Wisconsin's Northwoods region near Wausaukee offers a unique camping experience with mixed hardwood and conifer forests at elevations between 600-1200 feet. The area receives approximately 32 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings for campers. Late spring through early fall brings temperatures ranging from 45-80°F with cooler nights, even during summer months.
What to Do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Governor Thompson State Park provides access to fishing opportunities with diverse catch potential. "We found so many ticks on us!! Be careful! Would be a great park if you had a boat," notes Scott D. about the Governor Thompson State Park Campground.
Trout farm experiences: Beyond standard fishing, the specialized trout farm at Diamond Lake offers a unique fishing experience. Nathan C.F. from Diamond Lake Family Campground and Trout Farm states, "My friends and I love camping here because of the huge wooded sites, quiet family environment, and excellent service provided by Jen, Joe and their whole family."
Mini-golf and water activities: Several campgrounds feature recreational facilities beyond standard camping. David K. mentions, "They have a playground as well as nice beaches to access the lake from. Minigolf is yet another feature on site. If you want one place that has it all for the many types of camping you may like to do, Diamond Lake is a great camp."
What Campers Like
Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites in the Wausaukee region. At Bear Lake, Jen E. reports, "This is a great campground in the north woods. It is rustic, so limited services. It is small, just one road with a handful of campsites on it... it was quiet and peaceful. The lake is electric motors only, so boat traffic is quiet."
Clean facilities: Facilities quality varies by location but receives positive mentions. According to Gerald B. at Wagon Trail Campground, "This is probably the nicest, most well run campground we have ever stayed at. The staff is friendly and welcoming, they are pet friendly, and their sites are spacious and private. Rates are very reasonable and the bathrooms are the best we've seen at any campground."
Fall season camping: The region offers excellent fall camping opportunities. A reviewer noted, "The Diamond Lake area is a great example of good places to be to enjoy the Fall foliage. A simple camp setup is all I needed to enjoy my time here. The best feature here would likely be space to roam under the trees."
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Insect activity varies by season. Jeff F. from Governor Thompson State Park shares, "We went the weekend after Labor Day and basically had the whole place to ourselves. Very quiet and peaceful... Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night."
Bay flies in certain areas: Coastal locations may experience seasonal insect hatches. Sara S. at Kleinke Park Campground observes, "One 'negative' that cannot be controlled: bay flies. Happened to be there when the bay flies were thick! The flies do not seem to bite, just a nuisance."
Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have limited connectivity. A camper at Bear Lake notes, "ZERO WiFi and cell service," which is important for planning, especially if you need to stay connected.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Campgrounds with play areas provide added value for families. At J.W. Wells State Park, Chelsea B. notes, "Really nice recreational activities (basketball, tetherball, horse shoes) and a trail leading to the picnic shelter and sandy swimming beach."
Quiet hour enforcement: Family-friendly campgrounds often enforce rules to ensure pleasant experiences. Nathan C.F. explains that at J.W. Wells State Park Campground, "As a privately owned campground, they take their rules and security seriously to make sure their campground is safe, clean, fun, and quiet (during quiet hours). If you're looking for the party campground, this isn't it."
Swimming areas: Water features enhance the glamping experience in Wausaukee for families. Tayah H. from Shakey Lakes Park mentions, "There's an ice cream/food stand on the beach, and a playground. People either will walk or ride their bikes around the sites. There is parking for your cars, and places to keep kayaks and water toys!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Choosing appropriate sites matters for comfortable glamping in Wausaukee, Wisconsin. PJ F. advises, "For reference: We have a 19ft travel trailer & a ford truck. We stayed at site 19, it is pull in & it was perfect, with plenty of room for everything. We took a walk to be nosy & also liked site 20, it was even bigger! Site 14 looked great for a pull thru site."
Seasonal site availability: Some campgrounds offer seasonal options. M&D F. from Kleinke Park shares, "We have camped here for the last two years. Rented lot 24 for the season in 2020 and then in 2021, we camped two weeks at a time on 4 occasions. Love the view."
No reservation requirements at some parks: For spontaneous travelers, Julie F. notes, "We pulled in after a long day of driving and without a reservation. Fortunate to be able to pull right in and had several easily navigable sites available. Flat, clean and easy to maneuver. Able to pay using an envelope."
