1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites in the Saxon, Wisconsin region offer a mix of remote island camping and secluded forest experiences. The Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area provides tent campers with island sites accessible only by boat, featuring fire rings and pit toilets in a wilderness setting. Several miles north, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers tent camping on islands like Stockton, Oak, and Michigan Island, all requiring boat transportation to reach these pristine Lake Superior destinations.
Most tent camping areas near Saxon maintain primitive conditions with basic amenities. Fire rings are standard at most sites, though picnic tables are less common at remote locations. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage's tent sites are first-come, first-served, while Apostle Islands campsites require reservations through the National Park Service. Vault toilets are available at most established sites, but drinking water is rarely provided. A recent review noted, "The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water."
Tent campers seeking solitude will find the region's scattered sites particularly rewarding. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage offers what one camper described as "camping with the bare minimum" where "it's like having an island to yourself." Sites throughout the area provide varying levels of privacy, with some offering complete seclusion in wooded settings. Union River Outpost Camp in the nearby Porcupine Mountains features just three tent sites in a heavily wooded area, creating an intimate camping experience. Most tent sites in the region serve as excellent bases for hiking, fishing, and paddling adventures, with wildlife viewing opportunities including bald eagles, loons, and deer. Winter access is limited at most locations, with the primary camping season running from late May through September.
"The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is dubbed the "Boundary Waters of Wisconsin" and for good reason! The quality of the waters, vast array of channels, islands and camping spots is simply amazing."
"It is a larger site with the addition of a picnic table"
Available this weekend
from $19 - $50 / night
"Great location on a river and was there when no one else was. Stayed two nights and moved to a site further into the woods the second night."
from $15 / night
"Access to the islands is by water shuttle https://www.apostleisland.com/shuttles-camping/ or via your own watercraft."
"Sites were divided by natural vegetation, the trails were nice. I’d definitely return!!!"
from $15 / night
"All others are close to ranger station. Bring head nets and long clothes june-july for bugs.
Long hike to get to The Overlook. Bring a sandwich and water. Hike light."
"They tell you the campsite is rustic and there’s no water and electricity and it’s exactly how they describe it. The outhouse was clean though rustic but it does have a light."
"the front desk to let them know what space you are in."
from $25 / night
"We had more than enough room to set up and could even have fit additional tents."
"If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind. Bugs were bad in late May."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
"The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water."
"This campground has 4 walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, and suitable areas for tents."
from $15 / night
ScoutSite 28. Literally right on shore. Sleeping to the waves and waking up to endless water. T-Mobile says no coverage in Dyrt app, but I had two bars most of the time.
RangerSites are very close together but the area is beautiful. Maybe it was unusual but it was very windy for 3 days in a row
RangerPotato falls is beautiful. A bit of a walk to both the upper and lower falls and I did not find actual easy access to the water, although I’m traveling solo so there’s only so much risk I’ll take. There’s some sort of protest here going on but the group has been quiet. I was discouraged at first thinking I wouldn’t find a spot, but the sites are far enough apart (out of eye sight within ear shot) that I felt comfortable staying. I walked to both upper and lower falls - about 320ish steps total. Verizon has 2 bars of service. Pit toilet located in the pavilion like area. Campsite has picnic table and fire pit.
TravelerBeautiful, quiet campground with a true wilderness feel. The three nearby waterfalls are a must-see, and make sure to spend some time exploring the riverbed around them—it was one of the highlights of our stay. Great location for hiking, scenery, and enjoying the natural side of the Porcupine Mountains.
GuideThis is a beautiful campground. Well maintained. Clean restrooms with showers (coin operated with 3 quarters). Our campsite was close to Lake Superior. This whole campground used to be William Hinds Lumber Mill. Amazing history for the area.
GuideLocated literally on the lake shore, for tent campers. I would have probably chosen one of those sites, however you couldn’t park your car there because they didn’t want you to drive on the grass. Since I was sleeping in the car I chose a spot back in the trees. It was also better sheltered from the off lake chilly breeze. WiFi did not reach my site. Showers were cramped and frustrating to use because you had to hold down on a pull string and the faucet head was only 2 in. from the wall. At least it was hot. Everything was clean and well kept up. Check in was online. I overnight October 1 and hiked the Apostle Islands Trail from Meyers Beach the next day.
TravelerWe had a site along the lake, close to the bath house and across from the camp host. Barb house and showers very clean. Bought fire wood at a great a lot right down the road.
GuideOnce found a very nice 10 site with two meticulous kept vault toilets. Some site offer lake views with access. All sites are shaded.
GuidePros: Every site is private and level with picnic table and fire pit. A few sites have lake views. Clean pit bathrooms. Nice small craft boat launch.
Cons: No showers. No hookups. 4 mile gravel road to destination. May be difficult to navigate for rigs greater than 30’
Tent campsites near Saxon, Wisconsin span across forested peninsulas and island territories within the Lake Superior basin. The region features a unique northern climate with summer temperatures averaging 65-75°F during peak camping months from late May through early September. Most primitive sites in this area sit at elevations between 600-1,200 feet with distinctive boreal forest vegetation including white pine, hemlock, and birch trees.
Fishing opportunities: At Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, the 12,942-acre flowage offers excellent fishing conditions. "Great fishing as well," notes camper Kelli D., who appreciates the lake's maximum 50-foot depth.
Hiking to viewpoints: On Oak Island in the Apostle Islands, campers can reach impressive elevated viewpoints. "Long hike to get to The Overlook. Bring a sandwich and water. Hike light," advises Kurt S. about the trail system on this island, which features the highest elevation point in the archipelago.
Paddling excursions: The region offers paddling routes through connected waterways. At Wabasso Lake Recreation Area, campers enjoy water access to multiple lakes. "There is a nearby Headwaters Lakes Natural Area with a hundred year old road that hikers will enjoy. It takes you back a mile or longer into the forest, between Wabasso and Emily Lakes," explains Dennis L.
Island isolation: Many campers value the solitude of having an entire island to themselves. At Stockton Island, "walkin campsites are spread out further down the shore, under magnificent trees, along the sandy shore, with plenty of seclusion and a great rustic experience," according to Janet R.
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse wildlife populations. "Wildlife is abundant with Bald Eagles, Loons, deer, coyotes, and sounds of wolves," says Jay W. about camping on Turtle Flambeau Flowage.
Waterfront sites: Many tent sites sit directly on bodies of water. At Point Detour Wilderness Campground, "Our site had a short trail directly to Lake Superior," reports Brittany M., highlighting the easy water access from select campsites.
Limited amenities: Most tent sites offer minimal facilities. "The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water," explains Theodora M. about Wabasso Lake Recreation Area.
Transportation requirements: Island camping requires watercraft. For Oak Island camping, access is only via boat, with no bridge connections to the mainland.
Reservation processes: Systems vary between public lands. "The reservation set up is a bit odd since you have to make it with the casino/hotel front desk and check in there, but the campground is about 9 miles away. Once you get to the campground, then you call the front desk to let them know what space you are in," explains Amy G. about Point Detour Wilderness Campground.
Designated family sites: Some areas offer specific family-friendly options. "F17 is a island family site. It is a larger site with the addition of a picnic table," notes Rob M. about Turtle Flambeau Flowage's designated family camping areas.
Security considerations: Always research safety conditions. At Big Rock Campground, Janet R. mentions, "a concern for me was a notice up about frequent car break-ins and campsite vandalism there. We ended up not staying here because no one else was at any of the campsites and we wondered about security. Might be a good spot if you wanted to come as a group, though!"
Site selection strategy: When camping with children, choose appropriate sites. "Site-A is where it's at for group camping (8-24 people)," suggests Kurt S. about Oak Island, providing guidance for larger family groups.
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Saxon have restricted vehicle access. At Union River Outpost Camp, Scott D. notes, "Site was not that level. If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind," highlighting challenges even for tent setups.
Alternative facilities: RVers can utilize facilities at nearby locations. Amy G. explains about Point Detour, "There ARE showers available, but not at the campground. You can sign up for a time slot at the casino front desk and then go there and take one."
Site spacing: When vehicle camping is possible, site privacy varies. "All were very unique, no two were the same. Some very small for a tiny tent and privacy and a few others more open for bigger tents and maybe a small family group," notes Amy G. about the rustic camping options at Point Detour Wilderness Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Saxon, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Saxon, WI is Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Saxon, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Saxon, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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