Tent camping near Oconto, Wisconsin offers access to diverse landscapes where the Nicolet National Forest meets the shores of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Situated about 30 miles north of Green Bay, Oconto County's camping areas feature a mix of hardwood forests and river systems with elevations ranging from 580 to 800 feet. Temperatures typically range from 60-80°F during summer camping season, with nighttime lows sometimes dipping into the 40s even in July.
What to do
Kayaking the Oconto River: Visitors can paddle the south branch of the Oconto River near Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, which features "a deep, and steadily moving stream. Water is very cold, and flows from an aquifer upstream." The site is located near a waterfall about a mile away, though campers note it's "difficult to access."
Backpacking trails: Newport State Park Campground offers extensive hiking opportunities with "26 miles of trails... all beautiful. However we were slightly disappointed that there weren't more views of the lakes, as most of the trails were set in just far enough off the coast to obstruct all views." The trails are well-marked but feature "lots of rocks and roots along the paths, so watch those feet and ankles."
Stargazing: Several camping areas provide dark sky viewing opportunities. At Newport State Park, one camper reported "clear night skies which was truly breathtaking." The minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for astronomy enthusiasts, especially during new moon phases when stars are most visible.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Old Veterans Lake County Park receives praise for its privacy. One camper shared, "We stayed at Site 10 and LOVED it. Very private and our dog was able to roam at will." Another noted it was "secluded and quiet... Each site was by itself. The campground is very small and has no running water or campstore."
Waterfront access: Many tent sites feature direct water access, with Welcker's Point Campground providing sites "with private access to the water, plenty of shade, and secluded from other sites." At Old Veterans Lake, "sites 11, 12 and 13 had lake access" and one camper noted their site "had an awesome little trail to the lake."
Wildlife viewing: The region's ecosystem supports diverse wildlife encounters. At Old Veterans Lake, campers report "tons of tiny fish everywhere that are very interactive" and that children "always catch frogs, fish, and turtles." During spring, Newport State Park features "gorgeous wildflowers in the spring, including the rare dwarf lake iris and lots of trillium."
What you should know
Water availability: Water sources vary significantly between established and primitive sites. At Old Veterans Lake County Park, there's "no running water or campstore. They don't even sell firewood." Primitive sites like Oconto River - South Branch provide no water services, so campers must bring their own supply.
Vehicle requirements: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily." Another reviewer cautions, "Do not follow road past campsites, either way unless your vehicle is lifted. My sedan would have gotten stuck if I tried."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is limited throughout the camping areas. At Welcker's Point, one camper reported "absolutely zero T-Mobile and Verizon signal. Our phones were in SOS Mode." Similarly, at Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, there's "No Service" for AT&T users, making these locations ideal for digital detox but requiring advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Marinette County Goodman Park provides water recreation opportunities that families appreciate. One camper described it as "very nice peaceful feels like youre in the middle of nowhere." Old Veterans Lake County Park offers a beach area that families use for swimming, with a visitor noting they "enjoyed swimming across, and hiking and biking around the lake."
First backpacking experiences: For families wanting to introduce children to backpacking, Newport State Park offers accessibility with varying difficulty levels. The campsites are "walk-in... but you don't have to walk that far. Some are just half a mile in!" This makes it manageable for younger hikers while still providing an authentic backpacking experience.
Educational opportunities: The region offers natural science learning experiences. At Newport State Park, the diverse ecosystem features "trees covered in moss" and seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities. Old Veterans Lake provides opportunities for children to interact with small wildlife in a safe environment with "plenty of wooded sites available."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many primitive sites have challenging access for larger vehicles. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, the "entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky. I believe a camper could make it going slowly." Another camper noted that the "turn off is rough" for accessing the campsite.
Generator considerations: At Old Veterans Lake, one RVer mentioned they "had someone ratted on us for using our generator to supply our CPAPs because there was no electricity or water." Understanding generator policies and noise restrictions is important when camping with necessary medical equipment.
Site selection: When choosing RV sites near Oconto, consider the terrain and access roads. Welcker's Point campsites "don't have much for privacy, but it's better than a parking lot." Sites vary significantly in levelness and shade coverage, with some requiring significant leveling for comfortable RV setup.
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