Camping options near Rib Lake, Wisconsin offer diverse experiences across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest region at elevations averaging 1,500 feet. The area features multiple flowages and small lakes connected by forest service roads. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from May through October due to Wisconsin's northern climate with winter closures standard.
What to do
Hiking on the Ice Age Trail: Access trail segments directly from Spearhead Point campground. "Ice Age National Scenic Trail goes through camp," notes camper Mark B., who appreciates the historic elements nearby.
Fishing from campsite piers: Several waterfront sites at Spearhead Point include dedicated fishing access. "The fishing is great- lots of bluegill!! Will catch on almost every throw! Great for taking kids fishing. You get a pier at your campsite to tie your boat up at," shares Kalene H.
Lake swimming: Eastwood NF Campground provides water access via wooded trails. "Our site had a wooded trail down to the flowage and onto the Mondeaux Esker Trail segment of the Ice Age Trail," explains reviewer Anikka T., who found the trail challenging but enjoyable despite muddy conditions.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for deer that frequently move through campsites in early morning and evening. "Sites are well spread out, you barely notice there are other sites nearby. Dark and quiet at night," reports Greg D. about Eastwood NF Campground, noting wildlife encounters common after sunset.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Chapman Park Campground earns praise for its generous site spacing. "Clean green spaces to play fetch with the dog or let the kids run are all over this park," notes David K., who appreciated having ample room without overcrowding.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out at multiple locations. "The bathrooms were very clean and didn't stink. Bathrooms and showers were clean," reports a visitor at Council Grounds State Park Campground, which maintains year-round operations.
Quiet, undiscovered locations: Many campers value the lack of crowds. "On a Saturday in August, we found a completely quiet campground. Nice, well-spaced wooded sites on a rolling hill with glimpses of the lake through the trees," reports Amanda P. about Eastwood NF Campground.
Waterfront access: Direct water access ranks high among camper priorities. "The waterfront is beautiful with a nice picturesque bridge to a little island," writes David K. about Chapman Park, highlighting the scenic setting that makes these rv campgrounds near Rib Lake, Wisconsin special.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Some locations have restrictions or closures. "One drawback was the water at the campground is shut off due to bad water tests. Plan ahead - there is a glacial spring within driving distance," warns Anikka T. about Eastwood NF Campground.
Seasonal insect considerations: Plan accordingly for bug activity. "Tent worms had infested the campground! Dropping from the trees and landing on you and all your belongings," cautions Becky S. about a Memorial Day weekend at Chippewa NF Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We stayed here one night while driving home from Lake Superior. I found this to be a pricey evening as you have to pay for a day use fee as well as a camping fee," notes Annie C. about Council Grounds State Park.
Firewood regulations: State and federal campgrounds enforce firewood restrictions. "Apparently there have been beetle issues in Wisconsin and most campgrounds require you to buy your firewood locally or on-site," explains Luis from Moen Lake Campground & RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shallow swimming areas: Several locations offer kid-friendly water access. "Great for taking kids fishing. You can kayak down the river past the dam and avoid the other boating area," advises Tina D. about Council Grounds State Park.
Consider group sites for large gatherings: Some parks offer dedicated spaces. "For this particular trip, we reserved group sites A and B. They each have concrete pads for 3 campers and TONS of space to spread out and/or set up tents," shares Amanda G. about her family's experience at Council Grounds.
Check playground availability: Some campgrounds include play areas. "There is a lighted park for kids to play at night and plenty of fishing," notes Scott J. about Chapman Park Campground.
Watch for wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers natural educational experiences. "We had deer walk through the back of our campsite at night," shares Luis from Moen Lake Campground, noting the quiet, secluded environment perfect for wildlife encounters.
Tips from RVers
Confirm site dimensions before booking: Sites vary widely in accommodation capacity. "We fit a car, suv and 17 ft boat," notes Anikka T. about Eastwood NF Campground, though she cautions that the site "was large though not real flat."
Understand campground rules about vehicles: Some locations have strict policies. "They are also very picky about the number of 'wheels' on each site. This is specified on the rules when you reserve and they aren't kidding," cautions Cathy J. about Chippewa NF Campground.
Check cell service if working remotely: Coverage varies significantly at Rib Lake rv campgrounds. "We had one bar on Verizon," reports Amy E. about her July stay at Chippewa NF Campground.
Verify seasonal operation dates: Many campgrounds close during winter. "We pulled in on a Sunday night and all but had the place to ourselves," notes David W. about Chapman Park, indicating low mid-week occupancy even during operating season.
