Best Campgrounds near Crandon, WI

Camping in Wisconsin's Northwoods region near Crandon presents a mix of developed campgrounds and more rustic options. The area includes several established campgrounds like Holly Wood Hill Campground, Pine Lake Campground in the Nicolet National Forest, and Richardson Lake, all offering varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate tents and RVs, while some like Holly Wood Hill and Hiles Pine Lake also feature cabins. The Nicolet National Forest provides multiple camping opportunities with sites situated on or near lakes and surrounded by dense forest, creating an authentic northwoods camping experience.

May through October marks the primary camping season in this region, with most campgrounds officially operating between early May and mid-October. Many National Forest campgrounds like Ada Lake and Pine Lake operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others such as Holly Wood Hill and Hiles Pine Lake accept reservations. Winter conditions can make access difficult, particularly at more remote sites. Summer brings comfortable daytime temperatures, though nights can remain cool. One camper noted, "Small primitive campsites right on lake pine in a beautiful area. The sites are adequate and nothing negative to report. Host was super friendly and came up to welcome me."

Lakeside campsites represent a significant draw for the area, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. Sites at Ada Lake and Bear Lake particularly stand out for their proximity to water and natural setting. As one visitor described Ada Lake, "Great campground, albeit gravely. The amenities were well kept and placed and having our dog with us wasn't a problem." Most campgrounds feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though hookup availability varies significantly. Sites with electric and water hookups command higher fees but provide more comfort for RV campers. More secluded sites in the National Forest typically offer a quieter experience with fewer amenities but greater privacy and natural surroundings. Mosquitoes can be abundant during certain periods, particularly at heavily wooded sites near water.

Best Camping Sites Near Crandon, Wisconsin (177)

    1. Holly Wood Hill Campground & Crandon Saloon Event Center

    2 Reviews
    Crandon, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 212-3308

    $30 - $60 / night

    2. Nicolet National Forest Pine Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hiles, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 674-4481

    "One campsite near water, the rest are off water. Boat ramp outside of campground, but is in walking distance. Small beach for swimming with picnic table and BBQ in campground."

    "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."

    3. Hiles Pine Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Hiles, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 649-3319

    4. Richardson Lake

    4 Reviews
    Wabeno, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 674-4481

    $15 / night

    "The lakeside campsites are elevated somewhat high above the lake, so you need to walk down stairs or a steep-ish trail to get to the water."

    "Quiet, secluded, right next to a lake."

    5. Ada Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Wabeno, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 276-6333

    "One was a multi-layer setup while others were more hidden as they moved further away from the lake. The picnic tables look very new and the vault toilets are well kept."

    "We arrived mid-week and had no problem getting a lakeside campsite. The sites are low compared to the water level, so it was an easy walk from our campsite to the water (no stairs to climb)."

    6. Bear Lake

    7 Reviews
    Wabeno, WI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 674-4481

    $15 / night

    "Small and secluded this campground sits on the edge of bear lake and little cub lake is a short walk or drive from there."

    "It’s a nice drive out here passing some local homes along the way. The road to the lake is just for the campground. There is a boat launch and picnic area before the campsites."

    7. Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park

    6 Reviews
    Pearson, WI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 623-6214

    "This campground is right on Jack Lake and Game Lake."

    "On the ice age trail. Bike trails. Near ATV trails and they offer disc golf. Ill be back here for sure."

    8. S-J & W Ham Lake Campground, LLC

    1 Review
    Wabeno, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 674-2201

    9. Franklin Lake

    14 Reviews
    Three Lakes, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-2827

    $15 - $25 / night

    "I formally lived in northern Wisconsin and we would camp here quite often. Huge lake. Most sites are lake front with steps leading right down to your own private beach!"

    "My family has been coming to Franklin Lake for decades. It’s hands down our favorite campground in Wisconsin."

    10. Ada Lake NF Campground

    2 Reviews
    Wabeno, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 276-3594

    "A nice little beach, quiet well spaced sites, and nearby snowmobile/hiking trails. The lake it small with a few lake cabins across the lake."

    "Trolling motors only on this lake. Good fishing and quite. Dirty and grave sites with no concrete pads. Great place to spend a week or two!"

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Recent Reviews near Crandon, WI

431 Reviews of 177 Crandon Campgrounds


  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Franklin Lake

    Season's Best at Franklin Lake

    We have had an excellent camp-out this year here. Maybe because our site is only a yard away from the water, and with ample living space for multiple tents and a vehicle. A fire ring and a picnic table. A set of vault toilets nearby. We didn't expect to find flushing toilets in a campground anywhere, but, we have a choice here to drive up further and use the facility. The wood forest is nicely maintained. Falling off branches are taken care of off the roads right away. And, that's all we care about in enjoying the outdoors this year.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Laurel Lake Campground — Chequamegon Nicolet NF

    Laurel Lake Campground

    We don't have any RVs, no RV's cleaning and dumping facility required. It's good enough with its regular and standard trash disposal site. The wood forest is nicely maintained. I have no fear of falling timbers or branches at all times. And, the nicest thing about the campground is the few square-footages of level and compacted square on each site, ready to spread your tent on it. It's great! 👍

  • R
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Governor Thompson State Park Campground

    Beautiful boondocks!

    It's so quiet here. The campsites spread apart the campgrounds may be heavily booked, but it doesn't feel like it. There is swimming, boating (campsites are also available on the island), lots of hiking trails, and tons of waterfalls in the area. Thanks to the came hostess,Melody H, and the other park employees, the bathrooms and showers were impeccable. I've been camping in a tent for two weeks and I look forward to coming back next year.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Bagley Rapids NF Campground

    Sweet Campground, Small and Quiet

    Nice little campground in the Chequamegon National Forest. Cash only, FCFS. There’s not a lot of sites here, but it’s also pretty hidden away. I showed up on a Friday evening around 6:30pm and was still able to snag a spot on the river. Quite a few ticks here, make sure to bring some permethrin spray for your clothes and your dog. Tough fishing from the sites with a lot of overhanging tree cover, but there are a few fish around if you can get a cast in.

    T-Mobile signal is non-existent, Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE which was enough to send out a few texts.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Franklin Lake

    Excellent sandy beach

    Private sites, great beach, beautiful buildings built by the CCC. There is even a small nature center. My family loves the nature trail that takes us through bogs and past maiden hair ferns. With a boat one can visit an island that once had a cabin. The best swimming is on a sandbar directly across from the beach.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Scott Lake

    Remote site on quiet lake

    The campsite is on a gravel road. There is access to a small lake. Across the road is a nice boardwalk to another lake. The Wilderness Headwaters trail is also close.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indian Lake

    Single site on small lake

    The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It’s intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area. Many hiking opportunities are nearby.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site

    Amazing find

    This is a huge campsite on a dead end road. The parking area is huge so one could fit a trailer or pop up there. There is a sandy beach on a small lake full of fish. The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it’s a nice walk to another tiny lake.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Woodbury Lake Campsite

    Sweet spot on small lake

    This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer.


Guide to Crandon

Camping near Crandon, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers at Governor Thompson State Park Campground rave about the "lots of trails" and "clean bathrooms" that make hiking enjoyable.
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers are great for fishing. One visitor at Bagley Rapids NF Campground mentioned, "The short stretch of the Oconto River provides mainly brook trout and brown trout fishing."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to lakes for swimming. A reviewer at Boulder Lake noted, "The lake is not very deep, which is great for swimming or water recreation."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Council Grounds State Park Campground said, "Decent bathrooms. Nice little beach area."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large, private sites. One camper at Musky Lake Campground mentioned, "Big open site. Great for star viewing."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Campers often feel welcomed by staff and fellow visitors. A reviewer at Peshtigo River Campground shared, "The owners are awesome and worked with us on our reservation."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months. A camper at Bond Falls Campground warned, "The mosquitoes came in clouds but that’s expected."
  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Governor Thompson State Park Campground noted, "Barely any cell service if that is important to you."
  • First-come, first-served sites: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A reviewer at Bond Falls Campground mentioned, "You have to drive around and pick an open site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds or swimming areas. A family at Franklin Lake enjoyed the "nice playground and pool."
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Musky Lake Campground appreciated the "lots of sites...lots."
  • Plan for meals: Bring food or check for nearby markets. A visitor at Council Grounds State Park Campground mentioned, "Good bathrooms. Friendly attendant at welcome station."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Peshtigo River Campground said, "We have a 33 1/2 ft 5th wheel and had plenty of space."
  • Look for electric hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric sites, which can be a big plus. A camper at Franklin Lake noted, "They just added electric hook up to some sites."
  • Be aware of road conditions: Some campgrounds have gravel or dirt roads. A visitor at Silver Lake Resort mentioned, "The roads are gravel/dirt and the constant dust from passing cars gets old."

Camping near Crandon, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV camping options or rentals available in Crandon, Wisconsin?

Yes, RV camping options are available in and around Crandon. West Bass Lake offers RV-friendly sites and has recently upgraded its facilities with new showers and flush toilets. For RVers, Laura Lake Recreation Area provides spacious sites with beautiful lake views, though some are positioned on hills. In the Crandon area specifically, Holly Wood Hill Campground has concrete pads with power/water hookups designed for motorhomes on lower sites, while upper sites are more cramped and unlevel. Some area campgrounds like Hiles Pine Lake and Bear Lake are designated as big-rig friendly. For RV rentals, check with local outdoor recreation businesses in Crandon or nearby larger towns, as on-site rental availability is limited.

What campgrounds are available in and around Crandon, Wisconsin?

Crandon and the surrounding area offer several camping options amid northern Wisconsin's forests and lakes. Holly Wood Hill Campground & Crandon Saloon Event Center is located in Crandon itself, featuring concrete pads and ATV/UTV-friendly facilities. A short drive away, Richardson Lake provides lakeside camping, though it can get busy during race weekends in Crandon. Other nearby options include Boot Lake Campground near Townsend, Bagley Rapids in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Morgan Lake Campground for a more remote experience, and Franklin Lake with lakefront sites. Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities like vault toilets and water access, perfect for exploring Wisconsin's beautiful north woods.

Where can I find maps of camping areas in Crandon?

Maps of camping areas around Crandon can be found through multiple sources. For national forest campgrounds like Bagley Rapids NF Campground in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, visit the USFS website or stop at the Lakewood-Laona District ranger station for detailed maps. Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park offers trail maps directly at the campground, showcasing routes around Jack Lake and Game Lake. Many state and county campgrounds provide maps at entrance stations or information boards. The Wisconsin DNR website features downloadable maps of state campgrounds and recreation areas. The Dyrt app/website also offers user-submitted maps and campground layouts. For ATV/UTV trails connecting to campgrounds, visit the Forest County tourism office in Crandon for specialized trail maps.