Tent camping near Rothschild, Wisconsin encompasses several primitive and rustic sites within an hour's drive. The area sits within the Northern Highland region at approximately 1,220 feet above sea level, characterized by mixed hardwood forests and glacial lakes. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from late April through October with several sites closing after Labor Day due to early frost conditions.
What to do
Fishing from shore: North Twin Lake Recreation Area offers fishing opportunities on a no-wake lake. "There is excellent fishing mostly consisting of Bass and Bluegills and Perch. It's a no wake lake so plan on just using a trolling motor or even a canoe to fish," notes Aaron D., a lifelong visitor to North Twin Lake Recreation Area.
Hiking on trail networks: Several campgrounds provide direct access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. "The park includes the scenic Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail," reports Amanda K. about her stay at Camp New Wood County Park. Tent campers can access multiple trailheads directly from their sites.
Group wilderness camping: For organized groups seeking a more communal tent camping experience, some sites offer designated areas. "Tent only, reservable group site at Mondeaux recreation area. Boat landing, Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest," describes Mark B. about his experience at Picnic Point Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Most tent campers appreciate the ample room at sites. "The sites are a decent size and it's right on the Ice Age Trail with lots of hiking to be enjoyed right from your camp site," notes Kendra N. about her Labor Day weekend at Camp New Wood County Park.
Privacy between sites: The natural spacing and vegetation between tent sites creates solitude. "Very nice lake, nice and private," states Kelli D. about her camping experience at Picnic Point Campground. This separation allows campers to maintain a sense of wilderness even in established campgrounds.
Last-minute availability: Unlike more developed camping areas, these primitive sites often have openings even during peak season. "Others we spoke to that stayed there before said its hardly ever full and you can easily get a spot. For $15 a night, it was a decent stay and we would go again if ever in the area," explains Kendra N. regarding Camp New Wood County Park.
What you should know
Limited water access: Many sites require campers to bring their own water or travel to central collection points. "The water is a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods so you might want to bring your own," advises Kendra N. about camping at Camp New Wood.
Basic toilet facilities: Most tent sites feature pit toilets with minimal amenities. "There are outhouses close to the campgrounds but that's about it for amenities," explains Aaron D. regarding North Twin Lake Recreation Area. Campers should bring flashlights for nighttime bathroom trips.
Fire ring variations: Fire regulations and equipment differ between sites. "The fire rings are quite large and hold a lot of fire wood. There are no grates for cooking over the fire ring but there are stand alone grills at each site that would require charcoal," notes Kendra N.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly adventure sites: Some campgrounds offer structured activities particularly suited for children. "If you have kids looking for adventure, this is a great place to be. There's primarily tent sites with trails, a lake, an obstacle course and more right nearby," recommends David K. about Camp Wilderness, noting it's "a good place to initiate your kids with the outdoors and teach them fun skills."
Quieter alternatives for busy weekends: When popular state parks fill up, nearby county parks offer viable alternatives. "We ended up camping here after finding out the last site at Council Grounds was taken by the time we got there. There were maybe only 1-2 other camp sites taken when we arrived and they were on the other end so nice and quiet," shares Amanda K. about her family's experience.
Local swimming options: While not all campgrounds have swimming areas, several have nearby access points. "Mondeux dam isnt far away which serves food and Is a nice swimming hole," suggests Aaron D., referencing recreational options near North Twin Lake.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup services: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Rothschild have minimal to no RV accommodations. Camp New Wood County Park does offer sanitary dump facilities but lacks electric, sewer or water hookups at individual sites. Tent camping remains the primary focus for most locations within 30 miles of Rothschild.
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger recreational vehicles. Camp New Wood County Park notes that their seven sites are not big-rig friendly, with Kendra N. mentioning "It was a bit tricky to find as its north of the park and not well identified." RVers should contact campgrounds directly to verify accessibility.