Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest

Reservations are available at this Wisconsin DNR-managed campground in Northern Highland State Forest, with sites running $25 per night and access by car, foot, or boat. Electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station are on-site, making it a workable base for campers who want facilities without sacrificing a forested lakeside setting. No motorized boats are permitted on Crystal Lake itself, which keeps the water quieter for paddlers and swimmers.

Water access shapes the experience here more than anything else. Sites along the east side of the lake have sandy beach frontage directly off the campsite, while south-side sites have a sandy lake bottom but no beach strip. Multiple reviewers recommend securing a lakefront site early, as those spots fill quickly. A roughly 1.5-mile trail circles the lake, and a connecting route leads to Fallison Lake for additional hiking. Cell coverage is inconsistent despite a visible tower toward Sayner, with heavy tree canopy likely reducing signal even when bars appear.

Cleanliness comes up repeatedly in reviews, with the flush toilets and showers drawing consistent praise. Scott M. notes "lots of sites on the water and have some privacy," which reflects the tree buffer between sites that several visitors mention. Pit toilets on the property can deteriorate late in the season.

Campers wanting motorized boating or a different layout can look at Firefly Lake — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest about a half mile west, or explore campsites near Northern Highland State Forest for a broader range of options in the area.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsCrystal Lake Campground is located in Wisconsin near Sayner

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

See below for driving directions.

Coordinates

46.0024541 N
89.6239034 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/16/26

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/16/26

Access

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

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

Drive Time


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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Crystal Lake Campground

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the excellent lakefront sites with private beach access and clean facilities including showers and flush toilets. The no-motor boat policy maintains a peaceful atmosphere perfect for paddling and fishing.

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 - American Legion State Forest by Laura L., January 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest by Laura L., January 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion 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 - American Legion State Forest by Mike R., June 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest by Mike R., June 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion 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 - American Legion State Forest by Scott M., November 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest by Scott M., November 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Crystal Lake Campground located in Boulder Junction, WI?

Crystal Lake Campground is located in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin, nestled within the Northern Highland State Forest. The campground sits on the shores of Crystal Lake, known for its clear waters and sandy beaches. It's positioned in a serene wooded setting that offers privacy between campsites. The lake is non-motorized, making it an ideal spot for peaceful paddling, swimming, and fishing. The campground is accessible via local roads and is situated near biking trails that connect to the broader area around Boulder Junction.

Are there photos or a virtual tour of Crystal Lake Campground?

Photos of Crystal Lake Campground are available on various camping websites, including official state forest pages. These images typically showcase the crystal-clear lake with its sandy beaches, wooded campsites with good spacing between them, and the surrounding forest environment. While a formal virtual tour might not be available, the photo galleries provide good visual representation of the campground's lake access points, beach areas, and campsite layouts. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the Wisconsin DNR website or call the park office directly.

Is there a map of Crystal Lake Campground showing campsites and facilities?

Yes, maps of Crystal Lake Campground are available showing the layout of campsites and facilities. These maps typically display the campground's arrangement around the lake, highlighting waterfront sites along the east and south shores. Maps indicate the locations of shower buildings, toilet facilities, and beach access points. They also show the approximately 1.5-mile trail that circles the lake. For the most accurate and up-to-date map, visit the Wisconsin DNR website or contact the Northern Highland State Forest office directly before your visit.

What do campers say in reviews about Crystal Lake Campground?

Campers consistently praise Crystal Lake Campground for its beautiful waterfront sites with private beach access. The lake's crystal-clear water and sandy bottom are frequently highlighted as standout features. Many appreciate the no-motorized boats policy, which keeps the lake peaceful and pristine. Visitors note the good privacy between sites due to tree coverage, and the clean facilities, including showers and toilets. The campground's extensive bike trail network receives high marks from outdoor enthusiasts. Long-time visitors consider it a favorite destination in the Boulder Junction area, with many returning year after year for the natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

Is Crystal Lake Campground part of the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest?

Yes, Crystal Lake Campground is part of the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. This state forest encompasses a vast area in northern Wisconsin and features numerous lakes, rivers, and recreational opportunities. The campground benefits from the forest's management, which maintains the natural environment while providing camping facilities. As part of this larger protected area, Crystal Lake Campground offers visitors access to the forest's extensive trail systems for hiking and biking, as well as multiple lakes for fishing and paddling. The state forest designation helps preserve the pristine nature of Crystal Lake and its surrounding woodland habitat.