The Phillips area offers extensive National Forest land for camping, with Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest encompassing over 1.5 million acres of northern Wisconsin wilderness. Most campgrounds near Phillips sit at elevations between 1,450 and 1,650 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with warm summer days and cool nights. Winter snowfall averages 70-90 inches annually, limiting most camping seasons to May through October.
What to do
Fishing the flowages: Chippewa Flowage near Chippewa NF Campground provides excellent panfish opportunities with minimal development. "There is a fish cleaning house...there were many pan fish caught by our group. There are very few houses on this flowage as it primarily belongs to the national forest," notes one camper.
Hiking forest trails: The Ice Age Trail passes through Eastwood NF Campground, offering both day hikes and backpacking options. "Our site had a wooded trail down to the flowage and onto the Mondeaux Esker Trail segment of the Ice Age Trail. The Mondeaux Esker segment was challenging (muddy) but fun," reports a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Sailor Lake NF Campground provide opportunities to spot deer, rabbits, and waterfowl. One reviewer noted, "We saw deer and fawn, rabbits and so many mallards in a couple hikes."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many national forest campgrounds near Phillips offer spacious sites with natural privacy. At Twin Lakes, "most sites have a way to the water and some have stairs down to the water," while at Sailor Lake, "it's very wooded and the sites are private."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution at Twin Lakes NF Campground creates ideal stargazing conditions. "Loads of stars here! Lots of trails to hike. I spent the day hiking the Round Lake trail and had it all to myself," shares one reviewer.
True wilderness feel: Many campers appreciate the undeveloped nature of these campgrounds. At Sailor Lake, visitors note the campground "offers something for ATVers, horseback riders, anglers and hikers," while another camper at Twin Lakes valued the "solitude" of being "the only one here this weekend."
What you should know
Limited services: Most national forest campgrounds have vault toilets without showers. "No showers on site, so we had to drive to the ranger station in order to shower, just a quick 5 min drive," reports a visitor to Connors Lake Campground.
Cell service gaps: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. One Connors Lake visitor noted, "There is no cell service at Connors Lake Campground. I could not even make an emergency call which was a concern for me."
Water access varies: Some campgrounds have water shut-offs seasonally or due to testing issues. "The water at the campground is shut off due to bad water tests. Plan ahead - there is a glacial spring within driving distance," warns an Eastwood camper.
Insect preparation: Be ready for seasonal insect activity, particularly in early summer. "The flies and some mosquitoes joined the ticks in making their presence felt too," notes one camper, while another mentioned tent worms at Chippewa in late May.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: When camping with children, choose RV campgrounds near Phillips, Wisconsin with flush toilets when possible. At Chippewa NF Campground, "The bathrooms have flush toilets and showers," making longer stays more comfortable.
Beach access: Thornapple River Campground offers kid-friendly water play. "The Thorneapple River is a sleepy, winding river. There are campsites right on the river. You can float or wade in it; it's shallow and refreshing," shares a camper.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer firsthand nature experiences for children. Campsites around Phillips frequently report wildlife sightings, and at Twin Lakes, the interpretive trail around Round Lake features "an informative sign maps the route."
Plan indoor options: With frequent afternoon thunderstorms possible in summer months, have backup activities. A reviewer at Connors Lake advises, "There is no weather safe shelter at the campground," suggesting day trips to nearby towns when weather turns.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many RV campgrounds in Phillips, Wisconsin area have variable site conditions. At Eastwood, "Our site was large though not real flat. We fit a car, suv and 17 ft boat," while at Chippewa, "Most sites are level—we were only staying one night and didn't even need to unhook our pickup."
Electric options: For powered sites, choose carefully as amperage varies. Chippewa offers "electric sites with 50-amp service and is big-rig friendly, though it lacks sewer hookups at individual sites."
Seasonal access considerations: Many forest roads leading to campgrounds have seasonal closures or condition issues. "The forest road is mostly paved with only a short stretch of smooth gravel," reports a Twin Lakes visitor, making this location accessible for most RVs during dry weather.
Spacing between units: RVers appreciate the national forest campgrounds for their generous spacing. At Chippewa, "Sites are spread out with woods between the sites," while at Connors Lake, sites have "large, wooded sites. Secluded from neighbors."
