Campsites near Pembine, Wisconsin range from lakefront camping spots to forest hideaways within the Northern Highland region. Located in an area known for its dense forests and over 100 miles of ATV trails, the camping options span across both Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Many camping locations sit at elevations between 1,000-1,500 feet, contributing to cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months.
What to do
ATV trail access: Multiple camping areas provide direct access to extensive trail networks. At Tranquil~Vista Campground, campers praise the convenience: "There are miles of ATV and Side x side trails down the road, We spend the whole day riding and never see it all and they are well groomed."
Waterfall exploration: The region contains numerous accessible waterfalls within short driving distances. "Marinette Co is the waterfall capital of Wisconsin, so there is plenty to explore nearby," notes one visitor to Morgan Park, recommending waterfall hopping as a day activity.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing. At Summer Breeze Campground, visitors mention multiple fishing spots: "This Campground has a nice shower house, a pool and good size sites just be careful if you want to be and what it states to specifically ask for them... Tons to do up here waterfalls caves and the iron mine tour."
Wildlife watching: The forests surrounding Pembine camping areas support diverse wildlife. At Governor Thompson State Park Campground, one camper reported: "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers highlight the seclusion of sites in the area. At Governor Thompson State Park Campground, visitors note: "Almost all the campsites are private and hidden away in their own little spots," and another adds, "What surprised me the most was the pit toliets that looked like tiny houses."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness receives consistent praise. One camper at Morgan Park commented: "I LOVE this campground. Located in Marinette county, this park has a lot to offer. Hike the bluffs, swim, fish, blueberry picking, and much more! Morgan park has a new shower/laundry facility I wish they had when I was growing up there."
Firewood availability: Several campgrounds provide quality firewood through honor systems or camp stores. At Governor Thompson State Park, a camper noted: "The wood grab was very generous and rather than them taking 5 small pieces and wrapping them together with cellophane, you fill up a wheelbarrow via honor system with large split dry logs and pay for it that way. Made for some great campfires."
Lake access: Water access for swimming and paddling ranks high with visitors. A camper at Carney Lake State Forest Campground shared: "We took a chance on driving 1.5 hours to Carney Lake State Campground and we are pleased that we did. The sites were first-come first-serve and we were lucky to get a site on the lake."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds sit beyond reliable cell service and GPS coverage. At Twelve Foot Falls County Park, campers warn: "The road out to the campground takes you out of cell service. Google maps directed us down atv trails. We suggest following the posted signs and taking the short but roundabout way."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with peak season running Memorial Day through Labor Day. A visitor to Carney Lake noted: "Tent camped here on may 30th. Very quiet with some sites right on the lake. About a 7 mile gravel road to get here from the main road."
Ticks and insects: The wooded areas present tick hazards, especially in spring and early summer. One camper at Governor Thompson State Park cautioned: "Beautiful Lakes secluded areas and a crazy amount of ticks in May. This could be why we were the only people in our loop of the campground so early in the season."
Limited amenities at rustic sites: Some campgrounds offer minimal services. A visitor to Carney Lake State Forest Campground noted: "This is a carry in/carry out site. Vault toilets, a boat landing, and some nearby snowmobile trails. Nice enough sites, pretty empty when we went on a Monday."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. A Tranquil~Vista camper mentioned: "They also have a large Children's play area. Swimming and the sound of children playing fills the air."
Swimming options: Lakes with gradual entry points work best for families with small children. At Lake Antoine Park Campground, a visitor noted: "The beach was really nice and the playgrounds were great for the grandkids."
Seasonal timing: For quieter family experiences, consider timing visits outside peak periods. A Summer Breeze camper observed: "First time we stayed here it was quiet during the school season. Mostly adult couples. Second time was summer break and there were a lot of children."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise that might disturb light sleepers. A Lake Antoine visitor cautioned: "Loud cars, trucks and semi's were traveling the roads outside of the park at all hours. Drivers took great pleasure in stomping on the gas and racing past at an almost ear deafening sound."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require extra work for larger rigs. A Rivers Bend Campground visitor noted: "The sites were level, had shade trees, nice paved roads, clean, quiet and right on the river! We had full hook up with cable! That was a nice surprise!"
Access routes: RVers should plan routes carefully due to narrow access roads. A Governor Thompson visitor recommended: "For reference: We have a 19ft travel trailer & a ford truck. We stayed at site 19, it is pull in & it was perfect, with plenty of room for everything."
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds and sometimes within the same facility. One camper at Governor Thompson shared: "We took a walk to be nosy & also liked site 20, it was even bigger! Site 14 looked great for a pull thru site. There were also some much larger sites for bigger rigs."
Seasonal sites: Some campgrounds have a mix of transient and seasonal campers. A Rivers Bend visitor mentioned: "We camped here as something to do for my step-dads birthday. We had site's 100 & 97 from Thursday through Sunday. The river was very nice. The sites were a little uneven but not too bad. They are VERY close together."
