Hazelhurst's northern Wisconsin location provides access to numerous campgrounds within the dense forests of Vilas and Oneida counties. The area sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, characterized by glacially-formed terrain with numerous lakes and ponds. Seasonal campgrounds generally operate from May through October with most facilities closing completely during the harsh winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing adventures: At Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground, visitors can enjoy trout fishing in a stocked lake. "Great little fishing lake too with stocked trout," notes one camper, while another mentions "fishing was good" during their three-night stay.
Hiking trails: The Chequamegon National Forest offers extensive hiking opportunities near Twin Lakes NF Campground. "I spent the day hiking the Round Lake trail and had it all to myself," shares one visitor. Another adds, "A hiking trail starts at the entrance and goes around Round Lake. An informative sign maps the route. We saw deer and fawn, rabbits and so many mallards in a couple hikes."
Wildlife viewing: The area's forests support diverse wildlife. At Twin Lakes, campers report seeing "deer and fawn, rabbits and so many mallards." The proximity to nature allows for unplanned encounters with local fauna throughout the camping season.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful environment at Twin Lakes NF Campground. One visitor noted, "This was perfect. Very rustic campground. I was actually the only one here this weekend. Only noise is from the wind turbine in the middle of the lake." Another camper praised the "solitude" of this location.
Private sites: Campers frequently mention site privacy as a plus. At Sylvania Campground, a visitor notes, "Shady private sites with ample mosquitoes." Another camper states, "beautiful views of the forest from every campground (not just staring at other campers), very private."
Adult-focused options: Some campgrounds cater specifically to adult campers. Land O' Lakes Nature RV Resort is described as an "Adult Playground in Nature" and is "adults only but doesn't follow the typical 55+ rule and is available for younger adults as well!"
What you should know
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes are consistently mentioned across campground reviews. One camper at Sylvania warns to "bring bug spray" while another at Twin Lakes suggests you "bring something to keep the mosquitoes at bay."
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At Alpine Campground & RV Park, visitors report mixed experiences. One camper found "very clean bathrooms with hot showers," while another noted "very run down bathroom and shower facilities."
Limited services: Many campgrounds in the area have restricted services. For example, at Alpine Campground, a visitor mentioned "the toilets didn't work because there was a piece on order for over 2 weeks, the sinks weren't working so we couldn't use those either, but you could get a hot shower for a $0.25."
Seasonal limitations: The Hazelhurst area has a defined camping season. Most RV parks and campgrounds operate from May through October, with Arbor Vitae Campground specifically open "May 1 to Oct 15" and Borderline RV Park from "May 1 - Oct 31."
Tips for camping with families
Bring extra supplies: Limited shopping options mean preparation is essential. For Sylvania Campground, one camper advises, "Since Watersmeet is a VERY small town, groceries and other essentials are costly, so come already packed."
Beach access: Swimming opportunities exist at select campgrounds. At Sylvania, visitors note there are "2 nice beaches on either end, and easy portage to other lakes," though one visitor mentioned a swimming area that "was under kept but we still enjoyed all day."
Wildlife education: The area provides opportunities to teach children about nature. At Sylvania, campers need to follow "Bear and Wolf precautions," creating learning moments about wildlife safety and conservation.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV campers should prepare for varying site conditions. At Borderline RV Park, concrete pads provide stability, making it "a great place" according to a seasonal camper who "stayed there May - Sept 2022 and loved it!"
Electrical concerns: Power hookups can have safety issues at some locations. One camper at Arbor Vitae Campground warned that "electricity has no breakers to shut the juice off before hook up which is very dangerous."
Water pressure considerations: Water systems vary between rv campgrounds near Hazelhurst. At Alpine Campground, visitors reported "water pressure was a little low" while facilities at other campgrounds may offer more consistent pressure.
