The Rhinelander, Wisconsin area sits within the vast 1.5-million-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at approximately 1,600 feet elevation. This northwoods region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping months of June through September. Winter tent camping isn't recommended as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access for anglers looking to catch musky, walleye, and bass. At Moen Lake Campground & RV Park, visitors can fish right from their campsite. According to one camper, "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."
Hiking trails: The Sam Cambell trail near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site provides an easy walking route between small lakes. One reviewer noted, "The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it's a nice walk to another tiny lake."
Paddling: The lakes around Rhinelander are ideal for canoeing and kayaking due to their relatively shallow depths. At Ada Lake Recreation Area, motors are restricted. A reviewer mentioned, "Only electric motors on the lake so it is usually a quiet setting."
Swimming: Many campgrounds feature small beaches for summer swimming. As one camper at Wabasso Lake Recreation Area noted, "The lake is gorgeous and swimmable."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many tent camping options near Rhinelander provide significant privacy between sites. At Camp New Wood County Park, "There were maybe only 1-2 other camp sites taken when we arrived and they were on the other end so nice and quiet."
Wildlife viewing: The northwoods ecosystem supports abundant wildlife visible from campsites. As one camper at Moen Lake described, "We had deer walk through the back of our campsite at night."
Night sky: The minimal light pollution around Rhinelander allows for excellent stargazing opportunities. At Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, campers experience "waking up and going to sleep with the song from the Loons. It can get a little loud on weekends when you have a Flowage full of campers as noise echoes off the trees water."
Rustic experience: Most tent camping in the Rhinelander area offers a true back-to-nature experience. One Ada Lake visitor described it as "A nice up north campground. No reservations so it is first come first serve."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites have minimal amenities. At Moen Lake, "The basic amenities are here, picnic table, fire pit, bath house with showers within walking distance, electrical (30amp) and water hookups, but don't expect them to be 5 star quality, they are there, they are functional, that's about all you can say."
Campsite access varies: Several campgrounds require short walks to reach tent sites. At Wabasso Lake Recreation Area, "There are only walk-in tent sites here. We missed that before we headed here so we needed to look elsewhere."
Firewood restrictions: Wisconsin has strict firewood transportation regulations due to invasive species. A Moen Lake camper noted, "Apparently there have been beetle issues in Wisconsin and most campgrounds require you to buy your firewood locally or on-site."
Cell service: Most tent camping areas around Rhinelander have limited or no cell coverage. When camping at Turtle Flambeau, "I wouldn't count on your phone for service."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas for children. Ada Lake Recreation Area features "a nice up north campground" where "A local family drove in to spend the day at the Ada Lake beach."
Easy hiking options: Several campgrounds offer short, manageable trails suitable for younger hikers. Camp New Wood County Park includes "the scenic Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail."
Food storage: Bears are present throughout the Rhinelander area, requiring proper food storage. At Turtle Flambeau, wildlife is "abundant with Bald Eagles, Loons, deer, coyotes, and sounds of wolves."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Rhinelander don't accommodate large RVs, but a few campgrounds offer basic services. At Moen Lake, they have "electrical (30amp) and water hookups" but "No onsite sewer, but did have a dump station."
Access roads: Many forest roads leading to tent camping areas are unpaved and narrow. Ada Lake requires you to "negotiate a few miles of gravel and dirt road but others brought their larger rv's."
Site surfaces: Most tent camping pads consist of natural ground rather than gravel. At Ada Lake, one camper found the campground to be "great, albeit gravely."
