Best Campgrounds near Mercer, WI

The Mercer area in northern Wisconsin contains several established campgrounds along lakes and flowages, with sites suitable for tents, RVs, and occasionally cabins. Lake of the Falls County Park provides three distinct camping loops, some with electric hookups and direct water access. The Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area features remote island campsites accessible only by boat, while the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest offers multiple campgrounds including Sandy Beach Lake and Big Lake Campground. Most developed campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while some include amenities like showers and electric hookups.

Seasonal considerations affect campsite availability throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from Memorial Day through October. Winter access becomes limited as facilities close and snow accumulates. "The campsite was huge and private, also our site was on the lake with access to it. Perfect for pitching up your hammock and just enjoy the scenery and sounds of the lake," noted one visitor to Sandy Beach Lake Campground. Most campgrounds in the area have limited or no cell service, so visitors should plan accordingly. Water-based recreation dominates the area, with boat launches available at many campgrounds for access to the various lakes and the Turtle Flambeau Flowage.

Campers consistently praise waterfront sites for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage, often called the "Boundary Waters of Wisconsin," provides exceptional paddling and primitive camping experiences. A camper described it as "secluded camping along the water" with "over 300 islands, camp sites for groups, families and even a quiet area." Mosquitoes and flies can be problematic, particularly in early summer, with several reviews mentioning the need for proper insect protection. Weekends tend to bring more motorboat traffic on popular lakes, so weekday visits offer a quieter experience. Most campgrounds in the area maintain a rustic character while still providing essential amenities like drinking water and vault toilets, making them suitable for campers seeking a balance between wilderness and convenience.

Best Camping Sites Near Mercer, Wisconsin (125)

    1. Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area

    6 Reviews
    Mercer, WI
    9 miles
    Website

    "The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is a 12,942 acre lake, located in Iron County, Wisconsin. It has a maximum depth of 50 feet. Great fishing as well."

    "Beautiful Up North Wisconsin! Over 300 islands, camp sites for groups, families and even a quiet area. Availability for gas, bait or a drink and meal."

    2. Sandy Beach Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Mercer, WI
    6 miles
    Website

    "Me and the kids took a road trip from North Carolina to Wisconsin over the summer during Covid to get away."

    "Sites that are near the lake have more direct access. For the rest of us it’s a short hike through the woods or a quick drive to the beach."

    3. Lake of the Falls County Park

    4 Reviews
    Mercer, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 561-2697

    "We explored the trail behind site 14 and walked along the waterfall. The bridge takes you to another camp section. We walked down the road to see a restaurant with lodging."

    "Boat landing very close by in another of the camping loops. Very close to waterfalls. Quiet. Lost a star because it’s very difficult to find, no signage along the road. Great body of water."

    4. Popular Side 3 - Lake of the Falls

    1 Review
    Mercer, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 561-2697

    "You can literally camp right next to the falls! The sites are very big and have beautiful views of the river that leads to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage!"

    5. Emily Lake NF Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lac du Flambeau, WI
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Lake Emily is in Florence county. Very popular from opening to clean see of the season. Great lake and views. Boat ramp fishing grills. Many well forested campsites. Well maintained and clean."

    "Vault toilets are centrally located. In the middle of the week there were still empty sites to choose from. However from looking on Google it seems to be a popular spot so weekends may fill up."

    6. Wabasso Lake Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Lac du Flambeau, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 762-2461

    "There are only walk-in tent sites here. We missed that before we headed here so we needed to look elsewhere. There are other campgrounds just a few miles away."

    "This campground has 4 walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, and suitable areas for tents."

    7. Big Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Presque Isle, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 385-2727

    "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."

    "This is a nice campground located in a nice place that isn’t too rustic. Lots of sites in this large campground too. The road in is paved and yet nicely wooded."

    8. Schomberg Park

    2 Reviews
    Ironwood, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 561-2697

    "This is a perfect small sized campground with trail access to UTV /Atv trails. If you are coming here to ride I would recommend going west on the trail. North a lot of the trails were closed."

    "There are trails starting right by camp. They even have an atv washing station - first I’ve seen. With no Verizon cell service, this is a nice night’s stopover for us."

    9. Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    16 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    24 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"

    10. Twin Lakes NF Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lac du Flambeau, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 762-2461

    $15 - $30 / night

    "love this woodsy spot in the Wisconsin north woods. Great little fishing lake too with stocked trout."

    "Some sites by the lake have good views but all are nice. Sites on the forest side had longer grass. A pump house is a source for fresh drinking water."

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Recent Reviews near Mercer, WI

546 Reviews of 125 Mercer 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Kreher RV Park

    I would definitely camp hear again

    Very nice campground host. New showers and bathrooms

  • Carly A.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Little Presque Isle Rustic Outpost Camp — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    Great Location

    Great campground with access to Lake Superior. Perfect for watching the sunset or yooperlite hunting. This campground is family friendly and the vault toilets are well maintained. Some of the sites are a little close to others, but it wasn’t much of a bother.

    There is a trailhead right at the beginning of the campground that is short and easy with a number of amazing waterfalls along the way.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Burned Dam Campground

    Dark and quiet

    Small campground near a falls. Sites are private.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

    Private sites

    Shady private sites with ample mosquitoes. We were in a tent so did not appreciate the asphalt, but this site would be great for a small trailer.


Guide to Mercer

Camping near Mercer, Wisconsin, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "There are numerous hiking opportunities by the water, in the woods with mega views" at Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park.
  • Fishing: Many lakes in the region are great for fishing. A visitor at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground noted, "Fishing is decent on this big lake," making it a perfect spot for anglers.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming or kayaking. One camper at Copper Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "I loved the swimming beach; it’s so clean and big that it can never be too crowded."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Copper Falls State Park Campground warned, "Beware of the mosquitoes! They were everywhere in the bathroom."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground noted, "No water at the sites. Fill water tanks at the dump station."
  • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Bond Falls Campground mentioned, "You have to drive around and pick an open site."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One reviewer at Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park highlighted, "There was also a nice, modern playground."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at Union Bay Campground suggested, "Bring bug nets!!!" to keep the kids comfortable while enjoying the outdoors.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone energized with snacks. A visitor at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground mentioned, "We had enough sun access on a fully sunny day to top off the Jackery and phones."

Tips from RVers

Camping near Mercer, Wisconsin, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of campgrounds offering unique experiences. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you rent RVs in Mercer, Wisconsin for camping?

While Mercer itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities, you can typically arrange RV rentals through regional dealers or online platforms that serve the northern Wisconsin area. Once you secure an RV, several campgrounds near Mercer accommodate RVs well. North Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest offers sites suitable for RVs in a beautiful forest setting with access to numerous lakes and bicycle trails. Copper Falls State Park Campground is another option with RV-friendly sites, located a short drive from Mercer with spectacular waterfalls and hiking trails.

Are there any campgrounds near Mercer, Wisconsin for visitors?

Visitors to Mercer have several excellent nearby camping options. Sailor Lake NF Campground provides water access with both lakeside sites (primarily for tents) and pull-through sites away from the water. For those seeking a more remote experience, Lake of the Pines Campground — Flambeau River State Forest offers rustic, wooded sites with clean vault toilets and hand pump water. The campground provides easy access to a lake for sunset viewing and is suitable for those traveling the Trans Wisconsin ATV Trail.

What campgrounds are available in Mercer, WI?

Mercer and its surrounding area offer several excellent camping options. Lake of the Falls County Park is a popular choice with three separate camping areas, waterfront sites, and access to fishing, boating, and hiking trails. The park features sites right on the water where you can launch boats directly from your campsite. For a more rustic experience, Sandy Beach Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest offers wooded sites with beautiful lake views, though it has fewer amenities (no showers). Both campgrounds provide clean vault toilets and access to water.