Map showing campground location near Sayner, Wisconsin

Camper submitted image from Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

Within Wisconsin's Northern Highland State Forest, Musky Lake Campground operates year-round under state management, sharing an entrance with Crystal Lake Campground. Campers drive through Crystal Lake's area before reaching this more secluded location set back among jack pines.

The campground spreads across numerous sites with varying levels of privacy and lake access. Lakeside sites include private paths leading directly to the water, where campers often leave kayaks and other water equipment overnight. Jay W. notes the campground "seems to be a bit less crowded" than its neighboring Crystal Lake counterpart. Sites away from the water tend to offer more privacy, with reviewers recommending sites 310 and 311 for their combination of space and reduced foot traffic.

Modern facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, and electric hookups for RVs. A dump station serves those needing waste disposal. The park headquarters at the entrance sells firewood tickets valid for pickup between 4-7pm daily. Loons call regularly from the lake, and deer move frequently through the campground area. A walking trail connects to Crystal Lake's swimming beaches, which feature picnic tables and grills.

The surrounding region provides extensive biking opportunities on maintained paths, including routes to local ice cream shops in nearby tourist towns. Selah S. warns that "lake access from the site is existent at best" for launching larger watercraft, though inflatable kayaks work with careful maneuvering. Sites fill quickly during peak season, making reservations advisable. For additional camping options, explore sites around Northern Highland State Forest.

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Location

Public Campground

Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest is located in Wisconsin

Directions

To Crystal Lake Contact Station from the intersection of Hwys 51 and 47, travel north on Hwy 51, 6.2 miles to County Hwy M. Turn right on County Hwy M and go 2.7 miles to County Hwy N. Turn way N. right on County Hwy N and go 2 miles. The Crystal Lake Contact Contact station is on the left.

Address

10200 Highway N
Boulder Junction, WI 54512

Coordinates

46.00399777 N
89.60437128 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 2/16/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 2/16/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 16 min from Wausau, WI
2 hrs 37 min from Eau Claire, WI
2 hrs 39 min from Green Bay, WI
2 hrs 49 min from Duluth, MN

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

16 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the spacious, wooded sites with excellent facilities and peaceful lakeside setting perfect for biking and water activities. Most campers appreciated the clean restrooms and quiet atmosphere, though pet owners noted limited dog-friendly areas.

Scott M.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 11, 2022

Beautiful Fall

Stayed here late in the fall on a warm weekend....it was perfect. not many people and lots of leaves on the ground but still felt like things were private. There are a lot of sites...lots.

Showers and bathrooms are very clean, but that is probably harder when things get busy. Really enjoyed the different sites too choose from. If you can't get a site on the water look to get a site away from the water as best you can. It is less busy. 311 and 310 were good sites to me but really any along the water were pretty great views.

Month of VisitOctober

(11) View All

Kyle B.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2022

Late Summer Stay

Last trip of the summer before school started. We stayed at a great site with plenty of privacy, but lots of space for the kids. Best part of this stay was the easy bike ride on the wonderfully maintained bike path to the local ice cream shop. Too many amazing flavors!

Month of VisitAugust

Mark E.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2020

Favorite Family Spot

My family have been camping at Firefly for years! Beautiful campground with private campsites. Quiet lake that's great for swimming and kayaking. Many different hiking and biking trails to explore and you definitely have to go visit the Corner Store just a few miles down the road for some delicious ice cream!

Rebecca B.

Ranger

Reviewed Feb. 17, 2020

Great place to camp!

Loved this site. Big open site. Great for star viewing. In between two great lakes. With hiking, biking trails. Loons will sing you to sleep. Sites are big and nicely spaced out. Nice shower-restrooms. Lots of mature trees mean lots of places to hang your hammock.

Site321

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

Rebecca B.

Ranger

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2020

Fall asleep to loons!

Big clean sites. Clean bathrooms/showers. Between to lakes. Near hiking, kayaking, swimmimg.

Site316

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Rebecca B.

Ranger

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2020

My yearly northwoods escape

Beautiful crystal clear lake. Loons common. Great sites on the water. On bike and hiking trails. Great for swimming and kayaking.

Site448

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Shelley F.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Right on the paved bike trail

Quiet campground across the road from the busier Crystal Lake campground. Convenient to the lovely bike trail that takes you to Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters.

Month of VisitJuly

Selah S.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Wooded Sites Along the Lake

Musky Lake Campground is a nice campground. We camped mid-late June and had a nice little trip. Here's the good and the bad.

The good:

A surplus of dragonflies means that mosquitos were NOT a problem. As someone who gets eaten alive this is important.

Deer are rampant in the area. The loons on the lake are the epitome of the north woods! I camp to enjoy wildlife, so this is a plus.

Nice hiking trails nearby. Numerous bike paths as well.

Large bathroom facility with flush toilets and showers.

The bad:

Sites are close together. I prefer a bit more privacy than they allow.

Lake access from the site is...existent at best. I was able to launch my inflatable kayak very carefully between the sticks and weeds, though I'm not sure anything bigger or heavier would be worth launching from the site.

No beach swimming areas for dogs. There's a dog friendly picnic area, but it is certainly no place to let your dog swim.This was disappointing. Many of the trails are also off limits for dogs which is beyond me, though this is unrelated to the actual campground I'm sure.

All in all Musky Lake is worth checking out. There is a nice human friendly beach at nearby (you can walk there) Crystal Lake. The location is good, not too far from civilization for those who like a grocery store nearby.The sites were level and had plenty of room for our 2 tents. This area has to be on your list if you are a bike rider! I felt out of place because everyone up there had their bikes, and I could see why.

Month of VisitJune

Lori H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2018

Quiet Camping Getaway

State park, clear water, big, quiet sites, motor free swimming lake and additional fishing lakes, nearby small town with cute shops and good food

Month of VisitAugust

Jay W.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2018

Bring You Bicycle!!

Big Muskellunge Lake is one of many campgrounds situated in the North Highland American Legion State Forest and one of three in a two mile radius that offers modern facilities with showers and flush toilets. You enter this campground at the same entrance as Crystal Lake campground. The park headquarters building is at the entrance and is an excellent place to stop in and get information on all trails, campgrounds and conveniences you need. I would suggest that if you need fire wood that you purchase it at the time of check in at this building as well. They will give you a ticket for the woodshed and you will be able to pick your wood up between the hours of 4-7pm. You will drive through Crystal Lake Campground on your way to Big Musky. Big Musky is a little further back and seems to be a bit less crowded. I do prefer the atmosphere of Big Musky and camping under the Jack Pines. Big Musky has flush toilets and showers For swimming, there is a walking trail that takes you from Big Musky Campground to Crystal Lake. The lake is crystal clear as the title states! There are two beahes on the lake and parking is available at each beach incase you want to throw a picnic or bring swimming toys! Picnic tabels and grills are available at each beach. Not far from the beach there is also a wonderful nature center that can supply kids and adults with education materials and activities.You can not visit the area without bringing your bicycle! If you don't bring one you will wish you had! This is the bicycle capital area in the state!

If you need conveniences Suh as food, shopping, etc....you have multiple towns with in 10-15 min. drive. Be prepared though that they are tourist towns and traffic can be hectic at times.

(15) View All

Brenda S.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2018

Peaceful and secluded!

Just south of Boulder Junction, WI. New and clean bathroom facilities with showers and flush toilets. Lakeside sites have their own path to the lake. Campers would leave their water “toys” ashore for use the next day. Loons singing; very peaceful.

Site265

Month of VisitJune

Bryan G.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 20, 2017

Great Lake for kids.

This is one of my favorite campgrounds. It has a Great Lake for kids and good biking. Sites on the lake are difficult to get but worth the effort. I have made yearly trips for 20 years.

RJ G.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2016

Beautiful!

We planned to stay 2 nights, our site was so beautiful we ended up staying 4! Our site had amazing water views morning and night. The water was super clear and we listened to loons every day. Close to Boulder Junction, fishing, biking, hiking, swimming all available. Showers available within a 5 minute drive, our site restrooms were always clean and the camp host was very friendly. Couldn't ask for a better place to stay!

(4) View All

Adrienne L.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2016

Small quiet lake

Walked around, connected by trail to Crystal Lake. Beautiful area, lots of hiking and biking.

Adrienne L.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2016

One of our favorite spots

Beautiful clear water, bike paths galore, big sites. Close to Minocqua, cute touristy town. Lots of trails connecting to other lakes.

Chad P.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Great fishing place

This place brings back beautiful childhood memories. Fishing around the Big lake and even losing an anchor or 2 along the way :-). Sites are very wooded and quiet and clean. Also remember your bike here as there are many trails and sights to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Musky Lake Campground?

Musky Lake Campground offers modern facilities with clean bathrooms that include flush toilets and showers. The campground features spacious, wooded sites with good privacy, and lakeside sites have their own paths to the water. The crystal clear lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Numerous hiking and biking trails connect to the campground, making it ideal for outdoor recreation. Sites are generally big and nicely spaced, providing quiet settings with mature trees that are perfect for hammocks. The campground's natural setting allows for excellent wildlife viewing including deer and loons.

How does Musky Lake Campground compare to other sites in Northern Highland American Legion State Forest?

Musky Lake Campground is one of many campgrounds in Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, and it's one of three in a two-mile radius that offers modern facilities with showers and flush toilets. It shares an entrance with Crystal Lake campground but tends to be quieter and less busy than its neighbor across the road. What sets Musky Lake apart is its combination of crystal clear water, spacious wooded sites, and excellent access to the extensive bike trail system that connects multiple recreation areas in the forest. The lake is motor-free for swimming, which provides a peaceful experience compared to some other lakes in the forest that may allow motorized watercraft.

Are there photos of Musky Lake Campground to view before booking?

Yes, photos of Musky Lake Campground are available through various platforms, including state forest websites, camping reservation systems, and outdoor recreation apps like The Dyrt. These images typically showcase the campground's lakeside sites, clear water, wooded surroundings, and modern facilities. When booking your reservation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website may provide site-specific photos. For the most comprehensive visual preview, consider checking multiple sources to see the campsites, lake views, and amenities before making your selection.

How close is Musky Lake Campground to Boulder Junction and other nearby attractions?

Musky Lake Campground is conveniently located just south of Boulder Junction, making it easily accessible for supply runs, dining, or exploring this charming town's shops. The campground connects to an extensive bike path system that lets you ride directly to Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters. Minocqua, described as a cute touristy town, is also nearby. The area offers abundant recreational opportunities with numerous lakes connected by trails, including Crystal Lake which is accessible by a hiking path from the campground. Local attractions include the Corner Store a few miles down the road, known for delicious ice cream, and plenty of fishing spots throughout the region.

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