Tent camping near Schofield, Wisconsin provides access to the glacial terrain of north-central Wisconsin, where elevations range from 1,200 to 1,600 feet throughout Marathon and Lincoln Counties. The area receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually, with peak camping season running May through September when temperatures average 65-80°F during daytime hours. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, closing when snow begins to accumulate in late October.
What to do
Hiking access: Camp New Wood County Park connects directly to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, allowing campers to hike directly from their sites. The trail follows glacial formations with several day-hiking options ranging from 2-8 miles in difficulty. According to visitors, "The park includes the scenic Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail" with multiple access points.
Fishing opportunities: North Twin Lake Recreation Area offers no-wake lake fishing ideal for small watercraft or shore fishing. The lake contains "excellent fishing mostly consisting of Bass and Bluegills and Perch," according to campers who recommend using "a trolling motor or even a canoe to fish" rather than motorized boats due to lake regulations.
Swimming locations: Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area, located near Picnic Point Campground, serves as a popular swimming destination for campers. As one visitor notes, "Mondeux dam isn't far away which serves food and is a nice swimming hole," making it a convenient option during summer heat.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Picnic Point Campground offers secluded sites around Mondeaux Flowage. Campers describe it as "nice and private" with a "very nice lake" that remains peaceful even during busy weekends. The tent-only group site receives particularly positive reviews for its seclusion.
Low occupancy: Camp New Wood County Park rarely reaches capacity, even during peak season. Visitors appreciate that "there were maybe only 1-2 other camp sites taken when we arrived and they were on the other end so nice and quiet," creating a more secluded experience than larger campgrounds in the region.
Spacious sites: North Twin Lake Recreation Area features oversized lakefront campsites. Campers note the "campground was always very peaceful and all the campsites on the lake had plenty of space for multiple tents or campers," making it suitable for larger groups wanting to camp together.
What you should know
Water access challenges: Camp New Wood County Park requires planning for water needs. One camper advises, "The water is a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods so you might want to bring your own," recommending campers arrive with filled containers rather than relying on on-site sources.
Fire ring configurations: Most campgrounds offer fire rings without cooking grates. At Camp New Wood, "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," meaning campers should pack charcoal for cooking.
Toilet facilities: Basic pit toilets without electricity are standard throughout the area. Visitors to Camp New Wood note "The pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting so bring a flashlight," a common situation at most primitive campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
First-time camping location: Camp New Wood County Park offers a low-stress entry point for family camping. One family reports, "My kids and husband loved the campground. It wasn't my favorite, but it was a nice/quiet/peaceful campground," noting the small size makes it manageable for new campers.
Last-minute options: When primary destinations fill up, several smaller campgrounds typically have availability. One family shares, "We ended up camping here after finding out the last site at Council Grounds was taken by the time we got there," demonstrating the value of having backup locations identified.
Local connections: North Twin Lake campsites provide opportunities to interact with local cabin owners. According to regular visitors, "The people that live/have cabins on the lake are all extremely friendly," creating a community atmosphere unusual for more remote camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Small RV limitations: Most tent campgrounds near Schofield accommodate smaller RVs but lack hookups. Pioneer Park & Campground in Ogema is big-rig friendly but offers primitive camping with no electric, water, or sewer connections, requiring RVers to be fully self-contained.
Off-season accessibility: Several campgrounds remain accessible during shoulder seasons when temperatures drop. Pioneer Park & Campground operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and road maintenance schedules.
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