Best Campgrounds near Arbor Vitae, WI

Northern Wisconsin's Arbor Vitae area features numerous campgrounds within the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, offering a mix of camping experiences from rustic to developed. The region includes popular destinations like Crystal Lake Campground, Clear Lake Campground, and North Trout Lake Campground, all providing access to the forest's 900+ lakes across 225,000 acres. Most developed campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several sites offering electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Campground options range from lakefront sites with beach access to more secluded wooded settings, with many connected by an extensive paved bike trail system.

Camping in the Arbor Vitae region operates primarily from late spring through early fall, with most campgrounds open from May through October. The Northern Highland State Forest campgrounds require reservations, which become available 11 months in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends. Many campgrounds feature a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering modern amenities like showers and electric hookups while others maintain a more rustic experience with vault toilets and hand pumps for water. A camper noted that "this is the place to be if you love camping, fishing or bicycling. There are paved bicycle trails connecting every campground and every town."

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those with direct lake access. Several campgrounds feature sandy beaches, boat launches, and private shoreline access from individual campsites. The region's mixed-use campgrounds cater to various outdoor activities beyond camping, with extensive biking and hiking trails connecting different recreation areas. A recent review highlighted that "many of the most desired sites are on the water. These are particularly great because we can park our boat right at our site, they face west for sunsets, and the beach is absolutely perfect." Campers frequently mention the area's abundant wildlife, including deer sightings within campgrounds and loons calling across the lakes. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity near towns and limited or no service in more remote campground locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin (147)

    1. Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    16 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 542-3923

    "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."

    "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"

    2. Clear Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Woodruff, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3668

    "There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registraion area. We arrived at our campsite, unloaded the bikes, then proceeded to ride to check in."

    "Campsite is very near a lake with plenty of wildlife. The weather is unpredictable so bring extra layers just in case."

    3. Cunnard Lake — Northern Highland State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Woodruff, WI
    6 miles
    Website

    "We had the perfect set up.. right on the water and tucked into the woods. Our neighbors were to far to hear us and the bathrooms were near by!"

    "Some provide camper access, walk in private access and water access. Cunard Lake allows non motorized watercrafts and has a great swimming area."

    4. Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 542-3923

    "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."

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

    5. North Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Boulder Junction, WI
    10 miles
    Website

    "Nice campground situated in Northern Wisconsin in the North Highland American Legion State Forest. Over 900 lakes and 225,000 acres."

    "Loved the water view from our campsite, unfortunately on the other side was the main entrance and a highway so vehicular traffic sound was prominent. Sites are large, with some tree coverage."

    6. Patricia Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Minocqua, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3198

    $30 - $43 / night

    "Great location to explore Minocqua. The campground is comprised mostly of seasonal folks, but offers 20 some sights to non-seasonal."

    "Small lake with swimming area. Fishing is good. 100 sites, most with full hookup. Laundry."

    7. Firefly Lake — Northern Highland State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3668

    $20 / night

    "Very nice campground in state forest in northern Wisconsin. NO electricity. Generators allowed from 10 am to 5 pm. "

    "This is a beautiful campground nestled in Wisconsin’s north woods. There are many choices for sites."

    8. Lynn Ann's Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 542-3456

    9. Indian Shores

    3 Reviews
    Minocqua, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-5552

    "The majority of the weekend campsites are located near the prime activity locations; the pool, playground and lake areas. There are full sun and full shade sites available."

    "It’s big and spacious and on the most beautiful clear lake. Good fishing and boating/skiing. Minoqua is easily accessible."

    10. Buffalo Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Arbor Vitae, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3668

    "Buffalo Lake Campground in the Norther Highlands-American Legion State Forest is spectacular - the sites are large and beautiful - we had campsite 2020 which overlooked the lake, a perfect spot to hang"

    "Great state campground, near Minocqua WI. Was clean and was a busy weekend of people but great space, little to know bugs."

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Recent Reviews near Arbor Vitae, WI

362 Reviews of 147 Arbor Vitae Campgrounds


  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Out of town but close

    Flush toilets & showers. Also one vault toilet. Clean with hand sanitizer. Lower sites are closer to playground, beech & picnic area. But upper sites are spaced better with lake views. All sites have picnic table, fire ring & power.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest

    Beautiful dispersed spot

    Stunning, got here on a Monday night and no one was here. Sites are right on the water. Dirt road was fine for our older 29’ rv

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Luna White Deer Campground

    Two of the bigger campgrounds in the State Park

    The campgrounds with 30 plus sites are two of the bigger grounds in Chequamegon-Nicolet areas that look very well maintained. The facilities are currently at the end of the season closing maintenance (closed on October 15). "On foot" travels only when camping after that. And, in addition to a few dispersed camping lots available for a fee outside the two facilities, these will be one of my winter camps destinations.

  • D
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Wabasso Lake Recreation Area

    Forest and Lakes

    This campground has 4 walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, and suitable areas for tents. There is a hand pump for water and vault toilet in the parking lot, where there is a boat landing, but no dock. There is a nearby Headwaters Lakes Natural Area with a hundred year old road that hikers will enjoy. It takes you back a mile or longer into the forest, between Wabasso and Emily Lakes. Cedar Lake has a portage/hiking trail within walking distance of the campground, but beware the lakeshore is boggy, bring high boots.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Laurel Lake Campground — Chequamegon Nicolet NF

    Another Excellent Camp-out at Campground 2 Laurel Lake

    Dark and quiet at night time. The site would be a perfect canoe landing, the water is within a few yards. The campground has three spacious sites, while the Campground 1 in the lake has eight. A vault toilet and clean water well. The autumn weather is bright and fresh!

  • D
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Emily Lake NF Campground

    Relax by the Lake

    Among the 11 campsites there are a few that will accommodate small rvs. There is a hand pump well for fresh water, and although safe and tastes great, clarity is not its strong suit (harmless tannins). Two vault toilets that are kept very clean and odorless. Emily lake is pretty and I’ll probably try camping here again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Curry Park Campground

    Decent park for short stay

    Stayed two nights as the location was convenient for my stay in town. Older park with mature trees offering shade on most lots. Power pedestal upgrades to 30 and 50 amp to majority of lots. Limited FHU lots grouped together in lower area. Suspect this area could have drainage issues during heavy rainfall. Lots near highway would tend to be noisier. Restroom and shower area was kept up and clean. Very functional shower stall with plenty of hot water. Dump station designed for one sided unloading with non-potable and potable water nearby. Expect to wait if other using the dump station. Overall, decent place for short-term stays.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Franklin Lake

    Season's Best at Franklin Lake

    We have had an excellent camp-out this year here. Maybe because our site is only a yard away from the water, and with ample living space for multiple tents and a vehicle. A fire ring and a picnic table. A set of vault toilets nearby. We didn't expect to find flushing toilets in a campground anywhere, but, we have a choice here to drive up further and use the facility. The wood forest is nicely maintained. Falling off branches are taken care of off the roads right away. And, that's all we care about in enjoying the outdoors this year.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Laurel Lake Campground — Chequamegon Nicolet NF

    Laurel Lake Campground

    We don't have any RVs, no RV's cleaning and dumping facility required. It's good enough with its regular and standard trash disposal site. The wood forest is nicely maintained. I have no fear of falling timbers or branches at all times. And, the nicest thing about the campground is the few square-footages of level and compacted square on each site, ready to spread your tent on it. It's great! 👍


Guide to Arbor Vitae

Northern Wisconsin's Arbor Vitae region sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest where sandy glacial soil supports dense stands of pine, hemlock, and maple trees. The area experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 80°F and cold winters that typically maintain snow cover from December through March. Most campgrounds in the region have sandy soil that drains quickly after rain, making tent platforms or extra ground padding recommended for comfortable sleeping.

What to Do

Kayaking on motor-free lakes: Crystal Lake Campground offers pristine paddling opportunities with restrictions that enhance the experience. "No motors are allowed which is why I chose it as it made paddling much easier," notes a camper, who also mentions the "lots of water sites so I would highly suggest getting one so that you can paddle right from the shoreline."

Biking the paved trail system: North Trout Lake Campground provides direct access to the extensive regional bike network. "The paved bike route is nearby and goes for miles. Town is a short bike ride away," shares one visitor. Another camper confirms, "Lots of paths for the bikes which is what a lot of the families were doing."

Nature hiking at Fallison Lake: Firefly Lake Campground serves as an ideal base for nearby hiking trails. "You can visit Fallison Lake to hike. This way accesses other campgrounds too. Keep riding and you will discover a corner store with ice cream," reports a reviewer who explored beyond the campground boundaries.

What Campers Like

Privacy between sites: Musky Lake Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "Sites are very wooded and quiet and clean," notes one repeat visitor. Another mentions, "Big clean sites. Clean bathrooms/showers. Between two lakes," highlighting the spaciousness and natural separation between camping spots.

Swimming beaches with sandy bottoms: Clear Lake Campground features exceptional swimming areas. A visitor describes, "Beautiful clear water and beach area. Nice to kayak. Only a few great sites by the water." Another camper explains the layout: "It is a popular campground so it can be busy and hectic but is nice for families. A lot of locals come to the swimming beach on the weekends."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cunnard Lake Campground provides notable wildlife encounters. "Loved getting to paddleboard (brought my own) and listen to the loons day and night," shares a camper. The campground's quiet designation enhances nature observation, with another visitor noting it was "designated a 'Quiet' campground several years ago - one of only two in the 18 different Northern Highlands American Legion state forest campgrounds."

What You Should Know

Reservation requirements vary: Most state forest campgrounds now require advance booking. At Buffalo Lake Campground, campsites are first-come, first-served, though this is changing. A recent visitor notes it was "a busy weekend of people but great space, little to know bugs."

Cell service limitations: Service varies significantly by location and carrier. At Crystal Lake Campground, "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."

Noise restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet rules. At Cunnard Lake, regulations prohibit "noise producing devices, including generators, radios, TV's, video games, guitars, etc. No means none. Prohibited." As one camper discovered, "It is a quiet campground, I can respect that. But camp friend was not so friendly. If we laughed out loud she would warn us."

Tips for Camping with Families

Beach access from campsites: Look for shoreline sites at Crystal Lake Campground where "you can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake." A frequent visitor explains, "I have been camping at Crystal Lake every year for 20+ years. The water and beach is clean."

Kid-friendly activities beyond swimming: Patricia Lake Campground provides additional recreational options. "Very nice. Quiet. Lots of trees and shade. Small lake with swimming area. Fishing is good," reports a visitor. The campground also features "large fenced in dog run and also area for dogs to swim."

Multigenerational camping traditions: Several campgrounds host families that return annually. One camper shares, "My father came here with his family growing up and brought us kids for the last 20+ years. Three different generations have seen this place and it will continue to be passed down," about their experiences at Cunnard Lake Campground.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup availability: North Trout Lake Campground offers some sites with utilities, though they may be limited. "Sites are large, with some tree coverage. Many families with kids and dogs. Well maintained and great walking and biking trails in the park and surrounding area."

Seasonal camping options: Indian Shores offers extended-stay possibilities. "This is a larger campground with a good mix of seasonal and weekend campsites. The majority of the weekend campsites are located near the prime activity locations; the pool, playground and lake areas," describes a visitor who appreciated that "the seasonal campers I met and talked with were all friendly and did not have the 'why are you here' attitude."

Site selection for larger rigs: For those with bigger RVs, Lynn Ann's Campground provides appropriate spaces. "Nice clean well kept campground, nice sized sites, clean restrooms, some sites right on the water," notes a camper. Another mentions it's their "favorite campground in the area" with "very clean, family friendly" facilities and "sites are a decent size with shade."

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Arbor Vitae campground?

The Arbor Vitae area campgrounds offer a variety of amenities. Firefly Lake — Northern Highland State Forest provides rustic camping without electricity, though generators are permitted from 10am to 5pm. The campground features clean facilities, clear sandy lakes for swimming, and access to multiple paved bike trails and hiking trails. Nearby, Upper Gresham Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest offers rustic sites along a pristine lake, with convenient access to Boulder Junction for additional services and activities.

How do I make reservations at Big Arbor Vitae campground?

For Big Arbor Vitae campground and other Northern Highland State Forest campgrounds, reservations are now required. According to updated policies at North Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest, you must have reservations before arrival as walk-ins are no longer accepted. Reservations can be made through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or by phone. For private alternatives in the area, Alpine Campground & RV Park offers well-maintained facilities with spacious sites that can be reserved directly with the campground management.

What camping is available near Arbor Vitae, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arbor Vitae, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Arbor Vitae, WI and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arbor Vitae, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arbor Vitae, WI is Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arbor Vitae, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Arbor Vitae, WI.

What parks are near Arbor Vitae, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Arbor Vitae, WI that allow camping, notably Chequamegon-Nicolet NF and Ottawa National Forest.