Camping spots near Wausaukee, Wisconsin sit within Marinette County, known locally as the "Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin" with over a dozen cascades in the area. The regional terrain features mixed northern hardwood forests interspersed with small glacial lakes at elevations ranging from 600-800 feet. Most Wausaukee area campgrounds don't take reservations after mid-October due to early frost conditions and temperatures that can drop below freezing overnight even in September.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing adventures: At Peshtigo River Campground, visitors can rent tubes for $14 per person with cooler floats available for $8, including bus service to the drop-off point. According to one visitor, "The river was nice! Low in some spots but we never had to get out and drag our stuff. Some trees to paddle around occasionally, but nothing out of the normal."
Lake swimming and water activities: The beach at Diamond Lake Family Campground features water inflatables that families enjoy. One camper noted, "They had so much fun with the water chute and inflatables," while another mentioned the campground offers "lake fun (no boats) during the day and relaxing by the fire at night."
Wildlife watching opportunities: Governor Thompson State Park provides habitat for diverse wildlife. A camper reported, "Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night." The park's trails also feature geocaching opportunities with one visitor noting, "Geocaches can be found on the hiking trails which is always fun!"
What campers like
Private, secluded campsites: Tranquil~Vista Campground offers secluded tent sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. A reviewer commented, "The back tent areas are great, great walking trails, right on the water, the staff is so friendly and do daily checks to check if you need fire wood or anything."
Access to ATV trails: Many campgrounds in the area provide easy access to ATV trail systems. One Tranquil~Vista camper shared, "There are miles of ATV and Side x side trails down the road, We spend the whole day riding and never see it all and they are well groomed."
Firewood availability: Most campgrounds in the region provide firewood for purchase. At Twin Bridge County Park, a camper mentioned getting "a whole wheelbarrow of firewood for 10 bucks," though noted that "firewood can only be purchased on site from 3:30-4:00 daily."
What you should know
Site-specific considerations: At River Park in nearby Stephenson, Michigan, larger RVs may face challenges. One camper with a 38-foot camper reported, "I would not recommend this campground for anyone with a larger camper... I was scraping the roof on trees and struggled to get backed into the site."
Insect preparation: Ticks are prevalent in the area, especially in spring. A visitor to Governor Thompson State Park warned about "a crazy amount of ticks in May," adding they "sprayed the entire site with Apple cider vinegar to try to keep the ticks off the dogs."
Cell service limitations: Many camping locations near Wausaukee have limited connectivity. A camper at Governor Thompson State Park mentioned "Barely any cell service if that is important to you," while others noted complete disconnection at more remote sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly features: Twin Bridge County Park comes highly recommended for families with children. One reviewer stated, "The beach and playgrounds are great. The sites are big and wooded and there's some nice hiking trails. It's also affordable!"
Wildlife education opportunities: Old Veterans Lake provides hands-on nature experiences for children. A regular visitor 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."
Safety considerations: Diamond Lake Family Campground emphasizes family safety with strict rules. A camper explained they are "privately owned campground, they take their rules and security seriously to make sure their campground is safe, clean, fun, and quiet (during quiet hours)."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: At Old Veterans Lake Campground, RV options are limited and generally suited for smaller units. A visitor noted that while the campground is beautiful, it has "no running water or campstore. They don't even sell firewood."
Hook-up availability: Governor Thompson State Park offers electric sites, though they are limited in number. One camper mentioned, "Nice sites - both back-up and pull-thru. Bathrooms and showers were excellent. There are also pit toilets in the loops."
Electrical needs planning: For those requiring power for medical devices, be prepared for limited electrical access at many sites. One camper at Old Veterans Lake shared, "We did have someone ratted on us for using our generator to supply our CPAPs because there was no electricity or water."
