Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest campsites spread across 1.5 million acres in northern Wisconsin, with many sites located on small inland lakes and rivers. The forest spans elevations from 700 to 1,800 feet above sea level, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping areas. Many campsites don't have cell service at all, and nights can drop below 40°F even in summer months.
What to do
Swimming and beaches: Franklin Lake offers an excellent sandy beach with a roped-off swimming area. "The water is crystal clear and there's a beach that can be used if you don't have a lake site," explains one camper. For more adventurous swimmers, "the best swimming is on a sandbar directly across from the beach."
Hiking trails: Luna White Deer Campground features a trail that loops around the lake. A camper notes, "This campground has our favorite hiking trail. The sites are spacious with privacy and shade." Lost Lake Campground also connects to a hiking trail that backs up to the campground.
Artesian well water: Chipmunk Rapids Campground has a natural artesian well at its entrance. "The best feature is the artesian well right at the entrance. We filled up with water and the line started just as we finished. Even if you camp elsewhere the water is worth a visit," shares a visitor who recommends stopping by even if you're staying at a different campsite.
What campers like
Lake access and fishing: Bear Lake Campground provides waterfront sites with easy lake access. A visitor comments, "The lake is electric motors only, so boat traffic is quiet, and there are minimal private properties on the lake. It is flat between the campsite and the lake, so easy to access the water from your campsite." Another points out that "the lake has a swimming area & beautiful Sandy beach & is perfect for fishing, swimming and kayaking."
Secluded camping: Laura Lake Recreation Area offers a true forest experience with well-spaced campsites. "The 41 campsites are spread out into different loops. We were impressed with the size of our site. Our setup only filled half the space," one camper reports. Another camper values the privacy, noting "spacious site, both shade and open area. Beautiful view on the lake and great access to the water from the campsite."
Stargazing: The remote locations make for excellent night sky viewing. At Chipmunk Rapids, a camper describes the nighttime experience: "Heard wolves at night. It was great!" At Franklin Lake, visitors note the stars at night are exceptionally bright due to minimal light pollution in the area.
What you should know
Rustic facilities: Most Lost Lake Campground sites are primitive without modern amenities. A camper explains, "Rustic without water or electricity. Vaulted toilets (4). The sites are large and a few have lake shore access perfect for non-motorized boating/kayaking." Another camper adds, "The campground is very rural, the closest town being Florence which is 20 miles away."
Gravel road access: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. At Morgan Lake, one visitor notes, "4+ miles of good gravel roads to arrive at the campground. We passed more ATVs than cars. Keep an eye out for the logging trucks - we passed one on a switchback section."
Seasonal operation: Most national forest campsites close by mid-October. A Luna White Deer Lake visitor observes, "The facilities are currently at the end of the season closing maintenance (closed on October 15). 'On foot' travels only when camping after that."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: Lost Lake Cabins provide a good introduction to camping for families with young children. "The interior of the cabins are spacious and could easily accommodate a large family. It's not too far from activities in Eagle River and there is a DNR center with some educational exhibits a few miles to the east," shares a parent who visited with small children.
Best swimming spots: For families with children, look for sites with gentle water entry. At Laura Lake, a camper notes, "Small beach on the lake next to Laura lake, great for kids with perfect view of sunset." Bear Lake also offers "a swimming area & beautiful Sandy beach" that works well for families.
Bugs and weather preparation: Pack plenty of bug protection, especially during summer months. A visitor to Bear Lake cautions, "If it were hot, I would imagine a lot of mosquitos." Another at Morgan Lake warns that storms can roll in quickly: "We had to negotiate a few miles of gravel and dirt road" which can become difficult in wet conditions.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Pine Lake Campground offers rustic sites that can accommodate smaller RVs, but without hookups. A camper reports, "Quiet and roomy campsites. Private and treed. One campsite near water, the rest are off water." Another adds, "$15/night unless you got a park/forest senior pass then 50% off."
Accessibility challenges: Most forest campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. At Franklin Lake, a camper points out, "They just added electric hook up to some sites in the South End. Right now the price is the same for electric or non-electric sites. Sites are large and decent spacing between sites."
Water access: RVers should plan to fill tanks before arrival or use the artesian well at Chipmunk Rapids. A visitor recommends, "Drive a bit further than Lost Lake Campground to Chipmunk Rapids Campground. There you will find a wonderful artesian well where you can fill up on great drinking water."
