189 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Just 15 minutes from the interstate, Rhinelander's camping areas include family spots like West Bay Camping Resort, which sits four miles from town and has a swimming pool and playgrounds. Bewabic State Park Campground draws campers who want hiking trails and fishing without many modern comforts. Lake George Campsite and several other local campgrounds give you good water access for swimming and kayaking. The Rhinelander area offers campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to those with full hookups for a comfortable stay. Some camping spots in the area work on a first-come, first-served basis, so you'll need to arrive early during busy times to get a site. The area sometimes has fire restrictions when conditions get dry, so check the rules before planning to have a campfire. Most Rhinelander campgrounds provide basic needs like vault toilets and drinking water. It's smart to make reservations when possible, particularly in summer when sites fill quickly. The Rhinelander area has camping that works well for both families and people looking for quiet time outdoors.
"Walked down to lake, very pretty.
Very close to highway, very quiet on week days. We had fun!!""My family and I love this quiet peaceful spot hidden off an old logging trail ,well kept and price efficient at 20 a night ."
"Located down a quiet paved road just 2 miles outside of town. You are close to the action but dont have to listen to it. Some sites are tight/close and others you could turn around in."
"If you want a quiet, secluded campground where you can just sit back and enjoy being out in the woods(we had deer walk through the back of our campsite at night), then you will enjoy this campground."
"We had the perfect set up.. right on the water and tucked into the woods. Our neighbors were to far to hear us and the bathrooms were near by!"
"Some provide camper access, walk in private access and water access. Cunard Lake allows non motorized watercrafts and has a great swimming area."
from $19 / night
Check Availability"There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registraion area. We arrived at our campsite, unloaded the bikes, then proceeded to ride to check in."
"Campsite is very near a lake with plenty of wildlife. The weather is unpredictable so bring extra layers just in case."
from $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $80 - $372 / night
Check Availability"Needed a place to stay in northern Wisconsin for a week and this campground was available. Great place for kids, right on Pelican Lake for fishing and boating, and nice friendly staff. VERY clean!"
"Lakeside sites have their own path to the lake. Campers would leave their water “toys” ashore for use the next day. Loons singing; very peaceful."
"Big Muskellunge Lake is one of many campgrounds situated in the North Highland American Legion State Forest and one of three in a two mile radius that offers modern facilities with showers and flush toilets"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Swam in lake. Very family and pet friendly. Would go back!! Recycling avail."
"Nestled on Lake Tomahawk, this small campground is comprised of drive-in and walk-in sites. Walk-in sites being tent camp only, which is the option we took."
from $25 / night
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TravelerWe stayed here the weekend(2 of us) and just walked the road that it was on. there isn’t a lot to do so you have to bring stuff. fishing is not good- this lady said it was a pond full of leeches. there was a “toilet” and nice spots to sit by the pond. there was no service but the spot was really quiet and very far apart from other spots. we did not run into anyone 1 car that drove down the road.
GuideWe stayed at Robinson Lake Dispersed Campground last night and really enjoyed it! It’s very easy to get to, located right off the highway, so you don’t have to worry about driving miles down rough backroads. There’s plenty of room to set up camp, and being right next to the lake makes it an even better spot.
There’s also plenty of downed wood around for a campfire, which is always a bonus when camping. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend a night away from everything.
Definitely a spot we’d recommend and would stay at again!
GuideHappened to stumble upon this gem of a campground.
GuideEasy pull off. Spacious. Dispersed, no services but does have a privy - clean! Fire pit & table. No cell service. Perfect for a few days out. 2 sites, one on either side of the bridge. Road in is easy, hard pack gravel. Very little traffic. Accessible for any setup.
TravelerWe camped with our camper and boat. It was very nice to keep our boat at the dock. There is a small swimming area with a pier. The campground doesn’t have many amenities but the staff was very helpful. We loved hiking in the campground and adjacent and nearby state forest hiking trails. Beautiful lake. The north side of the lake is Untouched state forest. The campground is close to many sightseeing spots such as museums and shops.
GuideRestate here , six nights at the very tail end of the season. We were the only ones left in the park , so it was very peaceful and quiet , lots of birds and squirrels and rabbits , which kept our dog and our cat entertained. This is like a state park with gravel parking spots, gravel dirt road on the way in, very well maintained. Lots of site options with and without power, full hookups with long big rig options are in the middle of the loop. But many of the sites within the park itself are not level, make sure you have leveling blocks or you look at your site options before you park. Very friendly, helpful people in the office.The bathrooms were clean , but basic. You pay for the shower with quarters. There are some nice little cabins scattered around to have family visit that don't have tents or trailers. Very niceChildren's play equipment near the entry and bathroom. Certainly more affordable than the fancy resorts. Starlink works well here. There's an old Speedway nearby, you can see it on google satellite view, but it is no longer used.So don't worry about that.
GuideWell separated sites offer excellent privacy in an old growth forest. CG was very quiet
GuideGreat little camping area with 2 spaces set up with fire pits. A boat launch and some four wheeler trailers along with hiking trails. Very peaceful! Camped here on way to Lake Superior and liked it so much, we stayed again on way back. Wasn’t busy but was early in the work week. We did hear wolves the second night.
GuideAmazing campground. A little traffic from nearby road but really quiet at night. We launched our row boat right from our campsite and the lake is gorgeous
Rhinelander's camping options sit at the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods region, surrounded by over 1,100 lakes within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, with occasional thunderstorms that campers should prepare for. The area's sandy soil allows for quick drainage after rain, making most campsites usable even after wet weather.
Paddling on quiet lakes: At Cunnard Lake — Northern Highland State Forest, non-motorized watercraft are welcome on the peaceful water. "Loved getting to paddleboard (brought my own) and listen to the loons day and night," writes Jordan A., who appreciates the quiet atmosphere.
Wildlife watching: The Northwoods ecosystem supports diverse wildlife visible from many campgrounds. Charles M. notes that at West Bay Camping Resort, there's "a wildlife school across the road with free trails you can walk," providing educational opportunities beyond the campsite.
Biking on paved trails: The region offers extensive biking opportunities through forested areas. "Convenient to the lovely bike trail that takes you to Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters," reports Shelley F. about camping near Crystal Lake, making it easy to explore neighboring communities by bicycle.
Peaceful lake access: Many campers value the serene water experiences. "Lake George Campsite was the smallest campground I've seen, 10 sites pretty close together. To be fair it was still very pretty and peaceful. Directly across from Lake George, easy and serene," notes Judy B. about Lake George Campsite.
Clear water lakes: The region's lakes are known for their exceptional clarity. "The lake is one of the cleanest I've ever been on," writes Braden H. about Clear Lake Campground, where swimming and water activities are particularly enjoyable due to the water quality.
Evening wildlife sounds: Natural soundscapes enhance the camping experience. "You will wake up to the sound of loons and go to bed with the sound of them," shares AnneMarie C., highlighting the distinctive calls that create a memorable atmosphere at many Rhinelander area lakes.
Quiet designated campgrounds: Some campgrounds have specific noise restrictions. "Lake Cunard campground was designated a 'Quiet' campground several years ago - one of only two in the 18 different Northern Highlands American Legion state forest campgrounds. That means no 'noise producing devices', including generators, radios, TV's, video games, guitars, etc. No means none," explains S P.
Reservation timing: Many popular sites book up quickly. "You will need to reserve your site 11 months in advance because it fills up fast," advises Joel N. about visiting Musky Lake Campground, especially for prime summer weekends.
Electrical concerns: Some campgrounds may have infrastructure limitations. Vincent S. reported at West Bay Camping Resort that they "had nothing but electrical issues the entire time we stayed there in a very hot part of summer," suggesting campers bring backup options for cooling during peak summer heat.
Kid-friendly swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas designed for families. "Great place for kids, right on Pelican Lake for fishing and boating," says Steve D. about Pelican Lake Campground, which also maintains exceptionally clean facilities.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play equipment to keep children entertained. Matthew K. notes that Clear Lake is "a popular campground so it can be busy and hectic but is nice for families. A lot of locals come to the swimming beach on the weekends."
Scooter-friendly roads: Paved roads at some campgrounds allow for additional recreation. "Paved roads made it easy for my children to navigate the grounds on their scooters," shares Corey D. about Indian Mounds campground, adding value for families with young children.
Site leveling requirements: RV campers should note the terrain variations. Charles M. mentions that at West Bay Camping Resort, "Some sites are tight/close and others you could turn around in. Most are fairly level or it doesn't take much to make your camper level."
Hook-up availability: Full hook-ups are available at select campgrounds. "We had a great time! Tall trees, no issues with branches. Quiet…a lot of full timers living there. Work during the day," reports eugenia W. about Terrace View Campsites, which offers water and electric connections.
Passport America discounts: Some private campgrounds honor camping club memberships. "Passport America discount honored for 7 days and Coast to Coast," notes Charles M., which can significantly reduce camping costs for club members staying near Rhinelander.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Rhinelander, WI for families?
For families visiting Rhinelander, Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park offers exceptional features with free canoe use on Game Lake, hiking trails, and access to the Ice Age Trail. Franklin Lake is another excellent family option with lakefront sites that include private beach access where kids can swim and play. Both campgrounds provide clean facilities and spacious sites with plenty of recreational opportunities. The Northern Highland State Forest region surrounding Rhinelander also offers numerous family-friendly options with bike trails, fishing, and water activities that keep children entertained while allowing parents to relax in Wisconsin's beautiful north woods setting.
Are there tent-specific camping areas available in Rhinelander?
Sailor Lake NF Campground offers dedicated tent sites, particularly along the waterside where you park and carry your gear to your campsite. This provides a more secluded and authentic tent camping experience. North Trout Lake Campground in the Northern Highland State Forest is another excellent option for tent campers, offering sites within a beautiful forested setting. Most campgrounds in the Rhinelander area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with tent campers often getting premium lakeside spots that aren't suitable for larger vehicles. These rustic tent sites typically include a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby access to vault toilets and water sources.
How far are campgrounds near Rhinelander, WI from downtown and local attractions?
Upper Gresham Lake Campground is located very close to Boulder Junction, a charming town where visitors can enjoy local attractions like the weekly Lyons Club flea market with homemade treats. Firefly Lake campground puts you near the towns of Woodruff and Minocqua, with access to multiple paved bike trails and hiking opportunities. Most campgrounds in the Rhinelander area are within a 15-30 minute drive to downtown, where you'll find restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The Northern Highland State Forest region offers over 900 lakes and 225,000 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities, all within easy driving distance of Rhinelander.
What is the typical cost for camping in Rhinelander, Wisconsin?
Camping costs around Rhinelander vary by amenities and location. Council Grounds State Park Campground requires both a day use fee and camping fee, making it one of the pricier options. Boot Lake Campground and similar National Forest campgrounds typically charge $15-25 per night for basic sites with vault toilets and water access. State Forest campgrounds in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest generally range from $15-30 per night depending on location and amenities. Private campgrounds may charge $30-50 for more amenities. Most public campgrounds in the area are rustic without electrical hookups, though some allow generator use during specific hours. Wisconsin residents typically pay less than non-residents at state parks and forests.
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