Tent camping around Townsend, Wisconsin offers backcountry options within the 1.5 million-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest system. The area features numerous lakes and rivers with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 1,900 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, with July and August being the warmest camping months and mosquito activity highest during June and early July.
What to do
Kayaking on smaller lakes: At Ada Lake NF Campground, only trolling motors are permitted, creating peaceful paddling conditions. "Trolling motors only on this lake. Good fishing and quite," notes camper Andy K., making this a prime spot for quiet water exploration.
Hiking forest trails: Multiple ATV trails near Ada Lake Recreation Area connect to hiking options. One visitor shared, "There is a atv trail right at the entrance. This trail connects to others and gave us some nearby hiking options. I didn't find these on the maps that I had so it was a good bonus!"
Waterfall viewing: The Oconto River features accessible waterfalls within the forest system. One camper at Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road mentioned "the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away" that provides ambient sounds at camp.
What campers like
Private lakeside sites: At Old Veterans Lake County Park, the layout provides exceptional privacy. A camper reported, "We stayed at Site 10 and LOVED it. Very private and our dog was able to roam at will." Another visitor observed, "Each site was by itself. The campground is very small and has no running water or campstore."
Wildlife spotting: The forest areas support diverse wildlife. At Ada Lake Recreation Area, one visitor mentioned, "Driving over to the Cathedral of the Pines and hearing the nesting herons was a highlight."
Natural swimming areas: Old Veterans Lake offers natural swimming opportunities with minimal development. A camper noted, "It was a short walk to the pit toilets and there's another path to a little beach behind the toilet building. It was great for swimming and finding more tiny fish."
What you should know
Vehicle access limitations: Some forest roads present challenges for standard vehicles. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, a visitor warned, "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily." Another camper cautioned, "The entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky. I believe a camper could make it going slowly."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack modern amenities. At Oconto River - South Branch, a camper noted, "There is a clean and maintained vault toilet. Unless you have the Golden or Access pass, it is $5/day."
Cellular connectivity: Many forest camping areas have no cellular service. A camper at Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road reported "AT&T: No Service," which makes advance planning essential for safety.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Small lakes provide safer water experiences for children. At East Bass Lake Park, "While there is only 2 spots for camping in this town park. It is a great place for those who want some solitude. Small sites for tent or pop-up. No hook-ups. Pit toilets and right on the lake."
Wildlife education: The diverse ecosystems offer natural learning opportunities. One visitor to Old Veterans Lake County Park shared, "We come here with the kids every spring. They always catch frogs, fish, and turtles. They also enjoy swimming across, and hiking and biking around the lake."
Space considerations: Site sizes vary considerably. At Ada Lake Recreation Area, "Sites vary quite a bit. One was a multi-layer setup while others were more hidden as they moved further away from the lake." Larger families should arrive early for adequate space.
Tips from RVers
Campsite surface conditions: Most tent camping areas in the forest have natural surfaces. At Marinette County Goodman Park, sites feature natural surfaces that may require leveling. "Very nice peaceful feels like youre kn the middle of nowhere."
Generator restrictions: Many forest camping areas restrict generator use. One camper at Old Veterans Lake noted, "We did have someone ratted on us for using our generator to supply our CPAPs because there was no electricity or water."
Access road navigation: Forest roads may present challenges for larger rigs. At Ada Lake Recreation Area, "To get here, you must negotiate a few miles of gravel and dirt road but others brought their larger rv's." Plan extra travel time and consider vehicle capability before attempting remote access roads.
