Tent camping near Port Wing, Wisconsin offers secluded backcountry experiences with sites often surrounded by northern mixed forests at elevations between 600-1,200 feet. Weather patterns from Lake Superior create frequent temperature swings, with summer nights dropping to the low 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Campers should pack layers and rain gear regardless of season due to the lake effect precipitation patterns.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Big Rock Campground sits directly on a trout stream with multiple fishing spots within walking distance of campsites. According to camper Eric, "We would fill our jugs" at a "great water source in Ashland next to the lake" while staying at Big Rock Campground.
Hiking to viewpoints: The Bean and Bear Lakes trail offers challenging terrain with significant elevation gain leading to panoramic vistas. One camper notes, "The hike into the Bean and Bear Lakes is fun and has some great views in itself. Though the best and most gratifying part of the hike is getting to the top of the overlook and seeing both lakes." Bean and Bear Lakes requires moderate hiking experience.
Paddling opportunities: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for canoes and kayaks. At Tettegouche State Park, "Your cabin rental includes a canoe to use on beautiful Mic Mac Lake," making it easy to explore without bringing your own watercraft.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between camping areas. At Point Detour Wilderness Campground, "Sites had the grass cut. Sites had a fire pit and picnic table," and "Most had decent space between them so you couldn't see neighbors. Lots of mature trees and bushes."
Lake Superior shoreline access: Campsites with pathways to Lake Superior are in high demand. One camper at Point Detour noted, "Our site had a short trail directly to Lake Superior," providing convenient beach access from their campsite.
Free firewood availability: Some locations offer complimentary firewood, which campers find particularly valuable. A visitor to Point Detour Wilderness Campground was surprised to find "free firewood! Or at least there was a large pile of it when we were there. Free for the taking, so that was a nice surprise."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds have unique booking processes. At Lake Superior Cart-in Campground, "The reservation set up is a bit odd since you have to make it with the casino/hotel front desk and check in there, but the campground is about 9 miles away. Once you get to the campground, then you call the front desk to let them know what space you are in."
Site maintenance inconsistency: Campground upkeep can vary significantly between sites and visits. A camper at Point Detour noted, "Some sites had grass which had not been cut in quite some time and would make it really difficult to camp, others had the grass cut."
Highway noise at some locations: Traffic sounds can reach certain camping areas. At Lake Superior Cart-in Campground, a camper mentioned, "I gave it a 4 not a 5 because we could hear traffic from highway 61 all night," despite otherwise enjoying the experience.
Tips for camping with families
Cart-in options for kids: Several locations offer cart-in access that works well for families with gear. At Tettegouche State Park, "We camped in the cart-in area and it was a blast! It was our first time doing the cart-in and was slightly hard, but you have to commit to this if you reserve. The trek into the campground was manageable and the area was very scenic."
Security considerations: Some remote areas have reported past issues with property security. At Big Rock Campground, one visitor observed "a notice up about frequent car break-ins and campsite vandalism there. We ended up not staying here because no one else was at any of the campsites and we wondered about security. Might be a good spot if you wanted to come as a group, though!"
Bear-proofing needs: Food storage is important as bears are active in the region. Campers appreciate that "The bear boxes at the site are also convenient so hauling food to the car at night is unnecessary, and the boxes are big enough to stash extra gear or valuables while you're not on site (padlock compatible)."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most camping near Port Wing offers primitive RV spots with few or no hookups. At Sand Island, an RVer noted the sites are "very secluded from one another so you hardly run into people," but warned that utilities are minimal to non-existent.
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have rough access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. One visitor to Big Rock Campground described it as a "backside campground" that offers a "Great, secluded spot" but may present challenges for larger vehicles on the narrow access roads.
Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds in the area prohibit generators, requiring RVers to be self-sufficient with battery power. Check each location's specific rules, as policies vary between state, county, and private campgrounds in the region.
