Best Tent Camping near Wausau, WI

Tent camping options around Wausau, Wisconsin include several established sites in the Chequamegon National Forest and nearby county parks. Camp New Wood County Park, located near Merrill, offers seven tent sites adjacent to the Ice Age Trail with fire rings and picnic tables. North Twin Lake Recreation Area provides lakeside tent camping on a no-wake lake ideal for fishing, while backcountry sites along the Ice Age Trail offer more primitive experiences for hikers seeking seclusion.

Most tent sites in the region have basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Camp New Wood County Park features large fire rings and stand-alone grills, though campers should note the pit toilets have no lighting. Several campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, including Camp New Wood which rarely fills to capacity. A visitor commented, "For $15 a night, it was a decent stay and we would go again if ever in the area." Water access can be challenging at some locations, with Camp New Wood requiring "a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods," so bringing your own water is advisable.

The backcountry tent sites along the Ice Age Trail provide unique camping experiences for those willing to hike in. Lake Eleven Campsite offers two separate tent areas on opposite sides of the lake, with the north site featuring a stone fire ring, log benches, and soft pine needle ground cover ideal for tent placement. One camper noted that the site "provided excellent space for hammock camping" and easy access to filterable lake water. Sailor Creek Campsite, located in a hemlock grove, presents more challenging tent setup due to roots and uneven ground, but hammock camping options are readily available. These walk-in tent sites provide immediate access to the geologic wonders of the Ice Age Trail, including the mile-long Hemlock Esker, which rises 80 feet above the surrounding terrain.

Best Tent Sites Near Wausau, Wisconsin (9)

Show More
Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Wausau, WI

177 Reviews of 9 Wausau Campgrounds


  • Michael M.
    Oct. 3, 2017

    Dells of the Eau Claire Park Campground

    Nice views fishing not so great

    This campground is right on the Ice Age Trail and a nice place to stop off during an extended hike.

    There are not that many sites available here and most do supply electricity. More people tent camp here rather than RV camping. There are pit toilets but no shower house although there are water spigots for drinking water. The sites are closer together than some campgrounds but it's not like a city block of camps like some KOA's I have camped at. The night time temperatures dipped in the low 30's in the middle of May when I was there. The campground attendants were on site twice a day to sell firewood and collect camping fees. The DNR rangers do patrol the campgrounds on a regular basis. There is places all along the river to fish and I was told the fishing is good, however I did not have very much luck when I was there. The campground firepits with cooking grates were OK and the wooden picnic tables are worn, but there is level ground for pitching tents.

    The scenery and hiking along the river and on the Ice Age Trail is great. If you had better luck fishing than I did this would have been a great camping weekend. Bring warm cloths and a great sleeping bag.

  • P
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Jordan Park

    Beautiful site on the water.

    Quiet little campground, I was in one of the three canoe/ walk in sights and they were right on the water. All three sights were separated from the rest of camp and are tent sites. All have a picnic table, grill, and fire ring and are big enough for 2-3 tents depending on the size of the tents. Set back from a county hwy and state hwy, however not too much traffic and the traffic that does exist was not very disruptive. 2 night minimum, 14 night maximum reservation.

  • Kendra N.
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Camp New Wood County Park

    Nice FCFS

    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. The sites are a decent size and it's right on the Ice Age Trail with lots of hiking to be enjoyed right from your camp site. It was a bit tricky to find as its north of the park and not well identified. The water is a bit of a hike down the trail and through the woods so you might want to bring your own. The fire rings are quite large and hold a lot of fire wood. There are no grates for cooking over the fire ring but there are stand alone grills at each site that would require charcoal. The pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting so bring a flashlight. There are no showers but that didn't bother us for the 2 nights we were there. Others we spoke to that stayed there before said its hardly ever full and you can easily get a spot. For $15 a night, it was a decent stay and we would go again if ever in the area.

  • A
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Eastwood NF Campground

    Beautiful, Remote

    We stayed 3 nights at site number 9 in the midst of the pandemic. Overall fairly quiet and private. One side of site 9 is a parking area. Our site had a wooded trail down to the flowage and onto the Mondeaux Esker Trail segment of the Ice Age Trail (“East” segment - most people use the dam as their definition). I had a hard time confirming before hand but yes the trail runs right through this campground. The Mondeaux Esker segment was challenging (muddy) but fun.

    Our site was large though not real flat. We fit a car, suv and 17 ft boat.

    One drawback was the water at the campground is shut off due to bad water tests (not due to covid). Plan ahead - there is a glacial spring within driving distance and other federal campgrounds that you might be able to get water from. Pit toilets were very clean and didn’t stink. No showers. stayed late August 2020

  • Annabelle G.
    Jul. 30, 2019

    S’Mores Campground

    Wonderful family weekend

    I took my daughter and her friend here for the weekend, 10 years old. We rented a cabin for the weekend. Amazing cabins, amazing setup, they all have picnic tables and benches on porch. Cabin had three beds, fridge, air conditioner, two windows, plenty of plugs in. Bring your own sleeping bags/towels and etc as these are not provided. Fire ring provided down the stairs from us, even further down was the huge extremely clean pool, bathrooms, showers. Both of which were amazing! And free of use. Pool is very well maintained and kept, plenty of chairs to use and tables. Right next to the pool was a huge and brand new kids play area. They also have rock mining for kids located by the pool which the kids loved. They also liked the store; a lot of neat things in there for adults, kids, camp, and even animal friends. Commons area which is open at the front, made for a nice sitting to relax. Also located on the beach which was nice to see and the dock area was nice, kids liked it. The set up is great, a little confusing the first time but easy to learn. All of the Cabins were close except for the first two which were at the entrance of the park and bigger. They were two rooms compared to our one room. Permanent residence were extremely nice, the campsite is privately owned and operated which we loved and met the owners. We will certainly be back again! Additional information that may be helpful since I researched this campsite extensively May 15 th to October 6th is the campsites open/ closed dates. Check in for campsites and yurts are different. Campsites is at 2, cabin and hurts 3pm but we checked in early about a half hour. No additional charge. Animals welcome, must be leased and friendly. If you have visitors must be gone by 9pm- they actually let my husband stay with no additional charge or fee and accommodated our two vehicles. Otherwise one vehicle per cabin. Location was extremely easy with the signs directly off of highway. Not far from town, if you need something or go to store there; they probably have what you need. Basic sites, some with piers overlooking the beach and huge! Beautiful absolutely will camp there with our tent. Pull through and deluxe sites, seasonal sites, decks, and dogi pots(hint hint). All campsites babe electric and water, the yurt is amazing! It comes with couch, beds, tables, and so much more! It is located on the water scenery and a little more private by being set back. Yurt also has heat and ac; wouldn’t mind staying there in early May or late September. Outdoor picnic area, plenty of room for about 15 people and includes setting in a circular setting located directly by the playground/ pool and playroom. They have events as well, the kids and I not only used the mining system by the office but we watched a movie by the playground area- it was amazing and free! Camping lakeside or not lakeside. There was a secluded campsite and raised above, number 155- I’d suggest this one for anyone who want to get a way and be alone. It was a nice site and I didn’t notice it until we left. The cabin we rented was$80 a night, non refundable since it was last minute. This included two adults and up to four kids. I could see how four kids would easily fit because of the bunk beds and queen bed in our cabin. Oh forgot to mention there was also a microwave in the room and a broom, garbage bins. The door was rustic and still has a lock on it but it was the pulley door which the kids loved. To my understanding there are no pets allowed in the yurt. Also the only, one and only thing I didn’t like was that wood couldn’t be purchased else where. The wood purchased there burnt fast and didn’t last long, we only used it to cook food on our tripod due to how fast the wood burnt. Although there was also a park grill on the cabin premises too which we didn’t use; very used and had nothing to clean it with. There are seasonal sites, I don’t know how much they are but it’s a very quiet campground and everyone folllowed rules for the quiet time. Another thing I noticed is the seasonal all keep their yards very well maintained. They had beautiful landscape, yards were mowed, and nice fences- porches- decor- and sheds. Camp owner/ host lives directly across from the check in office/ store so that was comforting knowing someone was at the gate at all times. We walked down to the beach, lake area. At the tome it was being worked on but it was still beautiful and very quiet. No bugs in this area either. You can make reservations on line, see pictures on line, rates on line, and see the camp map. If i has to recommend any sites it’d be 151 for tenting and wanting to be alone, away from everyone. Campsite number 17 for camping with a tent/ pop up because it over looks the beach and has a huge deck to sit on, have dinner on or drink coffee while watching the beach another three sites I’d recommend, tents only is number 61 63 or 65. They are down further than the rest of the campsites, they are also a little more secluded and with a beach view. This would be perfect for a set of three friends camping together to rent. This is also main entrance to beach are. I also wouldn’t mind renting the first cabin when you enter campground as it’s bigger. There is one cabin I wouldn’t suggest and that’s 106. It’s in the middle of a triangle area for traffic. It was exactly across from our cabin and a lot of traffic going by it from many different ways. Finally thanks S’mores for the amazing stay; they truly accommodated us and we appreciate it.

  • Amber G.
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Marathon Park Campround

    Convenient - But not truly Outdoorsy

    The campground is part of a larger park. There are multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, splash pads and even an amphitheater and ice rinks within the park.

    There is a lot of traffic during the day from park visitors. The evening is mostly quiet, but with traffic noise from the outside of the park streets and occasional loud vehicles that can be disruptive. Morning was largely quiet as well.

    The campsites themselves are small — if you have a camper there’s not much room outside. Even the tent spaces are small.

    There are no open fires allowed - which didn’t bother us given it was just an overnight stop. You can use grills etc though.

    Being a city park it is quite well lit - which has its pros and cons. The back left corner where the nonelectric tent sites are seems to be one of the less bright areas. We slept fine with the rain cover off.

    There is a 2 day minimum for online reservations. That’s not required for walk up self registration so you can do one day as a walk up. Self registration has a 3 day maximum.

    There is a bathroom/shower for the campers. As a walk up registrant you will have to contact the phone number on the board to get the code. Not sure if online registrations get it in the email. There are other bathrooms (no showers) that are not locked that are a further walk into the park though.

    Overall it was a nice place to stay over spending $100+ for a hotel room on a quick overnight on our way further north.

  • Steph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2017

    Sailor Creek Campsite

    Ranger Review: Ledlenser MH2 Headlamp and MT10 Flashlight at Sailor Creek Campsite, Ice age Trail, Chequamegon National Forest, WI

    Campground Review:

    Sailor Creek campsite is a backcountry site located within the Chequamegon National Forest in Taylor County, Wisconsin. It is the 15.2 mile Jerry Lake Segment; part of the 1200 mile long Ice Age Trail. A 2.5 hr drive from the Twin Cities it is an excellent diverse section of trail with many geologic wonders formed by continental glaciation, with the most recent effects formed at the end of the Wisconsin Glaciation, a period ending about 10,000 years ago. In the Jerry Lake Segment you cross over the mile-long Hemlock Esker. An Esker is basically an inverted river. Look it up, it’s fascinating. It also provides incredible views as you’re about 80 feet up.

    Continuing our backpacking trip from the Lake Eleven campsite, we hiked about 8 miles from our previous site to Sailor Creek. It is located in a grove of hemlocks about 150 feet away from your water source, Sailor Creek. It’s marked by a large blue gray boulder that looks exactly like Jeff Dunhams, Walter, and some very open ground. The trees are lovely but the site is a bit rough for tents. Lots of roots and low dips make for uncomfortable, possibly damp sleeping. Hammock camping, however, is readily available. This site has no pit toilet and not a lot of “privacy” so finding a place to do your business is not for the modest. You are also directly in contact with the trail. It’s literally right along the campsite so even though we never saw anyone, if you happen to camp during a busy time you will not have any privacy from those walking the trails.  The fire pit is very nice and there are plenty of dead downed trees to start a fire. The pit is surrounded by logs to sit on and oddly enough some of the “bridge” of Sailor Creek. We’re not sure if someone broke the boardwalk or they’ve repaired it and those were left over pieces. They made for nice tables though.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger Reviewer for The Dyrt, I am honored occasionally to test and evaluate products. During this trip I tested out two LEDLENSER products, the MH2 Headlamp and the MT10 Flashlight. https://www.ledlenserusa.com

    First up the MH2. This sturdy, well built, headlamp is great for tasks around camp. It is not incredibly bright at 100 lumens but it’s a no frills get the job done light. You can twist the front to go from soft 15 lumen light to the more direct spot of the 100 lumens. It’s lightweight at a little over 6 oz and has an excellent price point, for its qualities, of $25. It provided plenty of light for walking around camp, gathering firewood and setting up the tent. It requires 3 AAA batteries which were pleasantly included in the box along with instructions and a 7 year warranty.

    The MT10 flashlight is in a word, intense. If the packaging doesn’t convince you (a chainsaw would have been useful) then the 1000 lumens of light might. It is incredibly well built and while just under 6 oz feels a lot denser. It’s a convenient, compact size at a little over 5 inches long and comes with a handy sheath that clips to your pants, shirt, backpack, etc. Like the headlamp you can go from a soft 10 lumens of light to the powerful direct 1000 lumens. As a women I considered the fact that this 1000 lumens light would blind a would be attacker in a heartbeat. The light comes with a rechargeable battery via usb cord and is advertised as providing 6 to 144 hours of light depending on your lumen intensity. I enjoyed using this light for a middle of the night bathroom run as I could see everything within a 500+ foot radius. No shining eyes were sneaking up on me. I would completely trust this light for late night trail jaunts. The pictures below looking up into the 100 foot tall pine trees give you just a peak at the power of this flashlight. This light comes in at a steeper price point of $80 but given its capacity I think it’s more than worth it if you need sunlight in the darkness.

  • J
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Great Northern Campground

    Mostly Nice, but Weird Fee Structure

    Roads leading to camp sites are narrow and can be muddy in the rain. The site we had was extremely unlevel and had a low spot that filled up with water/mud in the rain. You only can use the dump station once at check out or you can pay a fee, but none of the sites have sewer. Also, there is a per minute fee for their two showers, but no worries it is Luke warm water at best. The pond was nice, but on the small side.

  • David K.
    Sep. 30, 2021

    Pine Grove Campground

    Excellent for Young Families

    As a father with 3 young kids, I thoroughly enjoy this camp for the activities and amenities available. The water area is a favorite for kids and the grounds sport plenty of things to grab their attention from mini-golf to the lake. The sites themselves had enough to meet your needs, as well as enough tree cover to still help you enjoy the feeling of being in nature. The drive in is nice and accessible even for bigger rigs. It's a good entry point for the nature in Northeast Wisconsin.


Guide to Wausau

Wausau, Wisconsin, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility in nature.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Explore the scenic Ice Age Trail right from your campsite at Camp New Wood County Park, where you can enjoy hiking and breathtaking views.
  • Visit the picturesque Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail while camping at Plover River Retreat, perfect for those who appreciate nature's beauty.
  • Experience the serene environment of North Twin Lake Recreation Area, a peaceful spot ideal for fishing and relaxing by the water.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Enjoy a quiet camping experience at Sailor Creek Campsite, where you can hike the diverse trails of the Ice Age Trail and explore unique geological features.
  • Take advantage of the large fire pits and ample firewood at Camp New Wood County Park for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Engage in fishing and canoeing at North Twin Lake Recreation Area, a no-wake lake that provides a tranquil setting for water activities.

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

  • Pioneer Park & Campground offers picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
  • At Picnic Point Campground, campers can enjoy reservable sites with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for group gatherings.
  • Curtiss Village Park provides drinking water and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those looking to unwind in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wausau, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wausau, WI is Camp New Wood County Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Wausau, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Wausau, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.