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.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCrystal Lake Campground is located in Wisconsin near Sayner
Directions
See below for driving directions.
Coordinates
46.0024541 N
89.6239034 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/16/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites 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
- 1 hr 15 min from Wausau, WI
- 2 hrs 36 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 2 hrs 38 min from Green Bay, WI
- 2 hrs 47 min from Duluth, MN













