Best Tent Camping near Oconto Falls, WI
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers several tent camping options near Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, with Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road providing primitive tent sites along the river. This dispersed camping area features two separate tent sites with good distance between them, allowing for privacy while enjoying proximity to the water. Other tent options include Old Veterans Lake County Park in Crivitz, which offers more established tent camping with amenities like drinking water and toilets within a secluded forest setting.
Access to tent sites varies significantly across the region, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. The Oconto River sites have rough entrance roads that can be challenging for standard vehicles. According to one visitor, "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily." Most tent sites include fire rings and pit toilets, though amenities remain minimal. The more established campgrounds like Old Veterans Lake provide picnic tables and vault toilets but still maintain a rustic atmosphere. Campers should note that cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, particularly at the dispersed locations along the Oconto River.
Tent campers at Oconto River sites enjoy proximity to a deep, cold stream that flows from an upstream aquifer. The sound of moving water creates a peaceful backdrop, with a visitor noting "the first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall about a mile away." Sites at Old Veterans Lake County Park offer lake access, with some campsites featuring private trails leading directly to the water. This provides excellent opportunities for swimming and fishing. The wooded settings throughout the region offer good shade for tent campers during summer months, while fall brings colorful foliage and cooler temperatures. Most tent camping areas remain uncrowded even during peak season, providing a genuine northwoods experience with opportunities to observe local wildlife.
