Established Camping
Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest
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
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Northern Highland State Forest
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.
Location
Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest is located in Wisconsin
Coordinates
46.0024541 N
89.6239034 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
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
- 2 hrs 36 min from Eau Claire
- 2 hrs 38 min from Green Bay
- 2 hrs 47 min from Duluth
