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.
