Northern Wisconsin's Cable area offers camping sites located in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with an average elevation of 1,588 feet. The region sits along the Continental Divide, creating a unique watershed area where rivers flow both north to Lake Superior and south to the Mississippi River. Winters reach temperatures as low as -40°F, while summer camping season (June-August) averages 70-80°F daytime temperatures.
What to do
Fishing on quiet lakes: Day Lake Campground provides access to excellent fishing without the noise of motorized boats. "If you're into fishing, Day Lake campground offers variety of fishes without any motorized boats," notes a camper at Chequamegon National Forest Day Lake Campground.
Mountain biking on CAMBA trails: Located directly adjacent to some of the region's best single-track trails. "CAMBA mtn bike trails are right next to camp so it makes it very easy to hook on and go," reports a visitor at Roam Base Camp, which offers both camping sites and cabin accommodations.
Paddling and water activities: Nelson Lake offers exceptional access for water sports. "Has a boat launch within the campground and slips to park your boat by your site. The campground sits on Nelson Lake. Fantastic fishing!!" shares a camper at Sunrise Bay Campgrounds.
Elk watching: The Cable area is one of few places in Wisconsin with established elk herds. "This is elk territory so keep your eyes open. We saw one crossing a stream," reports a Day Lake Campground visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Two Lakes Campground features well-designed sites with natural barriers. "Large sites for the most part, suitable for tents or RVs. See map in photos for notes on the physical attributes of each campsite," explains a visitor at Two Lakes.
Multiple water access points: Lake Owen within the Two Lakes Campground offers exceptional swimming and boating opportunities. "The lake (Owen) is beautiful, many beautiful homes and super clear lake for excellent snorkeling. There are also 2 islands on the lake that you can boat in camp to which we've done twice and was amazing," shares a camper.
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. "Large 9ft heated pool, mini golf, large playground, horse shoes, volleyball, nice size water slide, covered stage for music, ice cream shop, huge jump pillow, and much more," notes a visitor at Hayward KOA.
Secluded camping spots: The national forest campgrounds provide more isolation. "Campsites are well maintained and spacious. Each site is secluded from the next site. May hear some wood chopping but little else. This is the reason I like the National Forest Campgrounds," explains a Day Lake visitor.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout most campgrounds. "Nice clean and quiet site. No facilities or cell service. Easy access to mountain bike trails," reports a visitor at FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed.
Insect preparedness: Summer brings heavy mosquito populations. "Was quite, clean, and restful. The only challenge was mosquitoes they swarm so I recommend bug spray strong and screen tent," advises a Day Lake camper.
Water availability varies: Some campgrounds require you to fill tanks at central locations. "If you need to fill your freshwater tank there is a pump across from site #35 that had room to park our camper and fill with a hose (bring your own)," notes a Two Lakes visitor.
Reservation timing matters: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "They start their booking for the year on January 1st. We called all day long (4500 times not kidding) and finally got a spot," shares a camper at Lake Chippewa Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities: Some sites offer multiple activities in one location. "Awesome campground to stay with family! Campground was kept very clean, even though it is an older campground. Only complaint would be that sites are close together!" notes a visitor at Hayward KOA.
Consider lake swimming safety: Many campgrounds offer designated swimming areas. "Lodge is beautiful and full of games, good playground and the swim area is fantastic! We rented a pontoon for the day and beached it on one of the many islands the lake has," shares a Lake Chippewa camper.
Find shorter hiking trails: Some campgrounds offer child-friendly walking paths. "North Country Trail hiking trail cuts through the park and a 1 mile hike around Bass Lake would be perfect for kids. Don't forget 3 swimming beaches!" suggests a Two Lakes visitor.
Plan indoor backup activities: Rain can be common in summer months. "They also have a small playground. Fish cleaning facility. Nice restrooms and showers... Nice game room for the kids on a rainy day," notes a visitor at Sunrise Bay Campgrounds and RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Tree clearance considerations: Many campgrounds have mature forests that can limit large RV access. "Love all this campsite has to offer with amenities! Beautiful area as well. But there are alot of trees that make it very challenging for larger rigs," cautions a Hayward KOA visitor.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds offer designated areas for bigger RVs. "We arrived with no issues and during check-in we were delighted to find out we had other site options than the pull throughs for our 12 night stay," notes a visitor at Lake Chippewa Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the region. "The multiple sites that are right on the lake are weekly site rentals with water and electric only but the CG does have a blackwater pump out service, and a dump station," explains a Lake Chippewa camper.
Municipal campground options: Some town-managed sites offer good value. "This is a well run municipal campground located next to the town park, library, and visitor center. Most of the sites aren't shaded, but they all had picnic tables and fire rings," reports a visitor at Drummond Lake Campground.
