Camping Done Right: 7 Essential Outdoor Stores in Wisconsin

Camping Done Right: 7 Essential Outdoor Stores in Wisconsin

When it comes time to escape into the wilderness, you’re going to want the right gear. From the warmest sleeping bags, to durable cookware, to the best coolers, you’ll find everything you’ll need and more at the best camping retailers of Wisconsin. Here are our favorites! 

1. Fontana Sports Specialties, Madison, WI

Madison’s very own Fontana Sports is loved by many locals. Stop in for outdoor sports gear and clothing. Bring your camping checklist in for fast customer service. Fontana’s selection includes tents, cookware, knives, packaged food, and flashlights. Don’t forget to pick up a compass—you never know when you’ll need direction. You can find a Silva Polaris Compass for under $20 at Fontana Sports.

2. Clear Water Outdoor, Multiple locations

Clear Water Outdoor is a local Wisconsin outdoor store. Find all your favorite brands here and stock up on all the best gear. Depending on your agenda, you can find a great pair of Merrell hiking boots for under $100. If you are planning on camping during the early spring or fall you might want to stock up on warm gear. Clear Water Outdoor has great prices on both clothing and toasty fleece blankets. You’ll find locations in Lake Geneva, Delafield, and Milwaukee. 

4. Solstice Outdoors, Ashland, WI

Solstice Outdoors will make sure you are prepared for whatever adventure you face on your camping trip. Find medical kits, rain and cold gear, travel gear, sleeping bags and more. Solstice Outdoors is Ashland’s premier outdoor store carrying the best brands in the business. 

Dreaming of sleeping outside. It's time to go #camping #bigagnes #thermarest

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5. Erehwon Mountain Outfitter, Glendale, WI

With locations in Illinois and one in Wisconsin, Erehwon is your go-to spot for all the highest quality camping gear. Find hydration gear, backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, tents and hammocks, kitchen accessories, and much more! You’ll find renowned brands like Osprey, Eagles Nest Outfitters, and Big Agnes

6. Yellow Wood Gear, Whitefish Bay, WI

The team at Yellow Wood is dedicated to top-notch, personal customer service and providing you with the very best equipment. In fact, the gear at Yellow Wood is from vendors that are Bluesign certified, a system that “unites the entire textile supply chain to jointly reduce its impact on people and the environment.” You’ll find great camping gear from brands such as Canada Goose, Big Agnes, Garmin, and Jetboil.

7. The Hiker Box, Eagle River, WI

This wonderful local store will provide you with everything from tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads, to hydration containers, first aid kits, and trekking poles. Find all of your favorite and most trusted brands at the Hiker Box, including Kelty, GSI Outdoors, and Outdoor Research