Best Campgrounds near Boulder Junction, WI

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest dominates the camping landscape around Boulder Junction, Wisconsin, encompassing multiple campgrounds with varied options for overnight stays. The forest contains numerous lakeside camping areas including North Trout Lake, Crystal Lake, Musky Lake, and Firefly Lake campgrounds. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Crystal Lake and Firefly Lake campgrounds offer shower facilities, while others like South Trout Lake maintain a more rustic experience with vault toilets and water pumps. Camping options range from basic tent sites to RV-friendly areas with electric hookups, particularly at Camp Holiday Campground, which caters to families seeking more amenities.

Reservations are required for most campgrounds in the area, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The region features an extensive paved bike trail network connecting the various camping areas to nearby towns like Boulder Junction and Sayner. "We loved the paved bicycle route that runs throughout the area. People were walking, running and biking - this is a great way to get out into the dispersed local community without touching your vehicle," noted one visitor. Cell service varies throughout the forest, with Verizon users reporting spotty coverage in heavily wooded sections. Water access represents a primary draw for many campers, with several campgrounds offering direct lake frontage and boat launches. Winter camping is available at some locations, though services are reduced outside the main season.

Lakefront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, particularly those along the eastern shore of Crystal Lake which feature sandy beaches. Campgrounds like North Trout Lake provide waterfront views but campers note some road noise from nearby Highway M. Several visitors mentioned the quality of fishing opportunities and paddling experiences, especially at lakes that prohibit motorized boats. The campgrounds vary in size and privacy levels - South Trout Lake tends to be busier with boat traffic while more remote locations like Starrett Lake offer greater seclusion. As one camper observed, "This is a nice quiet campground with trees between the sites to give it a more private feel." Hiking trails, swimming areas, and abundant wildlife complement the camping experience throughout the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

Best Camping Sites Near Boulder Junction, Wisconsin (157)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 157 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Boulder Junction, WI

550 Reviews of 157 Boulder Junction Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Union River Big Bear Campground

    Beautiful and clean!

    Our family of six greatly enjoyed tent camping at Big Bear! Our site was very close to the playground and we could see our kids playing there from our site. The bathrooms were extremely clean.It’s located at the entrance to the Porkies which was super nice and only 20 minutes to the grocery store. Walking across the main road and there’s Lake Superior? Perfection! Nice little store with ice and firewood. The only downside was the sites are very close together with no privacy.

  • 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.

  • 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 Boulder Junction

Boulder Junction, Wisconsin sits within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest at an elevation of 1,660 feet. The area contains over 900 lakes with crystal clear waters spread across 225,000 acres of public land. Temperatures in summer typically range from 70-85°F during the day, while winter camping experiences temperatures well below freezing, often dropping to single digits.

What to do

Biking paved trails: North Trout Lake Campground connects to an extensive paved bike trail system. "This is a great campground situated in Northern Wisconsin in the North Highland American Legion State Forest. This is the bicycle trail capital in the State of Wisconsin for sure! There are paved bicycle trails connecting every campground and every town," notes Jay W.

Kayaking motor-free lakes: Crystal Lake Campground offers pristine paddling conditions. "Know 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," explains Scott M. The sandy lake bottom is ideal for swimming while the ban on motorized boats creates a peaceful paddling experience.

Wildlife viewing and listening: Focus early mornings on spotting and hearing local wildlife. "Loons will sing you to sleep. Sites are big and nicely spaced out. Nice shower-restrooms. Lots of mature trees mean lots of places to hang your hammock," shares Rebecca B. about Firefly Lake Campground.

What campers like

Private lakeside sites: Musky Lake Campground offers secluded waterfront camping. "Big clean sites. Clean bathrooms/showers. Between to lakes. Near hiking, kayaking, swimming," reports Rebecca B. Sites with lake access are consistently rated highest by campers.

Dark skies for stargazing: Several campgrounds in the area have minimal light pollution. "Loved this site. Big open site. Great for star viewing. In between two great lakes. With hiking, biking trails," explains another reviewer about camping at Musky Lake.

Quiet, non-motorized lakes: Firefly Lake Campground maintains a ban on motorized boats. "The lake is clear, sandy with many areas where you can swim. No electric motors on lake so it is nice for kayaking. All the sites are large and surrounded by trees, shady," notes Mary.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Verizon coverage is spotty throughout the forest. "Cell phone service is minimal with Verizon. We could send and receive texts," reports Mary about Firefly Lake. Service tends to be better near towns and more open areas.

Reservation requirements: All campgrounds now require advance booking. "New rules say that you must have reservations but we had cell service so you can do things when you show up if there's room," explains Art S.

Generator rules: Upper Gresham Lake Campground and other rustic sites have specific generator usage times. "Generators allowed from 10 am to 5 pm," clarifies Mary about Firefly Lake, important information for campers requiring power.

Winter services: "Dump and clean water available at next campground, Crystal Lake, which is a mile away," notes Mary, highlighting limited facilities during off-season camping.

Tips for camping with families

Motor-free swimming beaches: Families appreciate the safer swimming environments. "This is a nice quiet campground with a motor free swimming lake and additional fishing lakes, nearby small town with cute shops and good food," explains Lori H. about Musky Lake.

Ice cream access: Local treats are available near many campgrounds. "Many different hiking and biking trails to explore and you definitely have to go visit the Corner Store just a few miles down the road for some delicious ice cream!" recommends Mark E. about Firefly Lake.

Family-friendly lakes: Camp Holiday Campground features amenities specifically designed for children. "The beach area was nice with a nice big sandy beach for the kids. They also have a mini store for all your necessities from mustard, ketchup, tent stakes, tarps, and of course beer," reports Zach P.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though sites are not very level," notes Larry L. about camping in the area.

Electric hookups: Electric options vary across campgrounds. Camp Holiday offers electric hookups with "a mini concession stand in store with hot dogs and stuff but also a game room with pool tables arcade games," according to Zach P.

Shoulder season advantages: Fall camping provides unique benefits. "Best time to camp here is in the fall as the leaves were great!" recommends Scott M. about Upper Gresham Lake, noting fewer crowds and spectacular foliage in September and October.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin?

Boulder Junction offers several excellent campgrounds within the Northern Highland State Forest. Musky Lake Campground is a popular option with lakeside sites, new bathroom facilities with showers, and easy access to the town. Upper Gresham Lake Campground provides a more rustic experience with beautiful lakeside sites. Other options include North and South Trout Lake campgrounds, Firefly Lake Campground, and Crystal Lake Campground. Most of these campgrounds offer water access and basic amenities, with sites ranging from tent-only to those that can accommodate RVs.

How far are the closest campgrounds from Boulder Junction, WI?

Several campgrounds are located within minutes of Boulder Junction. Upper Gresham Lake Campground is very close to town, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy local attractions like the weekly Lyons Club flea market. North Trout Lake Campground is situated nearby in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, with easy access to the extensive bicycle trail system that connects to Boulder Junction. Musky Lake Campground is just south of town, and Firefly Lake Campground is nestled in the nearby north woods, all within a short driving distance of Boulder Junction's amenities.

What amenities does Crystal Lake Campground in Boulder Junction offer?

Crystal Lake Campground in the Northern Highland State Forest offers several amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground features clean bathroom facilities with showers and flush toilets. Water access is available, making it suitable for swimming and boating activities. The campground provides pumped water and is accessible by vehicle with drive-in sites. Crystal Lake is more developed than some nearby options like Musky Lake (which is located across the road). While specific site information varies, the campground is reservable and can accommodate various camping setups. Its proximity to Boulder Junction provides convenient access to town amenities and the popular bicycle trail system connecting Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters.

Where can I find quiet camping spots in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin?

Musky Lake Campground is frequently described as a peaceful option, offering a quieter alternative to the busier Crystal Lake campground across the road. Campers report enjoying the sounds of loons and serene water views. Firefly Lake in the Northern Highland State Forest provides a beautiful, tranquil setting in Wisconsin's north woods with various site sizes. For those seeking even more solitude, Sailor Lake NF Campground offers a more secluded experience nestled within the Wisconsin forest, with both waterside and interior sites. The waterside sites at these campgrounds tend to be especially peaceful, though they may be in higher demand.