Tent campsites near Nichols, Wisconsin range from primitive riverside spots to more developed campgrounds with family amenities. The area sits within the Northern Highland region, with elevations averaging 800-1,000 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day and cool to 50-60°F at night, creating favorable camping conditions from May through September.
What to do
**Fishing access: Oconto River sites provide direct river access for anglers. According to one visitor, the water is "very cold, and flows from an aquifer upstream," making it ideal for trout fishing during summer months.
**Birdwatching opportunities: Camp Shin-Go-Beek offers exceptional birdwatching with multiple species active throughout spring and summer. A camper noted there was "a ton of beautiful birds singing throughout the day," making it a worthwhile destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
**River exploration: The South Branch Oconto River sites allow for wading and exploring shallow sections of the waterway. One visitor mentioned the area offers "peace for $5" with two well-spaced campsites near the trailhead and waterway.
What campers like
**Affordability: The dispersed sites along Oconto River offer economical camping options compared to larger developed campgrounds. Rebecca B. notes the South Branch location offers "peace for $5," making it budget-friendly for weekend getaways.
**Water features: Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road receives positive reviews for its riverside location. Nick H. described it as a "very cool spot right on the river" with "in ground fire pit," providing both amenities and natural features campers appreciate.
**Swimming opportunities: Many tent campers highlight the ability to cool off during summer months. One visitor to Camp Shin-Go-Beek noted, "Being able to swim and float in the lake is an added bonus," making it popular during hot weather periods.
What you should know
**Access challenges: Several tent campsites require vehicles suitable for rough terrain. Michael U. warned about Oconto River access, stating "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily," indicating the importance of appropriate transportation.
**Variable site conditions: Campsite maintenance and cleanliness vary significantly between locations. One camper reported that some Mountain Lake Road sites had "a lot of trash left" and were "a little rough to get into," suggesting campers should prepare accordingly.
**Limited facilities: Most tent campsites offer basic amenities only. Octonto River - South Branch provides "a clean and maintained vault toilet" but little else in terms of services, requiring campers to pack in necessities.
Tips for camping with families
**Youth-oriented programming: Camp Wilderness provides structured outdoor experiences for children. David K. notes it's "primarily used for a program similar to Boy Scouts called Royal Rangers" and has "tent sites with trails, a lake, an obstacle course and more right nearby," making it ideal for introducing children to outdoor skills.
**Weather considerations: Summer storms can develop quickly in the region, requiring preparation. At Camp Shin-Go-Beek, a camper reported the host "even checked on us to offer shelter in the admin building before a storm rolled through," highlighting the importance of weather awareness with children.
**Site spacing: Look for campgrounds with adequate distance between sites when camping with families. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, a reviewer mentioned this is "a two site spot good distance between them," providing privacy for family camping.
Tips from RVers
**Size limitations: Most tent campsites near Nichols have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. Zachary S. advised regarding the Oconto River location, "Do not follow road past campsites, either way unless your vehicle is lifted" and "a camper could make it going slowly" but caution is needed.
**Connectivity considerations: Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites. At Oconto River, a camper reported "AT&T: No Service" and another mentioned "No service :)" suggesting RVers should plan accordingly for communications needs.
**Solar access: Some sites offer better positioning for solar power than others. Rebecca B. noted at Octonto River - South Branch that "The first has more of an opening if solar and Starlink matter to you," which provides important information for RVers using solar power systems.