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The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest region surrounding Upson, Wisconsin offers tent campers several secluded options, from boat-in island sites to walk-in forest campgrounds. Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area provides tent-specific camping on over 300 islands accessible only by canoe or boat, while Wabasso Lake Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites with more limited amenities but direct lake access. Most tent campgrounds in this area operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the prime camping season from late May through September.
Tent campsites throughout the region typically feature primitive facilities with basic amenities. Most sites include fire rings and pit toilets, though drinking water is only available at select locations like Newman Lake Shelter and Wabasso Lake Recreation Area via hand pumps. Campers should pack in their own drinking water and supplies as most areas lack modern facilities. The walk-in sites at Wabasso Lake require carrying gear from the parking area, with each site providing a fire ring and picnic table. Cell service is unreliable throughout the region, particularly at remote tent camping locations like Union River Outpost Camp in the nearby Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
The northern Wisconsin tent camping experience offers exceptional solitude and natural immersion. Island campsites on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage provide tent campers with a wilderness experience similar to Minnesota's Boundary Waters, complete with pristine shorelines and minimal development. The walk-in tent sites at Wabasso Lake Recreation Area sit under mature forest canopy with views of the lake. A camper noted that "if you're looking for camping in the woods and privacy, this is your spot." Backcountry tent camping in this region requires additional planning as many sites are only accessible by water. The reward is tent camping on what often feels like private islands surrounded by northern Wisconsin's iconic forests, lakes and wildlife.
"The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is dubbed the "Boundary Waters of Wisconsin" and for good reason! The quality of the waters, vast array of channels, islands and camping spots is simply amazing."
"It is a larger site with the addition of a picnic table"
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
Check Availability"The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water."
"This campground has 4 walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, and suitable areas for tents."
"Great location on a river and was there when no one else was. Stayed two nights and moved to a site further into the woods the second night."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Access to the islands is by water shuttle https://www.apostleisland.com/shuttles-camping/ or via your own watercraft."
"Sites were divided by natural vegetation, the trails were nice. I’d definitely return!!!"
"We had more than enough room to set up and could even have fit additional tents."
"If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind. Bugs were bad in late May."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"They tell you the campsite is rustic and there’s no water and electricity and it’s exactly how they describe it. The outhouse was clean though rustic but it does have a light."
"the front desk to let them know what space you are in."
from $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
Check Availability"All others are close to ranger station. Bring head nets and long clothes june-july for bugs.
Long hike to get to The Overlook. Bring a sandwich and water. Hike light."
ScoutSite 28. Literally right on shore. Sleeping to the waves and waking up to endless water. T-Mobile says no coverage in Dyrt app, but I had two bars most of the time.
RangerSites are very close together but the area is beautiful. Maybe it was unusual but it was very windy for 3 days in a row
GuidePotato falls is beautiful. A bit of a walk to both the upper and lower falls and I did not find actual easy access to the water, although I’m traveling solo so there’s only so much risk I’ll take. There’s some sort of protest here going on but the group has been quiet. I was discouraged at first thinking I wouldn’t find a spot, but the sites are far enough apart (out of eye sight within ear shot) that I felt comfortable staying. I walked to both upper and lower falls - about 320ish steps total. Verizon has 2 bars of service. Pit toilet located in the pavilion like area. Campsite has picnic table and fire pit.
TravelerBeautiful, quiet campground with a true wilderness feel. The three nearby waterfalls are a must-see, and make sure to spend some time exploring the riverbed around them—it was one of the highlights of our stay. Great location for hiking, scenery, and enjoying the natural side of the Porcupine Mountains.
GuideThis is a beautiful campground. Well maintained. Clean restrooms with showers (coin operated with 3 quarters). Our campsite was close to Lake Superior. This whole campground used to be William Hinds Lumber Mill. Amazing history for the area.
TravelerWe camped with our camper and boat. It was very nice to keep our boat at the dock. There is a small swimming area with a pier. The campground doesn’t have many amenities but the staff was very helpful. We loved hiking in the campground and adjacent and nearby state forest hiking trails. Beautiful lake. The north side of the lake is Untouched state forest. The campground is close to many sightseeing spots such as museums and shops.
TravelerWe had a site along the lake, close to the bath house and across from the camp host. Barb house and showers very clean. Bought fire wood at a great a lot right down the road.
GuideOnce found a very nice 10 site with two meticulous kept vault toilets. Some site offer lake views with access. All sites are shaded.
GuidePros: Every site is private and level with picnic table and fire pit. A few sites have lake views. Clean pit bathrooms. Nice small craft boat launch.
Cons: No showers. No hookups. 4 mile gravel road to destination. May be difficult to navigate for rigs greater than 30’
Tent camping near Upson, Wisconsin offers primitive wilderness experiences on both inland lakes and Lake Superior shorelines within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Average summer temperatures range from 55°F to 75°F, with July being the warmest month for camping. Cell service remains extremely limited throughout this region, particularly in remote island and flowage camping areas where campers should plan for complete disconnection.
Hiking near waterfall systems: Union River Outpost Camp in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park provides direct access to trail systems along the river. "We walked along the Union River mine trail. It's 1 mile long and perfect for relaxing after dinner. It's not clearly marked but we saw an interpretive sign so we knew we were going the right way," notes one camper.
Eagle and wildlife viewing: The Turtle Flambeau Flowage hosts abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Our site happened to have a mating pair of eagles about 50 yards from our landing. Wildlife is abundant with Bald Eagles, Loons, deer, coyotes, and sounds of wolves," reports a visitor to Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area.
Canoe or kayak camping: The region offers extensive water routes for paddling-based camping. A camper explains: "We settled on this amazing site called 'Zelda's' nestled in a bay which is off the main drag of boats. This site was on its own private island. The site had a fire ring, latrine and nice tent pad."
Secluded sites with lake views: Wabasso Lake Recreation Area features walk-in tent sites with water views. A camper notes: "The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable. The only amenities are a vault toilet and water."
Island camping experiences: Oak Island in the Apostle Islands offers boat-in camping with designated sites. "Site-A is where it's at for group camping (8-24 people). Site-6 is off on its own on the north eastern side which is nice. I'd say site A, 1, 6," recommends one visitor.
Sandy beaches and swimming spots: Some campsites provide direct water access for swimming. "There was also a nice sandy beach 100 yards from our landing on an opposite strip of the flowage. We paddled over, laid out a blanket and sun bathed in a little used area," shares a Turtle Flambeau camper.
Pack water purification systems: Most tent sites require water treatment. "Don't forget a water filter for drinking water and some toilet paper for bathroom uses. All sites have a pit toilet but be aware they are not covered and your literally sitting on a toilet seat in the middle of the woods," advises a camper.
Camping permit requirements: Stockton Island and other Apostle Islands locations require advance permits. "Be prepared with all the supplies you need for your stay as the water shuttle only comes to the island a few days a week and once you are there, you are there for the duration, no store or anything on the island."
Bug protection is essential: Dense forest camping means heavy insects during certain months. "Bring head nets and long clothes june-july for bugs," warns an Oak Island camper. Another adds: "We went in June and had a fabulous experience. Lots of sun, no bugs, gentle breezes, perfect temps in the 60's."
Day-use areas with swimming: Newman Lake provides alternatives for families not staying overnight. A local notes: "If you're looking for a place to rest and play for the day this is a good choice. I grew up in this region and this little spot is a hidden gem for day camping, fishing, picnicking, and swimming."
Accessible camping platforms: Some locations provide specialized accommodations. "A stellar handicapped accessible platform campsite is adjacent to the ranger station, the best and most accessible I've ever seen and would be perfect for a family member of mine with special needs and mobility issues," reports a Stockton Island visitor.
Group sites for larger gatherings: Certain campgrounds designate family-sized spaces. "F17 is a island family site. It is a larger site with the addition of a picnic table," mentions a Turtle Flambeau camper about the designated family sites available.
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping near Upson suits smaller vehicles only. "The gravel drive was uphill so we ended up turning the camper 90 degrees," explains a visitor to Union River Outpost Camp, highlighting the challenges for even small campers.
Primitive RV camping options: Point Detour Wilderness Campground accommodates small RVs with rustic amenities. "The sites were all mowed. There were 24 in total. Not as crowded, as most people want to be closer to the casino itself, it's lovely, although primitive."
Free shower alternatives: Some locations offer workarounds for shower access. "You can sign up for a time slot at the casino front desk and then go there and take one. They are quite clean. So while not terribly convenient, they are free and it is a nice shower. Lots of hot water!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Upson, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Upson, WI is Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Upson, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Upson, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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