Dispersed camping is available throughout Lincoln County near Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where mixed hardwood forests meet numerous lakes and rivers. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, while winters drop to 5-25°F with heavy snowfall. The region's glacial topography creates varied terrain for campers with elevation changes between 1,400 and 1,700 feet above sea level.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Clear Lake Campground offers excellent water access with remarkably clean conditions. One camper notes, "The lake is one of the cleanest I've ever been on," and mentions "You can kayak down the river past the dam to avoid the other boating area" at Council Grounds State Park Campground.
Wildlife watching: Keep binoculars handy for animal sightings throughout the area. At Birkensee Campground, visitors report unique experiences: "We even got to see some otters in the pond," making it worthwhile for nature photographers.
Hiking trails: The Ice Age Trail provides excellent walking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. One camper at Camp New Wood County Park shares, "It's right on the Ice Age Trail with lots of hiking to be enjoyed right from your camp site," making it convenient for day hikes without driving.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Horn Lake Camping, where one visitor described it as "a beautiful spot, very quiet" with sites "right on the water with a fire pit on a dead end road with a boat landing."
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers enjoy free options in the area. A Horn Lake visitor praised it as "my new favorite spot" since they "hate paying to sleep on the ground somewhere," highlighting its primitive but free camping appeal.
Spacious sites: Underdown Campground receives praise for its uncrowded layout: "Very ample space except near the water. Multiple small lakes around the area. Can set up camp anywhere but the road really," giving campers flexibility to find their perfect spot.
What you should know
Site availability: Most campgrounds don't require advance planning. As one camper noted about Camp New Wood County Park, "Others we spoke to that stayed there before said it's hardly ever full and you can easily get a spot."
Primitive conditions: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Tomahawk have minimal facilities. At Horn Lake, there's "no bathroom, water, electric" according to reviews, so campers should bring water for themselves and pets.
Fire preparation: Some fire rings may need attention before use. One Horn Lake camper advised, "I'd suggest using your own firepit/grill if you have one as some moron decided burning tires in the firepit was a good idea."
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. At Horn Lake, there are "about 2 miles of dirt road to get there" and campers should "turn right when you get to ATV trail" to find the main camping area.
Tips for camping with families
Beach options: Sara Park provides family-friendly water access with "a beach, two sand volleyball courts, boat launch, and park across the dead end road," making it versatile for different age groups.
Pack extra supplies: Facilities are limited at most pet-friendly campgrounds near Tomahawk. One camper at Camp New Wood advised, "The water is a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods so you might want to bring your own."
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be significant, especially in spring and fall. A Clear Lake Campground visitor recommends, "The weather is unpredictable so bring extra layers just in case."
Site selection: For families seeking more privacy, choose locations carefully. At Council Grounds, a camper mentioned the "campsites were wooded and well spaced out" which provided enough room "for a tent, screen tent, and a boat."
Tips from RVers
Road navigation: Larger rigs should research access routes carefully. One Horn Lake camper warns, "If you travel to the left where the road 'T's' off, take care. The road is tight and very twisty... I would not recommend going to the left unless the max you're hauling is a teardrop. Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are."
Site dimensions: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Tomahawk have limited space for larger rigs. At Lake George Campsite, a camper noted it's "the smallest campground I've seen, 10 sites pretty close together" but also mentioned it was "still very pretty and peaceful" despite the compact layout.
Hookup limitations: Plan for self-sufficiency at most sites. While Sara Park has "10 sites for $30 a day, all with electricity and water," most other campgrounds have minimal or no hookups, requiring generators or alternative power sources.
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