Best Tent Camping near Tomahawk, WI
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers several tent camping options within a short drive of Tomahawk, Wisconsin. Camp New Wood County Park provides seven first-come, first-served tent sites along the Ice Age Trail, while Ada Lake Recreation Area features lakeside tent camping with sites spread out for privacy. Wabasso Lake Recreation Area and Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offer more remote tent camping experiences for those seeking seclusion in the northwoods.
Most tent sites in the region feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Camp New Wood County Park has pit toilets but no showers, with water access requiring a hike down the trail. Walk-in tent sites at Wabasso Lake Recreation Area provide a more primitive experience with vault toilets and no running water. The gravel and dirt tent pads at Ada Lake can accommodate multiple tents, though roots and uneven ground may present challenges at more rustic sites. Campers should check seasonal availability, as many locations operate from May through October, with limited winter access.
The northwoods tent camping experience offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Ada Lake limits watercraft to electric motors only, creating a peaceful atmosphere for tent campers. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage provides island camping accessible only by boat, offering exceptional privacy. "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," noted one visitor about Camp New Wood County Park. Walk-in tent locations like those at Wabasso Lake provide lakeside settings where campers might spot deer wandering through their sites in the evening, creating the authentic northwoods experience many tent campers seek.
