Camping spots near Hazelhurst, Wisconsin range from quiet lakeside sites to family-friendly developed campgrounds across the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75-80°F and cold winters that can drop below zero. Several campgrounds enforce "quiet" designations that prohibit generators and noise-producing devices, creating unique opportunities for peaceful northwoods experiences.
What to do
Paddling motorless lakes: Crystal Lake Campground offers exceptional paddling opportunities on a pristine lake where motors aren't allowed. According to one camper, "No the rules when you come onto the lake as motors are not allowed which is why I chose it as it made paddling much easier."
Biking forest trails: The Northern Highland State Forest features extensive paved bike trails connecting campgrounds. At Musky Lake Campground, one camper noted, "Quiet campground across the road from the busier Crystal Lake campground. Convenient to the lovely bike trail that takes you to Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters."
Stargazing in open clearings: Some camping areas provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. A camper at Crystal Lake Campground shared, "Great site. Big open site. Great for star viewing. In between two great lakes. With hiking, biking trails."
Geocaching adventures: The Hazelhurst area contains numerous geocaching opportunities. A visitor to Cunnard Lake mentioned, "We had the perfect set up.. right on the water and tucked into the woods. Our neighbors were to far to hear us and the bathrooms were near by! We had a beautiful sunset every night and even got to see a double rainbow (: geocaching is hot in this area too!"
What campers like
Pristine swimming beaches: Many campgrounds feature natural sand beaches with clear water. At Clear Lake Campground, campers praised the water quality: "Beautiful clear water and beach area. Nice to kayak. Only a few great sites by the water."
Private lakefront access: Some sites offer direct lake access from individual campsites. At Indian Mounds Campground, a visitor explained, "You can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake. Very nice."
Loon serenades: The area's lakes are home to loon populations that create distinctive nighttime soundscapes. At Cunnard Lake, one camper shared, "Cunard Lake Campground was the perfect, beautiful 5-day getaway we were looking for. Not too busy, noisy or fancy. Great stay for my pup and I! Loved getting to paddleboard (brought my own) and listen to the loons day and night."
Well-spaced campsites: Many campgrounds offer good site separation for privacy. A visitor to Clear Lake noted, "Phenomenal! Love our site. It's big, neighbors are not on top of us… and it's quiet! Great firewood… only 5$ per bundle. Clean showers. Friendly staff."
What you should know
Quiet area designations: Cunnard Lake was officially designated as a quiet campground in 2019. According to a camper, "Lake Cunard campground was designated a 'Quiet' campground several years ago - one of only two in the 18 different Northern Highlands American Legion state forest campgrounds. That means no 'noise producing devices', including generators, radios, TV's, video games, guitars, etc."
Reservation complexity: The Wisconsin reservation system can be challenging. A camper at Indian Mounds noted, "Wisconsin had the most confusing online reservation system we have ever used. The only state that requires a state sticker with their camping fees."
Cell service variability: Mobile coverage is inconsistent throughout the area. A camper at Crystal Lake observed, "We have Verizon service and it is spotty in areas, though given that you can see a cell tower towards Sayner it should be a lot better than it is. I think it is the heavy tree cover that impacts the reception."
Lakefront site competition: Water-adjacent sites book quickly, especially at popular campgrounds. A visitor shared, "You will need to reserve your site 11 months in advance because it fills up fast."
Tips for camping with families
Seek out beach-accessible sites: Campsites with direct beach access are ideal for families. At Indian Shores, a camper noted, "This is one of our favorite campgrounds. It's big and spacious and on the most beautiful clear lake. Good fishing and boating/skiing. Minoqua is easily accessible."
Look for paved pathways: Several campgrounds feature bike-friendly paved paths that are safer for children. A visitor to Indian Mounds shared, "Paved roads made it easy for my children to navigate the grounds on their scooters."
Pack for weather changes: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, even in summer. One camper advised, "The weather is unpredictable so bring extra layers just in case."
Consider Cedar Falls for easier logistics: Cedar Falls Campground in Hazelhurst provides water and electric hookups that can simplify family camping. A visitor remarked, "We found this place this summer and it's the only camping I want todo. Weather we stay in Wisconsin or not I'll be back!"
Tips from RVers
Check for campground shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. At Patricia Lake Campground, an RVer noted, "Sites are relatively spaced apart for a private campground and offer FHU's for those needing to stay a night or two to dump tanks, etc."
Consider seasonal composition: Some campgrounds primarily serve seasonal campers with limited spaces for visitors. An RVer observed, "This is our second stay, once in 2020 and now 2023. Both times were just for a couple nights. Great location to explore Minocqua. The campground is comprised mostly of seasonal folks, but offers 20 some sights to non-seasonal."
Watch site widths at state forest campgrounds: Buffalo Lake Campground and other state forest sites may have narrower access roads. A visitor noted, "Buffalo Lake Campground in the Norther Highlands-American Legion State Forest is spectacular - the sites are large and beautiful."
