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Best Tent Camping near Summit Lake, WI

330 Reviews

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest surrounding Summit Lake, Wisconsin offers several tent camping options within a 30-mile radius. Ada Lake Recreation Area and Ada Lake NF Campground near Wabeno provide highly-rated tent campsites with lakeside options. Camp New Wood County Park in Merrill features seven tent sites adjacent to the Ice Age Trail. For those seeking more seclusion, Three Johns Lake Dispersed camping area offers a tent-only walk-in site on an undeveloped lake in the national forest, while Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road provides primitive tent camping along a flowing stream.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities with varying surface conditions. Ada Lake's sites are primarily dirt and gravel with no concrete pads, making them suitable for tent setup. Access roads to some campgrounds require navigating gravel and dirt roads, with dispersed sites often needing higher clearance vehicles. One camper noted that the Oconto River site has a "rough turn-off" where "4x4 is recommended." Most established campgrounds provide pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, while dispersed areas have minimal or no facilities. The camping season typically runs May through October, with Ada Lake NF Campground specifically open May 3 to October 11. Wisconsin's beetle issues require purchasing firewood locally or at campgrounds rather than bringing it from outside areas.

Tent campers frequently comment on the tranquility of these northwoods sites. At Camp New Wood County Park, visitors report that "it's hardly ever full and you can easily get a spot," making it reliable even on holiday weekends. Ada Lake receives consistent praise for its peaceful setting, with one camper noting they "arrived mid-week and had no problem getting a lakeside campsite." The sites at Old Veterans Lake County Park offer particular privacy, with trails leading directly to the water from individual campsites. Three Johns Lake provides complete solitude as the only tent site on the lake. Morning fog over the lakes, abundant wildlife including frogs and fish, and access to hiking trails enhance the primitive tent camping experience throughout the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Summit Lake, Wisconsin (19)

    1. Ada Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Wabeno, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 276-6333

    "One was a multi-layer setup while others were more hidden as they moved further away from the lake. The picnic tables look very new and the vault toilets are well kept."

    "We arrived mid-week and had no problem getting a lakeside campsite. The sites are low compared to the water level, so it was an easy walk from our campsite to the water (no stairs to climb)."

    2. High Lake County Park

    Be the first to review!
    Deerbrook, WI
    6 miles
    +1 (715) 623-6214

    3. Ada Lake NF Campground

    2 Reviews
    Wabeno, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 276-3594

    "A nice little beach, quiet well spaced sites, and nearby snowmobile/hiking trails. The lake it small with a few lake cabins across the lake."

    "Trolling motors only on this lake. Good fishing and quite. Dirty and grave sites with no concrete pads. Great place to spend a week or two!"

    4. Moen Lake Campground & RV Park

    1 Review
    Rhinelander, WI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (262) 893-2540

    "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."

    5. Camp New Wood County Park

    2 Reviews
    Irma, WI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 539-1034

    "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."

    "The park includes the scenic Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail. There is only pit toilets here, no showers. There is only 7 sites."

    6. Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road

    4 Reviews
    Mountain, WI
    33 miles

    "Decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic. No service :)"

    "The entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky. I believe a camper could make it going slowly. The second campsite entrance may have an easier time in."

    7. Octonto River - South Branch

    1 Review
    Townsend, WI
    31 miles

    "There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart. 

    The first has more of an opening if solar and Starlink matter to you."

    8. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site

    1 Review
    Hiles, WI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-2827

    "There is a sandy beach on a small lake full of fish. The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it’s a nice walk to another tiny lake."

    9. Pine Lake

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    Hiles, WI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-6407

    10. Three Johns Lake Dispersed

    1 Review
    Three Lakes, WI
    39 miles

    "Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Summit Lake, WI

10 Photos of 19 Summit Lake Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Summit Lake, WI

330 Reviews of 19 Summit Lake Campgrounds

  • Michael M.
    Oct. 3, 2017

    Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground

    Nice views fishing not so great

    This campground is right on the Ice Age Trail and a nice place to stop off during an extended hike.

    There are not that many sites available here and most do supply electricity. More people tent camp here rather than RV camping. There are pit toilets but no shower house although there are water spigots for drinking water. The sites are closer together than some campgrounds but it's not like a city block of camps like some KOA's I have camped at. The night time temperatures dipped in the low 30's in the middle of May when I was there. The campground attendants were on site twice a day to sell firewood and collect camping fees. The DNR rangers do patrol the campgrounds on a regular basis. There is places all along the river to fish and I was told the fishing is good, however I did not have very much luck when I was there. The campground firepits with cooking grates were OK and the wooden picnic tables are worn, but there is level ground for pitching tents.

    The scenery and hiking along the river and on the Ice Age Trail is great. If you had better luck fishing than I did this would have been a great camping weekend. Bring warm cloths and a great sleeping bag.

  • Andrew D.
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Franklin Lake

    Great campsite

    Stayed one night on  a Sunday.  Mostly empty but you can see it is heavily booked for the Fourth of July weekend. They just added electric hook up to some sites in the South End.  Right now the price is the same for electric or non-electric sites.

    Sites are large and decent spacing between sites.  Heavy tree cover with mostly shade.

    The site was mostly gravel with nice fire ring and picnic table.

  • C
    Jun. 10, 2018

    Indian Mounds — Northern Highland State Forest

    Simplistic, secluded, and great for kids

    Nestled on Lake Tomahawk, this small campground is comprised of drive-in and walk-in sites. Walk-in sites being tent camp only, which is the option we took. There is a small beach on site, and a number of lake front sites to choose from. Oh, can't forget.. The sun sets over the lake! Paved roads made it easy for my children to navigate the grounds on their scooters. There are electric and non electric sites, a water pump, but no showers. Your park pass will give you access to Clear Lake campground (couple miles down the road), which does has showers, another beach, and also firewood sales. We meant to take the boat on multiple lakes, but the fishing on Lake Tomahawk was spectacular! Hiking the trails near our site, you really get a sense of being in the northwoods. We could hear the birds, frogs, found salamanders, seen an otter, musk rat, loons, and more.

    The nearest town is Lake Tomahawk, where you can fuel up, get bait, or grab a bite to eat(maybe an ice cream cone for the kids).

    As I said in the description, the grounds are simple. However, we booked three nights but felt the need at the end of our trip to book another. We'll be coming back. Safe travels.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Wolf Lake Campsite

    Wolf lake campsite

    Small campsite along paved road,fire ring and picnic table ,wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet fishing was so so. I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp. Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water.

  • Lisa R.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Bear Lake

    Love this place!

    We have been camping here twice this year & absolutely love it! Rustic with no electric hook-ups. There is a pump for drinking water. The sites are large & private with a few waterfront sites. Vault toilets are available. The lake has a swimming area & beautiful Sandy beach & is perfect for fishing, swimming and kayaking. Laona is just a short drive for gas, and food.

  • M
    Aug. 26, 2019

    Plum Lake — Northern Highland State Forest

    Perfect Rustic Hidden Gem

    Northern Highland American Legion State forest- Plum lake is a long name.

    They check in is at Crystal Lake and it's kind of hard to find plum lake if you don't know the area. That is THE ONLY bad thing I have to say.

    This is a rustic campground. No electricity or running water. It does have a hand pump if you need water (it was really cool and easy to use). Vault toilets.

    Most campsites are "non reservable" but we were able to reserve 1209. Right on the lake and next to the creek. The map makes it look like it is a "hike to" campsite. It is not. There are 4 stairs. You just can't bring a trailer.

    I cannot say enough on how great the camp hosts were. Toilet paper replenished every morning. Vault toilets were the cleanest I'd ever seen. It didn't ever smell like a vault toilet! They racked each sites sand after the campers left and stacked left over wood. It was wonderful.

    The beach isn't really a typical beach. It's a grassy field that has a set of stairs to the lake and all the sand is under water. But holy moly, the view! See the pictures.

  • Kendra N.
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Camp New Wood County Park

    Nice FCFS

    We decided to hit the road on Labor Day Weekend and took a chance on not knowing where we'd stay the night. This first come first served campground with only 7 sites still had some available. 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. It was a bit tricky to find as its north of the park and not well identified. The water is a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods so you might want to bring your own. 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. The pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting so bring a flashlight. There are no showers but that didn't bother us for the 2 nights we were there. 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.

  • Dayton .
    Nov. 10, 2021

    Brule River Campground

    If you get the right campsite this place is great

    This is a great place for the love of camping. Running water, quiet, and can be very private depending on the site.

    Traditionally I camp out of my car. But this time I opten in for the 200meter walk in site and I pitched a tent. The site was very large with a firepit, bench, and picnic table. I also cant forget to mention right on the river.

    There are pit toilets, spot for water, and some hiking trails.

Guide to Summit Lake

Tent camping near Summit Lake, Wisconsin offers numerous primitive sites within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 1,800 feet. The region's short summer season typically runs late May through September with average nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s even in July. Forest service roads throughout the area vary in quality, with some remote sites requiring careful navigation.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Ada Lake NF Campground provides access to a small lake with "good fishing and quite" conditions as noted by camper Andy K. The lake regulations allow "trolling motors only" which maintains the peaceful atmosphere.

Trail exploration: Visitors to Camp New Wood County Park can enjoy "lots of hiking to be enjoyed right from your camp site" on the Ice Age Trail. The park features seven tent sites with direct trail access, making it convenient for hikers looking to explore the ancient glacial landscape.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities at Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site, where one camper reported "a sandy beach on a small lake full of fish" alongside access to the Sam Campbell trail that leads "to another tiny lake."

What campers like

Solitude: Three Johns Lake Dispersed offers a unique walk-in tent site that is the "only one on lake," creating unmatched privacy. Camper hesselinkj notes the site requires a "short walk" from the parking area, which costs $5 for National Forest parking.

Lake access: Many campers appreciate the waterfront locations of sites in the region. At Ada Lake Recreation Area, one camper mentioned that "the sites are low compared to the water level, so it was an easy walk from our campsite to the water (no stairs to climb)."

Minimal crowds: Even during peak season, many campgrounds remain uncrowded. One camper at Moen Lake Campground described their experience as "quiet, secluded" where "we had deer walk through the back of our campsite at night," perfect for those wanting to "just sit back and enjoy being out in the woods."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road requires careful driving. Michael U. warns that "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily" due to the rough turn-off. Another camper adds that visitors should "not follow road past campsites, either way unless your vehicle is lifted."

Site surfaces: Most tent sites in the area lack improved surfaces. At Ada Lake NF Campground, expect "dirty and grave sites with no concrete pads" according to reviewer feedback.

Limited amenities: Facilities vary widely between established and dispersed sites. Octonto River South Branch offers "a clean and maintained vault toilet" for $5/day unless you have a Golden or Access pass, while most dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated beach areas for safer swimming. One camper at Moen Lake Campground & RV Park noted that while amenities are basic, they are "functional" and the setting provides a good family environment.

Wildlife education: Morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor to Ada Lake NF Campground mentioned "lots of frogs and basically no bugs" which can provide natural entertainment and learning opportunities for children.

Pack accordingly: With limited facilities, families should bring all essentials. Camp New Wood County Park campers mentioned "the water is a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods so you might want to bring your own" and advised to "bring a flashlight" as "the pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting."

Tips from RVers

Electrical limitations: RV sites with hookups are scarce in the immediate area. One RVer at Moen Lake Campground noted they have "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."

Size restrictions: Most forest service and county park campgrounds in the region accommodate smaller trailers only. The terrain and narrow access roads make navigation challenging for larger rigs.

Dump station access: Plan waste management carefully as full hookups are rare. Moen Lake Campground offers "no onsite sewer, but did have a dump station" which requires planning for longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Summit Lake, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Summit Lake, WI is Ada Lake Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Summit Lake, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Summit Lake, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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