Best Campgrounds near Hazelhurst, WI

Northern Wisconsin's forests around Hazelhurst offer diverse camping experiences through several established campgrounds in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. Hazelhurst serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV campgrounds. Campgrounds like Cedar Falls Campground in Hazelhurst and Patricia Lake Campground in nearby Minocqua provide tent sites, RV accommodations, and cabin rentals. Most facilities in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with some forest campgrounds remaining accessible year-round.

Public lands in the Northwoods region feature varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when tourism surges. A camper noted, "We stayed for a week in the Indian Mounds loop campground. This site is a few miles from the camp registration but worth it. There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registration area." The Northern Highland State Forest properties generally provide basic amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, with some campgrounds reporting 5G coverage while others have limited connectivity.

Waterfront sites are particularly coveted in this lake-rich region. The Clear Lake Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its pristine water and beach areas. According to one visitor, "Lake is big, clear and beautiful. Very peaceful, lots of wildlife and fishing is great too!" Several campgrounds offer boat-in access points, allowing campers to reach secluded shoreline sites. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the area's interconnected lake systems. Campgrounds designated as "quiet" zones, such as Cunnard Lake, prohibit generators and noise-producing devices, creating peaceful environments for nature appreciation. Sites with lakefront access typically fill quickly, requiring advance planning during summer months when Hazelhurst and the surrounding areas experience their highest visitor numbers.

Best Camping Sites Near Hazelhurst, Wisconsin (145)

    1. Clear Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Woodruff, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3668

    "There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registraion area. We arrived at our campsite, unloaded the bikes, then proceeded to ride to check in."

    "Campsite is very near a lake with plenty of wildlife. The weather is unpredictable so bring extra layers just in case."

    2. Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    16 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 542-3923

    "Lakeside sites have their own path to the lake. Campers would leave their water “toys” ashore for use the next day. Loons singing; very peaceful."

    "Big Muskellunge Lake is one of many campgrounds situated in the North Highland American Legion State Forest and one of three in a two mile radius that offers modern facilities with showers and flush toilets"

    3. Cunnard Lake — Northern Highland State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Woodruff, WI
    7 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    "Some provide camper access, walk in private access and water access. Cunard Lake allows non motorized watercrafts and has a great swimming area."

    4. Patricia Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Minocqua, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3198

    $30 - $43 / night

    "Great location to explore Minocqua. The campground is comprised mostly of seasonal folks, but offers 20 some sights to non-seasonal."

    "Small lake with swimming area. Fishing is good. 100 sites, most with full hookup. Laundry."

    5. Indian Shores

    3 Reviews
    Minocqua, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-5552

    "The majority of the weekend campsites are located near the prime activity locations; the pool, playground and lake areas. There are full sun and full shade sites available."

    "It’s big and spacious and on the most beautiful clear lake. Good fishing and boating/skiing. Minoqua is easily accessible."

    6. Indian Mounds — Northern Highland State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Hazelhurst, WI
    4 miles
    Website

    "Nestled on Lake Tomahawk, this small campground is comprised of drive-in and walk-in sites. Walk-in sites being tent camp only, which is the option we took."

    7. Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 542-3923

    "The best sites are lake sites (obviously), but there are some better than others. Look along the east side of the lake for a sandy beach off of your site."

    "You can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake. Very nice."

    8. Buffalo Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Arbor Vitae, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3668

    "Buffalo Lake Campground in the Norther Highlands-American Legion State Forest is spectacular - the sites are large and beautiful - we had campsite 2020 which overlooked the lake, a perfect spot to hang"

    "Great state campground, near Minocqua WI. Was clean and was a busy weekend of people but great space, little to know bugs."

    9. Cedar Falls Campground

    1 Review
    Hazelhurst, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-5396

    "Weather we stay in Wisconsin or not I’ll be back!"

    10. Carrol Lake — Northern Highland State Forest

    1 Review
    Arbor Vitae, WI
    7 miles
    Website

    "This is our second year camping at carol Lake. We got the site next to the beach nice site. Campsite very clean well taken care of bathrooms were exceptionally clean."

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Recent Reviews near Hazelhurst, WI

348 Reviews of 145 Hazelhurst Campgrounds


  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Out of town but close

    Flush toilets & showers. Also one vault toilet. Clean with hand sanitizer. Lower sites are closer to playground, beech & picnic area. But upper sites are spaced better with lake views. All sites have picnic table, fire ring & power.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest

    Beautiful dispersed spot

    Stunning, got here on a Monday night and no one was here. Sites are right on the water. Dirt road was fine for our older 29’ rv

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Luna White Deer Campground

    Two of the bigger campgrounds in the State Park

    The campgrounds with 30 plus sites are two of the bigger grounds in Chequamegon-Nicolet areas that look very well maintained. The facilities are currently at the end of the season closing maintenance (closed on October 15). "On foot" travels only when camping after that. And, in addition to a few dispersed camping lots available for a fee outside the two facilities, these will be one of my winter camps destinations.

  • D
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Wabasso Lake Recreation Area

    Forest and Lakes

    This campground has 4 walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, and suitable areas for tents. There is a hand pump for water and vault toilet in the parking lot, where there is a boat landing, but no dock. There is a nearby Headwaters Lakes Natural Area with a hundred year old road that hikers will enjoy. It takes you back a mile or longer into the forest, between Wabasso and Emily Lakes. Cedar Lake has a portage/hiking trail within walking distance of the campground, but beware the lakeshore is boggy, bring high boots.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Laurel Lake Campground — Chequamegon Nicolet NF

    Another Excellent Camp-out at Campground 2 Laurel Lake

    Dark and quiet at night time. The site would be a perfect canoe landing, the water is within a few yards. The campground has three spacious sites, while the Campground 1 in the lake has eight. A vault toilet and clean water well. The autumn weather is bright and fresh!

  • D
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Emily Lake NF Campground

    Relax by the Lake

    Among the 11 campsites there are a few that will accommodate small rvs. There is a hand pump well for fresh water, and although safe and tastes great, clarity is not its strong suit (harmless tannins). Two vault toilets that are kept very clean and odorless. Emily lake is pretty and I’ll probably try camping here again.

  • 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! 👍

  • 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.


Guide to Hazelhurst

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hazelhurst, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hazelhurst, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Hazelhurst, WI and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hazelhurst, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hazelhurst, WI is Clear Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hazelhurst, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Hazelhurst, WI.