Tent campsites near Presque Isle, Wisconsin feature walk-in options that provide quick access to water activities and hiking trails. The region sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, offering a mix of northern hardwood forests and glacial lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, with early mornings often featuring ground fog over lakes through late June.
What to do
Portage paddling routes: At Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping, beginners can try entry-level canoe camping without difficult portaging. "Loved my first experience at canoe camping. We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear," reports Ann M.
Waterfall exploration: Within 2 miles of Union River Rustic Outpost Camp, campers can access multiple waterfall viewing areas. "Keep walking past campsites and over the bridge. Take the right trail and it connects with the Union River mine trail. It's 1 mile long and perfect for relaxing after dinner," notes Art S.
Bird watching: Morning hours offer prime viewing of loons, eagles and occasionally white deer. "We had a mating pair of eagles about 50 yards from our landing," writes one camper at Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, while another visitor to Boulder Junction mentioned, "We were lucky enough to see a white deer."
What campers like
Island privacy: Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offers boat-in tent sites on personal islands. "We settled on this amazing site called 'Zelda's' nestled in a bay which is off the main drag of boats. It was quiet, heavily wooded, secluded and perfect for two. This site (like many) was on its own private island," shares Kim.
Swimming opportunities: Many primitive tent areas feature small beaches or swimming access. "The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water," notes Theodora M. about Wabasso Lake Recreation Area. Another camper at Turtle Flambeau mentioned, "There was also a nice sandy beach 100 yards from our landing on an opposite strip of the flowage."
Limited site availability: The small number of sites at certain campgrounds creates better solitude. "This site only has three sites, so you are fairly private," explains Scott D. about Union River Outpost, while another camper valued the "Very wooded and quiet camp area - only 3 sites total in this loop!"
What you should know
Severe insect pressure: Biting insects can be overwhelming in summer months, especially in June and July. "Only real minus: BUGS. this campground was FULL of mosquitos and biting flies. Even with bug spray, the assault was nonstop," warns Kyle K. about Burned Dam Campground. Another camper noted, "The flies were quite bothersome so we decided to move on."
Site characteristics: Many tent sites lack level ground even in designated campgrounds. "If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind," cautions Scott D. about Union River Outpost. At Sylvania Wilderness, one camper reported, "Finding a truly flat spot free of any small mounds of moss or decayed nurse logs can be a challenge."
Pack-in water: Most primitive tent sites require campers to bring water or filtration equipment. One camper at Burned Dam noted, "There is a vault toilet but no water or garbage," while another mentioned using "nearby Clark Lake" as "the primary water source."
Tips for camping with families
Beach tent sites: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has areas with tent access to small sandy beaches. "This is a huge campsite on a dead end road. The parking area is huge so one could fit a trailer or pop up there. There is a sandy beach on a small lake full of fish," reports Kay K.
Group navigation: Children should learn basic compass skills before trips to more remote sites. "We Had fun exploring in the woods and getting lost! Good thing we had Lucas to guide us towards the river," shares Liz D. about camping near Boulder Junction.
Weather adaptability: Summer temperature swings can require both warm and cool weather gear. "The weather was a bit cold on Lake Superior and our picnic was ruined. However we had a great laugh making sandwiches in the car in a middle of a rain storm," notes one camper.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Most primitive tent campgrounds have small parking areas unsuitable for larger RVs. "We walked in to see the sites and they are beautiful. Wabasso Lake is visible from campsite but step closer and it's beauty awaits," reports Art S. about Wabasso Lake Recreation Area, noting they "missed that before we headed here so we needed to look elsewhere."
Alternative positioning: At some rustic sites, RV orientation may need adjustment. "The gravel drive was uphill so we ended up turning the camper 90 degrees," shares one camper about Union River Outpost Camp.
Resource planning: No hookups means careful water management for RVers. "More amenities can be found at the main campground in the state park. We filled up with water there," advises Art S. about camping near the Porcupine Mountains.
