The Nicolet National Forest region surrounding Townsend, Wisconsin sits at approximately 1,600 feet above sea level, creating a distinctive northwoods environment with over 80 miles of rivers and streams. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer camping season brings daytime highs averaging 75-80°F, with occasional thunderstorms moving quickly through the area. Cell service remains spotty throughout much of the forest, particularly at more remote campsites near Townsend.
What to do
Kayaking on quiet lakes: Ada Lake Recreation Area enforces electric motors only, creating ideal conditions for peaceful paddling. According to visitor Margaret D., "While there are roughly 8 actual lake sites, if you're there to go canoeing or kayaking, 13-16 are probably the best options for that, though there were several motor boats tied up along the shore of some of the other sites."
Fishing various waters: Boulder Lake offers diverse fishing environments with shoreline access for beginners and boat options for more serious anglers. Christopher R. notes, "Boulder lake is amazing and is located conveniently close to the Wolf river, which has whitewater rafting and trout fishing. The lake is not very deep, which is great for swimming or water recreation."
Hiking forest trails: Several short hiking trails connect to broader systems throughout the forest. At Bagley Rapids NF Campground, Artem I. reports, "We visited John's spring trail that has great views; good exercise. Campground has water and toilet pit. Well maintained."
Exploring by ATV/UTV: The Mountain Lakes area provides direct trail access from campsites. Nicholas P. explains, "I stayed three nights over Labor day weekend. There was an ATV festival in lakewood that I was unaware of until arriving so there was a lot of dust and noise." Many local roads connect to extensive trail networks throughout the region.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Campers consistently praise waterfront sites at Bagley Rapids for their natural soundtrack. Mary M. shares, "My favorite thing about this campsite is that it is right on the water. You can hear the constant rushing of the water over the rapids, which is so relaxing at night."
Elevated lake views: Bear Lake features unique topography with some sites positioned above the water. According to Art S., "The road rises so you are elevated above the lake. It's an interesting perspective. The woods side sites are nice too. You get plenty of shade and privacy."
Small-lake tranquility: Several smaller lakes in the area restrict motor size. Cynthia B. notes about Ada Lake NF Campground: "A nice little beach, quiet well spaced sites, and nearby snowmobile/hiking trails. The lake is small with a few lake cabins across the lake. The camp host was great, keeping things clean and maintained a small camp library."
Off-grid seclusion: Most forest service campgrounds near Townsend offer genuine disconnection. According to Jacob V. at Bagley Rapids, "T-Mobile signal is non-existent, Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE which was enough to send out a few texts." This creates genuine quiet at most sites.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some forest roads require careful navigation. At McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, hesselinkj@yahoo.com warns, "Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook."
Payment systems differ: While some campgrounds use reservation systems, others require cash payment at separate locations. Nicholas P. explains about Mountain Lakes, "The worst part was finding the pay station. Its at a campsite on highway T about 3 miles south of 64. It's $5 per night cash or check only."
Facilities maintenance varies: Restroom conditions should be checked in advance. At Boulder Lake, Julia B. reports, "Shower house was nice and clean. The first night we did hear a bunch of teens yelling at the shower house around midnight, but they either got kicked out or left because we didnt hear them again."
Wildlife precautions needed: Bears and ticks are common concerns in the area. At Governor Thompson State Park Campground, Jeff F. notes, "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Heavens Up North Family Campground offers recreation beyond natural features. Kristine O. shares, "Nice and shady. Sights have space. Pool, showers, dump station, mini golf and other activities. Camp fire wood was nice and dry at a good price."
Consider lake depth for swimming: Water depth varies significantly between lakes. Christopher R. notes at Boulder Lake, "The lake is not very deep, which is great for swimming or water recreation. Not the best fishing but excellent campground."
Book early for holiday weekends: Even remote sites fill quickly during peak times. Joyce B. recalls, "We went rafting on the Wolf River and decided to camp at Boulder Lake. It was Memorial Day weekend and rainy, so there wasn't a lot of people camping. We drove around and picked out an amazing site."
Look for campground libraries: Some locations offer unexpected amenities. According to Cynthia B., Ada Lake NF Campground's host "maintained a small camp library" which can provide entertainment during rainy days.
Tips from RVers
Check site sizes carefully: Many forest campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Boot Lake Campground, Margaret D. advises, "Normally this campsite takes reservations but for 2020 it's strictly first come, first serve. We lucked out and managed to snag one of the better sites (#14) on the lake."
Bring leveling equipment: Uneven terrain is common at most campsites near Townsend. At Mountain Lakes, Nicholas P. notes, "The ground is not very even but you could probably get one or two tents in there."
Verify water access points: Some lake access requires navigating slopes. Julia B. shares about Boulder Lake, "We had site 18 which is right on the water and across from the shower house. The shore was pretty level and easy to get our kayaks in and out. The shore is shallow and mostly sand."
