Looking for the best campgrounds near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, WI? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Franklin Lake Campground is one of the most popular camping spots within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin. Its unique structures built by the CCC land it on the National Register of Historic Places. The campground is in a beautiful setting, among tall pines and hemlocks, perched on the edge of the clear blue waters of Franklin Lake. In addition to its scenic landscape, the campground offers access to a variety of hiking trails.
The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Anglers can expect a catch of walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, and bluegill, among others. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized. Numerous trails exist in the area, with some beginning within the campground, including a 6-mile hike to nearby Anvil Lake. The 1-mile Franklin Lake interpretive trail is partly accessible and tours the forest of trees, with some over 400 years old. It leads to the 13-mile Hidden Lakes Trail, which loops south, around Butternut Lake, passing several small lakes with scenic vistas and a remarkable stand of old hemlock trees, then back to the campground. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area and visitors are encouraged to keep watch.
The campground is situated in a lush stand of mature pine and hemlock trees, at an elevation of 1,700 feet. Historic stone and log structures, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are scattered throughout the campground. The adjacent Franklin Lake is 892 acres and boasts a beautiful sandy beach.
The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground. A variety of services are offered there.
$15 / night
If you are interested in a quiet campground and excellent pike fishing, Bear Lake Campground is for you. Campsites are situated along the wooded shore and ridge with outstanding views of the lake.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those most enjoyed at Bear Lake are fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The Rat River trail is a good nearby hiking opportunity.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those most enjoyed at Bear Lake are fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The Rat River trail is a good nearby hiking opportunity.
This campground sits on the southwest corner of 68-acre Bear Lake. The campground is a mix of hardwoods and pine. The water quality of the lake is moderate at a maximum depth of 20 feet. Fish species found in the lake are northern pike, panfish, and largemouth bass. This campground is also popular with grouse hunters and fall color enthusiasts.
Bear Lake is in close proximity to the Rat River Hike and Bike Trail. Trout fishing opportunities are also nearby on the Peshtigo and Rat Rivers.
For facility specific information, please call (715) 674-4481.
$15 / night
The Morgan Lake Campground and Group Site is a great place for families or a large gathering of people to camp in northern Wisconsin's Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The campground is comfortably equipped and provides access to a number of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. A picnic area with beach is available, as well as an adjacent parking area and access to the lake.
Proximity to the lake provides visitors with opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. The clear waters make for a pleasant experience. Largemouth bass are abundant in the lake. Non-motorized boating is permitted as well as electric motors only.
The scenic campground is located in a heavily wooded forest surrounding the 45-acre Morgan Lake. It is situated at an elevation of 1,500 feet. The group campground is located near the general campground, but is separated from the other sites to ensure privacy. A small, sandy beach and boat ramp are located nearby.
The closest town, Long Lake, is located just over 12 miles northwest of the campground. A variety of services are available there.
$35 / night
With two beautiful clear water lakes, undeveloped shoreline, Laura Lake Campground provides an exceptional camping opportunity. Campsites are located on the southwestern shore of 110-acre Laura Lake. The picnic and swim beach are located on the adjacent 50-acre Gordon Lake. Both lakes have developed back-in boat landings. Please note these lakes are restricted to electric motors only. Laura Lake Campground has 41 sites. A majority of sites can accommodate campers as long as 30 feet and longer. Drinking water, vault toilets, swim beach, picnic area and a boat landing are also provided at this location. All roads are paved with blacktop. Both Laura and Gordon Lakes provide good fishing opportunities.
Lost Lake Cabins offers (11) cabins available for rent in the remote forested area situated on the shores of Lost Lake. These cabins are located in a group setting and provide an excellent base for rent by individuals, families, family reunions or any large group. The entire facility can sleep up to 60 people and is a great base for water fun, swimming, non motor boating, fishing, hiking, bird watching, mushrooming, hunting and many day-trip locations into the Upper Peninsula. Cabins can be rented from mid-May through mid-October. Rental fees are per cabin, per day whether for one or six persons with an 8 night maximum stay and 2 night minimum stay on the weekend. Cabins can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. Cabins 1 through 8 are located adjacent to and along the shore of the lake, while the First Aid Cabin, Staff Cabin #2 and Staff Cabin #1 are a bit further away from the lake. The Lost Lake Campground located across the lake offers friends and family the opportunity to tent camp or RV camping and still be within a short 1/4 mile walk to the Cabins.
The 92-acre Lost Lake is stocked with perch, brown and rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. No motors are permitted on Lost Lake, but there is a boat access area available at the Lost Lake Campground. For visitors looking to beat the summer heat with a cool dip in the waters of Lost Lake, there is a small beach located at the cabins. In addition, there is a larger, appealing swimming beach available at the Lost Lake Campground. The Lost Lake Trail, a 1-mile interpretive trail through a stand of 150-year-old hemlock and pine, is a short walk from the cabins. Trails also connect to the Ridge trail and Assesors trail. the Lauterman National Recreation Trail system is just over 1 mile from the cabins.
The cabins sit amidst a forest of old-growth trees consisting mostly of Hemlock and Maple within walking distance of Lost Lake. The 92-acre lake gets its name from the lack of apparent inflow or outlet of water. The lake is actually fed by springs and the lake is a "No-Motor Lake". Tall white pines, hemlocks and other evergreens border the lake, Loons can be heard singing across the lake. A watchful eye can catch the resident eagle or osprey as they search the waters for their next meal. The lake is stocked yearly with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout and also has a good population of Smallmouth Bass and panfish. The cabins are a short drive to the Whisker Lake Wilderness. Learn more about the wilderness HERE .
Numerous Lakes and Rivers nearby to explore, kayak or canoe. Several trails to hike and only about 10 minutes to the Whisker Lake Wilderness Area off of Highway 70. Great Biking trails located within an hour West near Eagle River, WI. Local Florence County Waterfall Tour and you could take in the Iron Mine Tour about 40 minutes away. From the Lost Lake Cabins you could do day trips to the Sylvania Wilderness, Bond Falls, Porcupine Mountains or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superios all within a two hour drive in the Upper Peninsula.
$50 - $80 / night
Please note, this is Lost Lake Campground located in northern Wisconsin on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Lost Lake Campground is located in northeastern Wisconsin on the north shore of Lost Lake in a maple, aspen and white pine forest. The clear, 86-acre lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. No motors are permitted on Lost Lake. The Assessor's Nature Trail, which passes through a 150-year old hemlock and white pine stand, is located adjacent to the campground. The 3.3-mile-long Ridge Trail is also accessed from the trailhead adjacent to the campground. This trail links Lost Lake to Chipmunk Rapids Campground and the Lauterman National Recreation Trail.
The lake provides opportunities for fishing, swimming and non-motorized boating. Anglers can expect to catch bass, trout and panfish. No motors are allowed on the lake including electric motors. Numerous trails exist in the area, many beginning in the campground and extending miles to other trail systems. The Lost Lake trail loops the lake itself and travels through old growth hemlock forests. The Assessor's Nature Trail also extends from the campground and provides views of 150-year old pine stands. The Ridge trail extends from Lost Lake Campground to Chipmunk Rapids Campground and eventually on to the Lauterman National Recreation Trail. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area, including resident American bald eagles and loons. The sounds of your visit will not be soon forgotten.
The campground is situated on the shore of crystal clear Lost Lake in a stand of maple, aspen and towering white pine trees. Lost Lake, at 86 acres, offers a relaxing paddle as no motors are allowed on this lake. A sandy beach area is available to enjoy the water.
The Town of Florence is located east of the campground approximately 20 miles. Florence offers a variety of services and visitor information.
$15 / night
If you are looking for a base camp to explore area trails or If you want solitude, but also want to be able to drive up to your campsite, try the Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area off Highway 70 west of Florence. The Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area is a small campground on the Florence District that consists of a campground with 6 campsites equipped with fire rings, a vault toilet and drinking water. Upon entering, you will come across an artesian well that flows throughout the year and produces excellent drinking water! The area is popular for trout fishing, with a variety of other fish species in nearby lakes. A carry-in canoe access is nearby and is a popular starting and ending point for canoe trips on the Pine River, a state wild and scenic river. Come enjoy all the trails; there is a one-mile trail that connects the campground with Lost Lake Campground. Just north of the river is the south trailhead of the Lauterman Lake National Recreation Trail. So, if you like to hike, mountain bike, fish or enjoy a variety of water activities, then Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located just 20 miles west of Florence. Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area is pet friendly; See our restrictions for more information.
Ada Lake Recreation Area is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of some of the more popular recreation sites on the Lakewood-Laona District. It has many amenities of the other recreation areas, just not all the crowds. There are plenty of sites to see on the district and Ada Lake Recreation area can serve as a home base. Clear water, a sandy beach, and a blue sky are all it takes for many to have a memorable camping experience. Ada Lake Campground offers this and more. The exceptionally clear water makes it great for swimming, and the lake contains northern pike, bass, rainbow trout, and panfish. Another nice feature is the boat landing which makes the lake easily accessible to non-motorized boats. The Ada Lake Recreation Area is near popular local site-seeing spots Quartz Hill, Jone’s Springs Area, Cathedral Pines and Knowles Creek Interpretive Trail. So, if you like to camp, swim, boat and fish then the Ada Lake Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located just 5 minutes southwest of Wabeno. Ada Lake is one of our dog friendly recreation areas.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Franklin Lake Campground is one of the most popular camping spots within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin. Its unique structures built by the CCC land it on the National Register of Historic Places. The campground is in a beautiful setting, among tall pines and hemlocks, perched on the edge of the clear blue waters of Franklin Lake. In addition to its scenic landscape, the campground offers access to a variety of hiking trails.
The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Anglers can expect a catch of walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, and bluegill, among others. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized. Numerous trails exist in the area, with some beginning within the campground, including a 6-mile hike to nearby Anvil Lake. The 1-mile Franklin Lake interpretive trail is partly accessible and tours the forest of trees, with some over 400 years old. It leads to the 13-mile Hidden Lakes Trail, which loops south, around Butternut Lake, passing several small lakes with scenic vistas and a remarkable stand of old hemlock trees, then back to the campground. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area and visitors are encouraged to keep watch.
The campground is situated in a lush stand of mature pine and hemlock trees, at an elevation of 1,700 feet. Historic stone and log structures, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are scattered throughout the campground. The adjacent Franklin Lake is 892 acres and boasts a beautiful sandy beach.
The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground. A variety of services are offered there.
$15 / night
If you are interested in a quiet campground and excellent pike fishing, Bear Lake Campground is for you. Campsites are situated along the wooded shore and ridge with outstanding views of the lake.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those most enjoyed at Bear Lake are fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The Rat River trail is a good nearby hiking opportunity.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those most enjoyed at Bear Lake are fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The Rat River trail is a good nearby hiking opportunity.
This campground sits on the southwest corner of 68-acre Bear Lake. The campground is a mix of hardwoods and pine. The water quality of the lake is moderate at a maximum depth of 20 feet. Fish species found in the lake are northern pike, panfish, and largemouth bass. This campground is also popular with grouse hunters and fall color enthusiasts.
Bear Lake is in close proximity to the Rat River Hike and Bike Trail. Trout fishing opportunities are also nearby on the Peshtigo and Rat Rivers.
For facility specific information, please call (715) 674-4481.
$15 / night
The Morgan Lake Campground and Group Site is a great place for families or a large gathering of people to camp in northern Wisconsin's Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The campground is comfortably equipped and provides access to a number of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. A picnic area with beach is available, as well as an adjacent parking area and access to the lake.
Proximity to the lake provides visitors with opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. The clear waters make for a pleasant experience. Largemouth bass are abundant in the lake. Non-motorized boating is permitted as well as electric motors only.
The scenic campground is located in a heavily wooded forest surrounding the 45-acre Morgan Lake. It is situated at an elevation of 1,500 feet. The group campground is located near the general campground, but is separated from the other sites to ensure privacy. A small, sandy beach and boat ramp are located nearby.
The closest town, Long Lake, is located just over 12 miles northwest of the campground. A variety of services are available there.
$35 / night
With two beautiful clear water lakes, undeveloped shoreline, Laura Lake Campground provides an exceptional camping opportunity. Campsites are located on the southwestern shore of 110-acre Laura Lake. The picnic and swim beach are located on the adjacent 50-acre Gordon Lake. Both lakes have developed back-in boat landings. Please note these lakes are restricted to electric motors only. Laura Lake Campground has 41 sites. A majority of sites can accommodate campers as long as 30 feet and longer. Drinking water, vault toilets, swim beach, picnic area and a boat landing are also provided at this location. All roads are paved with blacktop. Both Laura and Gordon Lakes provide good fishing opportunities.
Guide
As of this writing, 2024, they have recently installed new showers and flush bathrooms. I live near this campground, so I have stayed at almost every site in the park. If you cant have or don't want a lake site, site #4 is the largest. It is almost 35 yards across the front. Trees are growing back, but not many mature trees on the East of the park. There is a really nice beach area adjacent to, but not in the campground. It is a nice short walk. Each site has electric hookup, and some sites have more than one box. Not much ambient light in this park, so it is great for viewing stars and Northern Lights. This park also is situated near the ATV trail, and has access to the 160 mile Blue Ox trail system.
Guide
I live near this park, so I frequent it. They have recently made improvements to the park area, which make it very kid friendly. The park also has a nice pavilion with picnic tables. Sites are spacious and spread out compared to other parks, and the area is pretty quiet. Sites have water and electric hookup.
Guide
We were to only ones here camping. This area has 3 sites 2 next to each other west side of lake and 1 on the north side of the lake. All have lake frontage. We choose the single, north of the lake site. The only drawback to this site it is right on the road with mostly ATV, UTV traffic. I would stay here again.
Scout
Busy highway noise all night. Showers pool mini-golf. No lake river or fishing.
Guide
We stayed for 3 nights. Lovely old and second growth trees. Bear and Wolf precautions, please. Hiking was good, fishing was good.
GuideNice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access.
GuideTwo sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days.
GuideStopped here to use shower it's a small campground had permanent sites and walkin tent sites. It was clean quiet bathroom was nice,long hot shower has dump station.
GuideSingle campsite on small lake. Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot. Fire ring and picknick table. Road to get in is narrow and pot holed.
GuideOn small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake
Guide
Small campsite along paved road,fire ring and picnic table ,wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet fishing was so so. I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp. Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water.
Traveler
Small primitive campsites right on lake pine in a beautiful area. The site are adequate and nothing negative to report. Host was super friendly and came up to welcome me. Picnic table down by lake so you can sit while watching the sunrise. $15/night unless you got a park/forest senior pass then 50% off.
TravelerI stayed three nights over Labor day weekend. There was an ATV festival in lakewood that i was unaware of until arriving so there was a lot of dust and noise. ATV riders also frequently walk into your camp to use the toilet. I had to adjust my camp for privacy after the first couple of groups.
Aside from that the camp is the perfect size for vans, small trailers or tents. The ground is not very even but you could probably get one or two tents in there.
No fish in the lake. Don't bother trying.
The worst part was finding the pay station. Its at a campsite on highway T about 3 miles south of 64. It's $5 per night cash or check only. I spoke with a park ranger who was checking in at camps, he said they were going to post maps next year at each site.
There is a small easy to climb path straight down to the lake. It's a fairly soft, muddy bank but I was able to launch my kayak easily from there.
If you are hammock camping this is a fantastic spot.
Traveler
We had site 18 which is right on the water and across from the shower house. It was decently spaced out from the other sites. The shore was pretty level and easy to get our kayaks in and out. The shore is shallow and mostly sand. Nice for swimming. We did catch one bass off the shore. The firepit grate was most of the bars so that made grilling a little harder. Be aware the sites to the east are higher elevation and looked like it was steep to get down to the water. Shower house was nice and clean. The first night we did hear a bunch of teens yelling at the shower house around midnight, but they either got kicked out or left because we didnt hear them again. The waterfront sites are on the main road, so you do hear all the RVs coming and going. Definitely will go back!
Guide
There are three sites two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in. Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max. One site I would say is tent only very tight. Wilderness toilet but they look pretty full.
Traveler
Chute pond park is one of my favorite campgrounds to stay at. They have reasonable rates, clean bathrooms and almost all sites are electric. There’s lots to do the whole weekend whether you want to go hiking, fishing, boating, small cliff jumping, or take a walk to slippery rock. This year they also have now available kayaks for rent at $20 per hour.
Guide
Small pull off little ways off 64 on mountain lakes Rd. Pick nik table and fire ring. Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy.
GuideDidn't camp just stopped and looked. Small shallow lake soft muddy bottom no beach. Two sites close together not much shade at the two theres a third site down road a little bit. Third site is tent only very uneven has wilderness toilet.
Guide
Small site little rough to get into a lot of trash left. Short path to river this is a two site spot good distance between them.
GuideOwners are great, campground is clean and quiet, nice showers, not really a kids campground more like a relaxing or fishing campground.
Guide
Beautiful campground had site 45 one week and site 72 the next both fcfs. Campground was quiet and clean. For those with out power there is outlets in shelter in middle of campground to charge batteries. Had phone service through boost mobile enough to stream movies
Traveler
Came to this campground for 3 days to hang out at the fireman’s picnic in arborvitae. The campground is old as dirt, had a nice lake for swimming and fishing but that’s it. Tiny game room with Pac-Man . 2 wash machines and couple dryers. The sites are very small. 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.
Guide
Small campground along river with handicap access to river.pit Toilets there is a 5 dollar parking fee per day. There are two site good distance apart. Not much shade handicap fishing along river handicap picknick tables.
GuideA single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake
Guide
Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest.
Guide
Beautiful little spot. Clear swim area, decent fishing. Saw turtles, snakes, and frogs. Wild blackberries along the trails and camp sight. Good fire ring, clean vault toilets, big camp sites.
Scout
We stayed at site 2 in the first loop on White Deer Lake. Site 7 on the water seemed like it would be a good site too, although there were steps on site 7. Site 1 and 2 had a trail between them that would make for a great double site, but they're each private enough that neighbors wouldn't be a bother. Site 2 had about 4 steps down to the tent pad that was easily large enough for our 10 person tent, the ground there mossy and grassy. The rest of the site by the picnic table and fire pit was lightly graveled. The fire pit deep and the removable grill grate perfect for the burgers and steaks we had while there. There is a single stall vault toilet for the white deer loop which was a little unfortunate as many times during the summer weekend, it was occupied when I walked over. Still it was stocked with TP, clean and spacious for a single stall. White Deer lake had a nice swimming beach area, the trail around the lake had many sandy access areas that my husband enjoyed some shoreline fishing. He caught a 9 inch bass and some panfish. Mosquitos were present, but not the worst I've ever experienced, the biting flies were plentiful, but stayed away with the help of a thermacell. Overall, we had a great weekend and would come back.
Camping near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy all the beauty this area has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is Bewabic State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
What parks are near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest that allow camping, notably Ottawa National Forest and Chequamegon-Nicolet NF.
