Northeastern Wisconsin's Peshtigo area sits at the transition between Lake Michigan lowlands and the northern forest region. The landscape features mixed hardwood forests interspersed with rivers and small lakes, with an elevation ranging from 580-620 feet above sea level. Camping sites near Peshtigo, Wisconsin typically remain open from mid-April through mid-October, with average summer temperatures between 65-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
River activities: Tubing opportunities exist on the Peshtigo River with rentals available at Peshtigo River Campground. "Great experience for small or large groups. Have a blast every time I go. Kids love it," notes camper Kelly L. The campground provides shuttle service between 10am-3pm daily for tubers at a cost of $14 per person.
Fishing: Multiple access points along both rivers and the bay create diverse fishing spots. At River Park, "we were able to kayak and fish along the river within view of our campsite. Some of the sites themselves are elegantly perched above the riverbank and give you a great view overlooking the mini rapids at the convergence of the river split," according to David K.
Swimming: Several beaches offer swimming options throughout the region. Diamond Lake Family Campground provides lake swimming with added features. "The kids had so much fun with the water chute and inflatables," reports Jennifer G., highlighting the family-friendly water amenities available beyond standard swimming areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Room to spread out is common at many campgrounds. At North Bay Shore Park, sites receive high marks for their generous proportions. "Sites are level and very generous in size. While they don't necessarily have a physical separation between them, sites are spaced a good distance apart from each other," explains Lee D. The campground features both grassy sites and paved camper pads.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive frequent mention in reviews. At Holtwood Campground, "The bathrooms were brand new and very clean. Showering only costed a quarter for 6 minutes," notes Emily M. The campground recently renovated its facilities, adding brand new laundry options that cost $4 total to wash and dry.
Seasonal rates: Midweek discounts are available at multiple locations. North Bay Shore Park offers significantly reduced rates Sunday through Thursday. "Electric and water hookup during week $15," reports Amanda L. about the weekday pricing, which increases for weekend camping.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad proximity affects some campgrounds. Holtwood Campground in Oconto sits near active train tracks. "The train goes through town in the early morning hours and blows its horn multiple times," warns Valerie B., something to consider when selecting a campsite in this area.
Limited swimming access: Not all waterfront sites have swimming beaches. At North Bay Shore Park, Christine B. points out: "This side of the lake is very Mari so there is no beachfront at all, for people with a boat and wanting to launch it's perfect but for rock hounds and beach walkers like me not so great."
Weather variability: Spring and fall campers should prepare for temperature swings. In the Peshtigo area, temperatures can drop into the 40s overnight even in early summer and late fall. Daytime highs average in the 70s during summer months, with higher humidity near Lake Michigan.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play equipment for children. Badger Park Campground receives high marks for its facilities. "The park has half a dozen small trails as well as streams leading to the beach along the Peshtigo River. The nightly rates are reasonable and the sites are great for both tent and RV camping," explains David K.
Kayak-friendly sites: Multiple locations offer easy water access. River Park in Stephenson provides direct river access from campsites. "We were able to kayak and fish along the river within view of our campsite," reports a reviewer, making it convenient for families with their own boats.
Safety considerations: Town-adjacent campgrounds provide extra security for families with young children. Peshtigo River Campground sits in a protected location. "It's right by an elementary school so it's a very safe area, across the road from an AMAZING playground that all ages will love, also about 50ft from a beach," reports Tayah H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for campgrounds with both pull-through and back-in options. At Daisy Field Campground, "The sites were a little less secluded than we expected but weren't on top of each other by any means," notes Erin P., suggesting that while privacy may be limited, space between sites remains adequate.
Size limitations: Larger RVs face access challenges at some locations. Cole M. advises about River Park: "I would not recommend this campground for anyone with a larger camper. I have a 38' long, 12'+ tall bumper pull and was scraping the roof on trees and struggled to get backed into the site."
Dump station access: Water filling stations aren't always located near dump stations. Deb M. reports about North Bay Shore Park: "Minus 1 star for...how difficult it is to fill up your water tank if you don't have a water site. There's no potable water at the dump station."
