeside swimming and floating: Camp Shin-Go-Beek provides access to a private beach area with swimming opportunities. According to a camper, "Being able to swim and float in the lake is an added bonus" after enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this semi-primitive campground.
Obstacle course activities: Camp Wilderness features an obstacle course among its amenities. A visitor noted the camp includes "trails, a lake, an obstacle course and more right nearby," making it suitable for active campers looking to test their physical abilities.
Birdwatching opportunities: The forests surrounding Camp Shin-Go-Beek host numerous bird species. One camper described the experience as "Incredibly peaceful with a ton of beautiful birds singing throughout the day," indicating good opportunities for bird identification and observation.
What campers like
Private beach access: The semi-private beach at Camp Shin-Go-Beek draws positive comments from visitors. One camper returned for a second visit partly because of this feature, stating, "We loved this spot so much, we went back the following summer, and it was just as relaxing."
Semi-primitive setup with basic necessities: Despite being relatively undeveloped, the area provides essential facilities. A visitor to Camp Shin-Go-Beek described it as having "pit toilets and a potable water spigot," sufficient for maintaining basic comfort while maintaining a wilderness experience.
Attentive camp management: During weather events, camp hosts provide safety assistance. One camper noted, "Ian was a great host and even checked on us to offer shelter in the admin building before a storm rolled through," demonstrating the safety protocols in place at certain campgrounds.
What you should know
Pet restrictions: Several campgrounds in the New London area prohibit pets. Plover River Retreat and Camp Wilderness both list "NO pets-allowed" among their features, requiring advance planning for campers traveling with animals.
Alcohol policies vary: Alcohol permissions differ across locations. Camp Shin-Go-Beek allows alcohol consumption while both Camp Wilderness and Plover River Retreat prohibit it, requiring campers to check specific campground regulations before packing supplies.
Toilet facility variations: Not all campgrounds provide toilet facilities. Plover River Retreat lacks toilets entirely, while Camp Shin-Go-Beek offers pit toilets, creating significant differences in camping preparation requirements based on destination choice.
Tips for camping with families
Outdoor skill development opportunities: Oakwood Campsites in Wild Rose offers year-round tent camping approximately 25 miles southwest of New London, allowing for four-season skill development for children learning about seasonal camping adaptations.
Educational programming focus: Camp Wilderness specializes in youth outdoor education. A visitor explained the camp "is primarily used for a program similar to Boy Scouts called Royal Rangers," and is "a good place to initiate your kids with the outdoors and teach them fun skills."
Age-appropriate activities: Consider the age of children when selecting campgrounds with varied terrain. One Camp Wilderness visitor specifically mentioned looking "forward to the day when my kids are old enough to fully engage" with the more challenging features, suggesting parents evaluate activity difficulty levels against children's capabilities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent camping areas near New London lack RV-specific amenities. Only certain campgrounds like Camp Shin-Go-Beek offer cabin alternatives alongside tent sites for those seeking more structured shelter options.
No hookup availability: The majority of New London area campgrounds classify as primitive or semi-primitive. None of the primary tent camping locations offer electrical hookups, sewer connections, or dump stations required for most RV camping experiences.
Access restrictions: Many tent-focused campgrounds have walk-in or hike-in requirements that prevent RV access. Camp Shin-Go-Beek specifically lists "boat-in" and "walk-in" as the only access types, making it unsuitable for recreational vehicles regardless of size.
