Tent camping near Peshtigo, Wisconsin offers numerous woodland retreats within an area dominated by northern hardwood forests and glacial landforms. The region sits at elevations between 580-800 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in this region don't require advanced reservations during weekdays, though weekend availability becomes limited from June through August.
What to do
Kayaking on small lakes: Old Veterans Lake at Peshtigo River State Forest provides excellent paddling opportunities on calm waters. "It's the perfect lake for kayaking. There is a beach which I hung out at all afternoon with my dog and read a book. We never saw anyone," reports one visitor who explored the entire shoreline.
Waterfall hiking: Marinette County features accessible waterfall trails within short drives from camping areas. "Very nice peaceful feels like youre in the middle of nowhere," notes a camper who stayed at Goodman Park, where multiple cascades can be accessed via short trails under a mile each.
Stargazing: The dark skies in this region offer exceptional night viewing. At Newport State Park, "We had clear night skies which was truly breathtaking," writes a winter camper who visited during 20-degree weather but still found the celestial display worth braving the cold.
Biking forest trails: Several campgrounds connect to wider trail systems. "It has easy access to the bike trails in Peninsula State Park. Most of the fellow campers were in tents, although there were a few pop-ups and RVs," notes a visitor who spent three days exploring the park's extensive trail network.
What campers like
Private site layouts: Many campers appreciate the site positioning at Welcker's Point Campground in Peninsula State Park. "We were tent camping and our site, I forget the number, as it was years ago, was perfect. Had shade for our tent, and sun as needed. Hung up our hammocks and read books as we listened to the waves crashing," reports a longtime visitor.
Abundant wildlife: The forested settings support diverse animal populations. "We stayed at site 7 and were delighted by the trees covered in moss," writes a camper who visited Newport State Park, noting the unique ecosystem that supports rare plant species like dwarf lake iris and trillium.
Swimming opportunities: Many sites offer water access beyond fishing. At Old Veterans Lake, "There's another path to a little beach behind the toilet building. It was great for swimming and finding more tiny fish," mentions a camper who stayed at site 11, which features its own lake trail.
Camp cooking facilities: Fire rings at most sites accommodate standard cooking needs. "The sites are nicely sized and very comfortable," notes a visitor to Newport State Park who mentioned the well-designed fire rings that offer both cooking and warming options.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many woodland camping areas have minimal connectivity. "Don't plan on having any cell phone reception with AT&T. 90% of the time I was at my campsite my phone was in SOS mode. You need to drive out to the park entrance to get reliable reception," advises a visitor to Welcker's Point.
Water quality concerns: Some areas have mineral-rich water sources. "The water here is loaded with iron and comes out looking orange, even the well water for drinking. It didn't taste bad, but it definitely looked gross in a water bottle," reports a camper at Peninsula State Park.
Access challenges: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily," warns a visitor who struggled with the entrance road conditions.
Seasonal insects: May through July brings increased insect activity. "Mosquitos not so much. They were intense. Bring alot of repellant. Next time we go we'll probably permethrin our clothes to help," advises a Newport State Park visitor who otherwise loved their experience.
Tips for camping with families
Lake-focused activities: Smaller lakes provide safer water options for children. "We come here with the kids every spring. They always catch frogs, fish, and turtles. They also enjoy swimming across, and hiking and biking around the lake," reports a regular visitor to Old Veterans Lake.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Children can safely observe numerous species. "On water, sandy beach, rentals available for bikes, kayaks, paddle boats and more. Close to amenities like shopping & restaurants," notes a visitor to Peninsula State Park who found the diverse activities kept children engaged.
Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The pit toilets are better than most, the facilities with running water and flush toilets are clean as are the shower sites," writes a visitor who appreciated the maintenance level at Welcker's Point despite the rustic setting.
Weather preparedness: Weather patterns can change quickly. "It rained the whole time, but we loved it and want to return," notes a camper who visited Newport State Park during a wet period but found the experience positive nonetheless.
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. "We did have someone ratted on us for using our generator to supply our CPAPs because there was no electricity or water," reports a visitor to Old Veterans Lake who needed medical devices but faced complaints.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Careful research prevents access issues. "If you are camping RV style, you may want to check out the site you would like to reserve to be sure it will accommodate your vehicle," advises a regular visitor to Peninsula State Park who noted the variable site dimensions.
Electronic alternatives: Solar options work at some sites. "The first has more of an opening if solar and Starlink matter to you," notes a visitor to Oconto River - South Branch who found only certain sites suitable for power generation.
