The Northern Highland State Forest encompasses over 232,000 acres of forests, lakes, and streams in north-central Wisconsin, providing numerous camping options within 20 miles of Boulder Junction. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with evening temperatures sometimes dropping into the 40s even in July. The area sits at approximately 1,600 feet above sea level, creating distinct microclimates that support diverse plant and animal populations across the region's glacial landscape.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Buffalo Lake Campground offers easy lake access for kayaking and canoeing with minimal motorboat traffic. "Great state campground, near Minocqua WI. Was clean and was a busy weekend of people but great space, little to know bugs," notes one visitor to Buffalo Lake Campground.
Wildlife observation: Moosehead Lake Campground provides habitat for various wildlife species within a 15-20 minute drive from small towns. A camper reported, "Beautiful area & campground. It's a bit of a drive on some gravel roads to get to, but it's a beautiful drive and well worth it... We were the only campers there for the weekend & had a couple of times where a deer walked right past our camp; saw more turtles than people in the campground & surrounding area, saw a handful of trumpeter swans in the area & be able to fall asleep listening to the loons call to each other."
Hiking trails: Sylvania Clark Lake Campground features hiking trails with old-growth forest views within 45 minutes of Boulder Junction. "2 day stay in mid august was absolutely lovely (bring bug spray). Gorgeous hikes nearby (hiking around Clark lake is an 8-10 mile trek that's gorgeous the whole way," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Lake swimming access: Big Lake Campground provides direct water access from several sites. "Big Lake Campground is a great spot if you're looking for a simple and peaceful camping experience. The facilities are very basic—vault toilets and no showers—but they are clean and well-maintained. Firewood is available for sale on-site, which is super convenient," explains one camper.
Quiet atmosphere: Cunard Lake Campground enforces quiet hours strictly for those seeking a peaceful glamping experience near Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. As one reviewer explains, "Lake Cunard campground was designated a 'Quiet' campground several years ago - one of only two in the 18 different Northern Highlands American Legion state forest campgrounds. That means no 'noise producing devices', including generators, radios, TV's, video games, guitars, etc. No means none. Prohibited."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature natural separation between sites. At Sandy Beach Lake Campground, "Sites are fairly private because of the lower vegetation so you don't feel as though you are right on top of your neighbors. The sites in the back are super private and easy to get away from noise of other people, but they do have more flies bc it is less breezy."
What you should know
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and flies are common throughout the region, particularly at certain times. At Lake Gogebic State Park, a camper warns, "The Mosquito Coast...Lake Gogebic State Park is an ok campground compared to others I have visited. Some positive things about it that it is not that well-known of a place and one can enjoy some calmness. A big minus for me were the millions of mosquitoes, but I guess that comes as part of the 'nature package'."
Seasonal timing: Most glamping sites and campgrounds in the Northern Highland area have limited seasons. At Clear Lake Campground, a visitor notes, "We stayed for a week in the Indian Mounds loop camground. This site is a few miles from the camp registration but worth it. There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registraion area."
Campsite reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "You will need to reserve your site 11 months in advance because it fills up fast. If you have a lot of people there are no group sites but there are some double sites that work great," advises a Clear Lake Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Look for campsites with dedicated swimming areas for safer water play. A Clear Lake visitor recommends, "Beautiful clear water lake with only a handful of houses. 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."
Multi-generational appeal: Some campgrounds have decades of family history. A Cunard Lake visitor shared, "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. There are several different campground spaces that are all different. Some provide camper access, walk in private access and water access."
Activities beyond the campsite: Bike paths connect many sites to recreation areas. At Buffalo Lake Campground, the surrounding forest offers "extensive bicycle routes throughout the area allow glampers to explore the natural surroundings without using vehicles."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking glamping or RV sites, research specific site conditions. At Arbor Vitae Campground, a visitor noted, "Clean bathrooms and shower areas. Easy hook up for water, electric and sewer. RV sites nice but would prefer more trees. Nice fire pits. Wood available for purchase. Driving a short distance to fun towns."
Hookup details: Electric services vary between campgrounds. "Electricity has no breakers to shut the juice off before hook up which is very dangerous. Water is good pressure. All in all the campground works if you don't want to do anything and just sleep," reported an RV camper at Arbor Vitae Campground.
Reservation policies: Understand cancellation policies when booking. A visitor to Arbor Vitae Campground warned, "We had to cancel our reservation due to medical, we did give 1 month notice but the owner would not return the 1/2 down payment."
