Camping near Crandon, Wisconsin offers a diverse range of sites within the Nicolet National Forest, where visitors can experience elevation changes from 1,500-1,800 feet. The region features primarily sandy soil and mixed hardwood forests with numerous glacial lakes throughout the area. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cooler nights in September and October.
What to do
Hiking forest trails: The Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park offers access to the Ice Age Trail directly from the campground. "This campground is right on Jack Lake and Game Lake. There are a bunch of trails right in and around the campground, as well as opportunities for canoeing on Game Lake (there is a canoe you can just use for free)," notes Jimmy P.
Disc golf: Several camping areas feature disc golf courses for those seeking recreational activities. "Nice campground with a nice beach area and fantastic disc golf course!" says Nathan R. about Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park.
Winter camping: For adventurous campers, some sites remain accessible during winter months. "Loved the whole experience, the cold, the snow, the hammock camping. Quite an event!" writes Charles M. about a winter camping event called "Frozen Butthang 2023" at Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park.
What campers like
Sandy beaches: Franklin Lake is known for its exceptional swimming areas. "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," says Kay K.
Private lake sites: Richardson Lake offers waterfront camping, though with some elevation challenges. "This is a nice forest service campground. It's rustic. Sites can be reserved in advance, which is handy when traveling from far away. 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," explains Jen E.
Quiet, electric-only lakes: Many of the best places to camp near Crandon feature lakes with motor restrictions. At Ada Lake Recreation Area, "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!" says Andy K.
What you should know
Mosquito activity: Some camping areas can have significant insect populations, especially during wet periods. At Richardson Lake, one camper warns, "Very beautiful place but billions of mosquitoes. We survived only one night. Couldn't stay outside at all. Nothings helped-sprays, bracelets, enteric oils."
Rustic amenities: Most campgrounds in the national forest have basic facilities. At Bear Lake, "There is drinking water and pit toilets. The pit toliets were the cleanest I have ever used. Firewood is available just a few miles away. There is a Biking/Hiking trail that accesses the Rat River Trail," according to Kimberly G.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be extremely limited at many camping sites. "Cell service is awful, you can get service sort of by the lake depending on your provider, but don't count on it," Hannah I. mentions about Franklin Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas for children. "The lake has a swimming area & beautiful Sandy beach & is perfect for fishing, swimming and kayaking. Laona is just a short drive for gas, and food," shares Lisa R. about Bear Lake.
Playground availability: Holly Wood Hill Campground & Crandon Saloon Event Center offers family entertainment options. "At their little bar area it is very unique they have a pile of different games for everybody to use or play they have a big camp fire there every night. Very down to earth people but just want everybody to have a great time," says John V.
Campsite selection: Choose sites based on your family's specific needs. "Sites vary quite a bit. 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," explains Art S. about Ada Lake Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: Hiles Pine Lake Campground offers amenities geared toward RVers. "Owners are great, campground is clean and quiet, nice showers, not really a kids campground more like a relaxing or fishing campground," notes hesselinkj.
Hookup positions: Be aware of utility placement at each site. "Yards on the lower sites are large, lots of room with concrete pads, but power/water hookups at lower sites are designed for motorhomes, not travel trailers. Yards on upper sites are cramped and unlevel," warns Tonya B. about Holly Wood Hill Campground.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have challenging dump station configurations. "Dump site is unlevel and leans away from hose hookup making it difficult to fully flush holding tanks. Driveway to get in and out of dump site is rough and quite tight for a camper longer than 35ft to maneuver around," according to Tonya B.
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