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Water

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Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

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Crystal Lake Campground, near Sayner, Wisconsin, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of comfort. With sites that offer direct access to the water, you can paddle right from your campsite, making it a prime location for fishing and kayaking.

The campground boasts clean facilities, including showers and flush toilets, which visitors appreciate after a day of adventure. One camper noted, “The showers and toilets are clean,” highlighting the attention to maintenance here. The surrounding area features endless bike trails and a scenic 1.5-mile loop around the lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk hike.

If you’re into a bit of peace and quiet, the trees between the sites provide a nice buffer for privacy. The crystal-clear lake and sandy beaches make it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing by the water. Just remember, no motorized boats are allowed, so you can enjoy the tranquility without the noise. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a solo retreat, Crystal Lake Campground offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of outdoor fun.

Description

State Park

Crystal Lake Campground is located in the central portion of the forest and is one of the most popular. The entire shoreline is a designated beach with picnic areas on the west side, and is only a small walk or bike ride to this area from the campground. This lake is perfect for canoers and kayakers who can launch at the small craft landing within the campground – no motors allowed. A fishing pier offers a chance to practice your casting skills. Stop in and check out the Nature Center or use the reservable picnic shelter for large gatherings. The Tom Roberts ADA accessible trail is also located near this campground.

Crystal Lake Campground (sites 401-501) is located in the central portion of the forest. All sites in the campground are reservable. The entire Crystal Lake shoreline is a designated beach so there are no pets allowed anywhere on the shoreline. There are also no motorized boats allowed on the lake. The campground surrounds most of the lake with access to Muskie Lake Campground. There are five vault toilet buildings, three hand pumps for drinking water, one flush toilet building with showers, a sanitary dump station and separate trash and recycling dumpsters. There is a small craft boat landing within the campground. Sites 463 and 438 are designated ADA accessible.

Near the campground, there is a large marked swimming beach, picnic area and enclosed reservable shelter. The facility also features access to a paved bike trail which goes to Firefly Lake Campground and on to Boulder Junction in one direction, and past St. Germain in the other. There is also a nature center and a hard-surfaced nature trail for the mobility impaired.

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Location

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

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.0024541 N
89.6239034 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • 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

Reservations


Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 7, 2024

Annual camping trip

I have been camping at Crystal Lake every year for 20+ years. It is by far our favorite in the area. The showers and toilets are clean. The pit toilets can get pretty ripe by the end of the season, but if people would learn to keep the lids closed, it wouldn’t be so bad. The bike trails are endless! What fun. The water and beach is clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. I cannot say enough good things about this area and the campsites. Worth the trip for sure.

Site484-485
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Laura L., January 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Laura L., January 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Laura L., January 7, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2023

Great Campground

This is a great campground. The best sites are lake sites (obviously), but there are some better than others. Look along the east side of the lake for a sandy beach off of your site. Those on the south side don't have a sandy shore, but still have a sandy bottom. 

Roughly 1.5mi trail around the lake and you can walk from the campground to Fallison Lake to do a hike there. 

Great to camp anytime of year. Though there aren't really electric sites, having showers and flush toilets is a huge plus.

We have Verizon service and it is spotty in areas, though given that you can see a cell tower towards Sayner it should be a lot better than it is. I think it is the heavy tree cover that impacts the reception. Even when we had 3 bars, it wasn't much better than the 1 bar at our site.

SiteSite 431
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Mike R., June 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Mike R., June 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Mike R., June 28, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2022

Smaller Campground

This is a great campground in a group of the campgrounds in the area. Lots of water sites so I would highly suggesting getting one so the you can paddle right from the shoreline. Good fishing as well. No the rules when you come onto the lake as motors are not allowed which is why I chose it as it made paddling much easier. Lots of sites on the water and have some privacy. Really a nice campground in the busy area.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Scott M., November 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Scott M., November 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest by Scott M., November 11, 2022
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

Northwoods heaven

A nice quiet campground with trees between the sites to give it a more private feel. Showers and bathrooms are available if desired and a crystal clear lake with sandy beaches. No motorized boats allowed unless you go to the neighbors lake about a min down.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2020

Really nice sites.

You can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake. Very nice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest?

    Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest is located at 1648 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest does not have wifi.