Payden W.
Scout
ScoutBirch Grove Campground
Birch Grove Campsite
Very nice campground, only downside is that it has a public boat launch so it gets kinda busy during the day near the lake.
Camping near Iron River, WI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Iron River area in northern Wisconsin encompasses both developed campgrounds and rustic forest sites across Bayfield County. Accommodations range from RV-accessible sites with full hookups at Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground to primitive camping options within the Brule River State Forest. Copper Range and Bois Brule campgrounds provide year-round access to the Brule River, while Twin Bear Campground and Delta Lake County Park offer lakeside experiences. Moon Lake City Park serves as a convenient base near town, and dispersed camping can be found at locations like Afterhours Meadow in the surrounding national forest land.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. Campground roads in the area vary in quality, with some sites requiring careful navigation due to low-hanging branches and narrow access points. Water levels and access to boat landings fluctuate with seasonal conditions. According to one visitor at Wanoka Lake, "Typical USFS campground in the Chequamegon NF. First come first served, self pay, no host, very green and lush and private sites." Several campgrounds offer electric hookups for an additional fee, though amenities vary widely between the more developed resorts and primitive forest service locations. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months, particularly at popular waterfront campgrounds.
Waterfront campsites consistently receive positive reviews, with multiple campgrounds offering direct lake or river access. The Brule River provides excellent fishing and paddling opportunities, with dedicated canoe landings and racks at Copper Range campground. Campers particularly appreciate sites with private beach access and swimming areas. A visitor noted that Top O' the Morn Resort features "spacious sites and quiet—no road or neighbor noise. Lake has swimming area and swim platform." Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with several reviews mentioning sightings of red squirrels, birds, and the sound of loons in early morning and evening hours. The mixed-use trail systems throughout the area connect many campgrounds to recreational opportunities, including ATV trails accessible from several camping areas.
Best Campgrounds near Iron River (168)
1. Top O’ the Morn Resort & Campground
"If you are looking for the true up north Wisconsin getaway this is the spot!"
"Tucked away campground right in a lake. Spacious sites and quiet…no road or neighbor noise."
from $27 - $40 / night
Check Availability2. Copper Range Campground — Brule River State Forest
"This is a small state forest campground adjacent to the beautiful and wild Brule River of northern Wisconsin."
"A vault toilet and water pump are centrally located. Recycling and garbage bins are near the exit. Follow the .9 mile trail along the river or drive over to Lake Superior."
from $19 / night
Check Availability3. Bois Brule Campground — Brule River State Forest
"Cost for non-residents is $21 for the campsite and another $11 daily state park entrance fee. So, $32 for the same type of campground as a USFS at about $15."
"If it was simply about the location, this would get five plus stars because it's so beautiful!"
from $19 / night
Check Availability4. Moon Lake City Park
"A very nice campground on a beautiful quiet lake in the North Woods. Nice beach and picnic grounds. Right on the ATV trails. Great jumping off spot for a great North Woods adventure."
5. Wanoka Lake Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
"The lake is nice and peaceful and small, and bugs/mosquitos weren’t too bad. There’s a little dock at the lake but you can’t drive your boat down, you have to carry it on foot. "
6. Amnicon Falls State Park Campground
"This is a rustic campground with 3 vault toilets and drinking water locations spread out among 35 sites."
"The campsites are fairly close together and the highway can be heard, but they are tucked away from the main attraction a decent bit. However, you can easily hike to the trails and falls easily."
from $21 / night
Check Availability7. Herbster Campground
"By late August, direct views of lake is obscured by beach grass but still just as delightful. Sites were close but our neighbors never showed so we lucked out."
"Very beautiful place right on Lake Superior. The tent sites are right along the beach. Small and remote. Beautiful hiking locations close by."
from $17 - $30 / night
Check Availability8. Afterhours Meadow
"Surrounded by wildflowers in mid July. Easy to get level and ruin for several rigs. ATT with my external antenna was great."
"Drive back in to open field."
9. Veterans Park Campground, Iron River WI
"There is potable water available near the information sign."
from $30 / night
Check Availability10. Delta Lake County Park
"We camped at space 3 and had access to the shower house, and bathroom. Both were well kept, and clean for camping facilities."
"Pretty quiet, nice lake. Tons of bugs as some of the sites are next to “swampy” areas. Close to other nicer lakes and national forest"
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 46 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 14 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 2 hrs 50 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 3 hrs 6 min from Wausau, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Iron River, WI
238 Photos of 168 Iron River Campgrounds
richard D.
Veterans Park Campground, Iron River WI
Angie G.
Top O’ the Morn Resort & Campground
Cheri P.
Delta Lake County Park
Amy G.
Bois Brule Campground — Brule River State Forest
Al J.
Horseshoe Lake Campground
Hans E.
Perch Lake Campground (Drummond, WI)
Tonya B.
Drummond Lake Campground
Nicky S.
Herbster Campground
Chris A.
Two Lakes
Avery G.
Porcupine Lake Wilderness
Annie C.
Prentice Park Campground
Rick W.
Amnicon Falls State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Iron River, WI
860 Reviews of 168 Iron River Campgrounds
Kicking K R.ScoutLucius Woods County Park
Beautiful campground
Sites are large but can see your neighbors. Beatiful beach with playground away from the campground.
Cari E.
RangerGooseberry Falls State Park Campground
A North Shore Favorite
This was my favorite State Park campground in North Shore. Verizon had enough service within the campground for remote work and the spaces we roomy and offered a good mix of shaded and sunnier options, depending on your needs. I was in the westernmost loop (1-27) and found that it is best suited for tent campers or small rv units due to the curvy, hilly dirt road (with some manageable ruts) and the trees/brush. Water spigots (with COLD water) are well placed and the bath house is central to practically all sites. Shore access and trail access to the falls can be found via connector trails off the loop if you don’t mind a bit of an extra walk. The bath house itself was SO NICE. Very well kept and clean, and offered ample space. No hookups, but there is a dump station coming into the campground.
Watch out for the local deer though, it’s her turf and she’ll make it known with some angry foot stomping.
- Cari E.Ranger
Spirit Mountain Campground
Convenient when the SP are booked
If you’re hopping between state parks in the north shore area and need something near Duluth, this campground is a solid option if there’s nothing else available. Time has not been overly friendly and the park and campground are somewhat run down, but there are still upsides. It’s close to local stores and the sites are shaded and actually quite lovely, but beware that MANY of the sites on the far west loop (45-70) will not be level. Most also do not have a dedicated space for a tent, but there is usually ample space on the gravel drives (bring extra padding). This loop is also not ideal for larger RVs. Verizon cell service was manageable and if you scout the site images online, you can find spots with northern-facing openings in the trees for Starlink if needed. Water spigots in this loop are also well placed and the water was quite chilly. Now for the ugly…the bathrooms in this loop are serviceable, but if you touch the wall or floor while showering, you might want to star over. If you forgot your shower shoes, you won’t be showering. Older bath houses are acceptable, but this one was plain filthy beyond simple age.
- rrichard D.
GuideBirch Grove Campground
Wonderful little National Forest service campground
This is my first stay at Birch Grove Campground. It’s a primative campground right between Twin lakes.
Some sites are reservable and some are first-come-first-serve. And, some alternate between FCFS and reservable on different days.
Sites near the entrance tend to have fewer trees and less shade than sites near the end of the road which are more wooded. I saw a fifth-wheel that fit comfortably in a site near the end.
Site 5 seems to be the only pull through. They call it a double site and it costs $30 instead of the usual $15. Site 7 is also a double but not a pull through.
Saw several people fishing in the lakes but don’t know much else about the fishing.
Overall, this place is a gem but the word is out because there were a lot of people here for a Thursday.
Sally T.GuideBirch Grove Campground
Quiet secluded campground
A lot of people reserve but we could not figure out what they do. Small campground. Small lake. Quiet but about 12 miles off Hwy 13.
Travis H.GuideCastle Danger
Great location, tougher access
I made it in my accord though the description advised not to. So anything is possible with a capable driver.
Alysia B.ScoutMont du Lac Resort
Nice paved spots
Nice campground with flat paved spots and good facilities. Water park for extra charge, but a great free playground for non-swimmers
- Cari E.Ranger
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Everything is convenient
I stayed at two sites, the second being 41E, which has electric. This loop is perhaps the most central to the bath house, but all are conveniently located nearby and the dump station isn’t too far (but far enough to stay out of sight, out of mind). The bath house is fully handicap friendly and the shower heads can all the raised and lowered, and there are wheelchair ramps up to the facility. The dirt roads are miraculously pothole free and the drinking water spigots are blissfully cold if you’re here during a heatwave. Site 41E, like quite a few actually, has the fire pit behind/on the wrong side of your rv door, but no biggie. The biggest downside is that the site is rather unlevel, but if you are able to scoot all the way to the right (closest to the electrical tower), it’s not so bad. The bridge/park office/store is a quick 7 min walk, and the bath house is less than a 2 min walk.
When I was staying, we were hit with hazardous levels of wildfire smoke, and I was so impressed that the park staff opened visitor’s center early so that campers would have a place to escape the smoke. I’ve never stayed at any park where the staff goes so far above and beyond.
Guide to Iron River
The Iron River area offers camping options across northwestern Wisconsin's diverse landscape at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. Most sites sit within the Lake Superior watershed with sandy soil typical of the Northern Highland region. Water levels at boat launches fluctuate by 2-3 feet between spring and late summer, requiring adjustments for watercraft access.
What to do
Paddle the Brule River: At Copper Range, canoe rentals are available about a mile away in Brule at reasonable prices. "Perfect for fishing and kayaking the Brule River," notes Cora H., who appreciated the space between campsites. The river features dedicated canoe landings with racks for equipment storage.
Explore waterfalls year-round: Amnicon Falls State Park provides multiple waterfall viewing areas accessible even in winter months. "A beautiful, smaller park. We tent camped with our littles (2 & under) & they had a blast walking & sitting in the water near the Falls. There are countless locations on the Falls for your family to get cozy & enjoy the water," writes KampW/Babies.
Access ATV trail systems: Several campgrounds connect directly to the area's extensive ATV trail network. A camper at Moon Lake City Park explains it's "Right on the ATV trails. Great jumping off spot for a great North Woods adventure."
What campers like
Private beach access: Top O' the Morn Resort offers lakefront camping with swimming amenities. Beth B. reports, "Lake has swimming area and swim platform, it's a lake so there are small fish, snails and grass in that area." Sites feature substantial spacing between neighbors for added privacy.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings provide prime wildlife spotting times, especially for birdwatchers. Katherine O. mentioned at Top O' the Morn Resort, "Saw a lot of wildlife and heard the sounds of loons in the AM and evening." Red squirrels are commonly spotted at Copper Range, with one camper sharing, "Also the cutest red squirrels EVERYWHERE!"
Fishing access: Twin Bear Campground provides access to a chain of connected lakes with excellent fishing. "The ramp is great, there are 6 connected crystal clear lakes with several more adjacent lakes," notes Cathy J. Site 41 is highlighted for having "your own little beach" where you can pull your boat directly up to your campsite.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: While most campgrounds operate May through October, conditions vary significantly by season. At Afterhours Meadow, a dispersed camping area, summer visitors find "Surrounded by wildflowers in mid July" as Joni Z. describes, while spring campers often encounter muddy conditions requiring 4WD vehicles.
Reservation systems vary: Many county and state parks require advance booking, while national forest campgrounds operate first-come, first-served. Wendy I. observed at Copper Range, "The campground does not appear to be frequently monitored. We noticed several sites were well over capacity, and occupied sites without reservation notes on the site poles."
Cell coverage fluctuates: Signal strength varies significantly by carrier and location. Laura M. reported at Wanoka Lake, "Surprisingly decent Verizon and ATT service," while other campgrounds in valleys have limited connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Beaches with gradual entries work best for younger children. "The lake has swimming area and swim platform," notes Beth B. about Top O' Morn Resort, making it suitable for families with varied swimming abilities.
Campsite selection for children: Choose sites away from water if camping with toddlers. A family staying at Boise Brule Campground advised, "No playground, for instance, although the fish hatchery is 1/2 mi. away. If they like fishing, it's great though. The river's cold, so small kids would not like to swim there."
Pest preparation: Ticks remain active throughout summer months. Zachary G. warns about Boise Brule, "Been an outdoor person my whole life and more ticks than I've ever seen before. Pulling 10 or more off an hour." Pack appropriate repellent and perform regular tick checks.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness considerations: Many forest service campgrounds require additional leveling equipment. Laura M. noted at Wanoka Lake, "A few are level, but most would be difficult for us to get level enough to be comfortable."
Low clearance challenges: Overhanging branches can impact larger vehicles. At Wanoka Lake, "Roads are narrow and the low hanging branches scraped along the top and sides of our rig, but no damage," according to Laura M.
Electric hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer electric sites for an additional fee. At Delta Lake County Park, Cheri P. mentioned, "Electric was available at the site for an extra $5 but would have been worth it if needed," providing a budget-friendly option for those who don't require constant power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Iron River, Wisconsin?
What campgrounds are available in Iron River, Wisconsin?
Iron River, Wisconsin offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground provides drive-in access with amenities including water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Moon Lake City Park offers a more basic camping experience with drive-in access and water available. Other nearby options include Delta Lake County Park with reservable sites, Bayfield County Twin Bear Campground with water and toilet facilities, and Afterhours Meadow with both drive-in and walk-in access. These campgrounds provide good bases for exploring the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin.
What amenities does Moon Lake Park in Iron River, WI offer for campers?
What amenities does Moon Lake Park in Iron River, WI offer for campers?
Moon Lake Park in Iron River offers basic camping amenities in a scenic setting. The park provides water access for campers and features drive-in sites suitable for various camping setups. While not as developed as some larger state parks in the region like Copper Falls State Park Campground or Amnicon Falls State Park Campground, Moon Lake provides a more intimate camping experience. The park serves as a good base for exploring Iron River and the surrounding attractions in northern Wisconsin. For specific amenity information and seasonal availability, check with the park directly before planning your trip.
What activities and attractions are available at The Spot in Iron River, WI?
What activities and attractions are available at The Spot in Iron River, WI?
While specific information about The Spot in Iron River is limited, the Iron River area offers numerous outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy. The region is known for its natural beauty and access to water recreation. Nearby, Copper Range on the wild Brule River offers excellent fishing, paddling, and hiking opportunities. Dalrymple Park and Campground is located near Bayfield, which provides access to the Apostle Islands and boat tours. The area typically offers activities like fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. For current information about specific attractions at The Spot, contacting the Iron River Chamber of Commerce or visitor center is recommended.
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