Tent camping near Portage, Wisconsin provides access to the varied terrain of Wisconsin's glacial landscape, including rocky bluffs, oak savannas, and wetland ecosystems. The region experiences seasonal extremes with hot, humid summers when temperatures can reach the high 80s and cold winters with temperatures often below freezing. Most primitive tent sites in the area become available from early May through mid-October, with campground water systems typically shut down by late October.
What to do
Biking trail access: Wild Goose State Trail connects to Wild Goose City Park in Juneau, providing tent campers a strategic rest point. "It's a good place to stop and have a break. There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," notes Kim L.
Water recreation: Camp Shin-Go-Beek offers lakefront access with swimming opportunities. A camper reports, "Incredibly peaceful with a ton of beautiful birds singing throughout the day, relatively private, and a short walk to the private beach at the lake. Being able to swim and float in the lake is an added bonus."
Rock climbing: Many local tent sites serve as base camps for climbing excursions. A visitor to Hickory Ridge Group Camp mentioned, "Spacious sites, lots of availability to swim and hike. Will definitely come back." The camp provides access to Governor Dodge State Park's climbing areas.
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: Weekday camping offers significant advantages with fewer people. "We went during the week and it kept the crowds to a minimum. The south shore beach was best," shares one camper about Devils Lake State Park Group Campground.
Wildlife observation: Oak savanna environments support diverse bird populations. Campers report hearing and seeing sandhill cranes near Sandhill Station State Campground. "We walked over to Mud Lake (in the park), and only saw sandhill cranes flying, not standing in the water," one visitor noted.
Budget-friendly group sites: Group camping areas typically cost $40 per night for multiple families, providing better value than individual sites. The spacious sites accommodate multiple tents and come with designated group fire rings.
What you should know
Carry-in requirements: Several campgrounds require campers to transport gear from parking areas. "The sites are all very remote; no onsite rangers or anything like that. Beautiful walk in sites, no carts to haul gear so pack light!" warns a Sandhill Station camper.
Seasonal bug conditions: Mosquito activity varies dramatically by season and proximity to water. Mid-summer camping near wetlands can be challenging, with one camper noting, "The sites are really near some stagnant water, though, so WAY too many mosquitoes, even with the really intense bug spray."
Limited amenities: Many of the best tent camping near Portage, Wisconsin comes with trade-offs in amenities. Governor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites requires a half-mile to mile hike from parking. "Great backpacking sites are 1/2-1 mile hike from parking lot. Great hike throughout the state park," explains Nick C.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping efficiency: When camping with multiple families, shared resources reduce overall packing needs. "Reserved the group camp for three families, cost was $40 a night for a secluded, spacious, clean group site," reports one Devils Lake camper.
Weather contingency plans: Some campgrounds offer shelter during severe weather. At Camp Shin-Go-Beek, a camper appreciated that "Ian was a great host and even checked on us to offer shelter in the admin building before a storm rolled through."
Dutch oven cooking: Bringing camp cookware significantly enhances meal options. One visitor to Devils Lake described their experience: "Camp life was awesome, we ate very well since we brought two Dutch ovens. We ate Cowboy Casserole, Mountain Man breakfast, peach cobbler, 7 can soup, hobo dinner and apple sausage casserole."
Tips from RVers
Tent camping with RV amenities: While many primitive sites cater exclusively to tent campers, some areas offer hybrid experiences. "There's a playground and public bathroom, drinking fountain. Plenty of space to spread out for a picnic when you're biking through," notes a visitor about facilities at Wild Goose City Park.
Site selection for level ground: Backpack sites often present challenges for tent placement. A camper at Governor Dodge State Park noted, "Small spot on rough ground not too level for tents but still feasible. Great hiking. We did the lost canyon trail which is just stunning with bluffs, small waterfall."
Off-season advantages: Visiting during spring or fall provides better temperature conditions and fewer insects. "I wouldn't go in the middle of summer, due to the limited shade, but it was very nice in early fall," advised a camper about Sandhill Station State Campground.
