Camping near Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin sits within a region containing over 900 lakes spread across 225,000 acres of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 80°F, with July averaging 75 degrees during daytime hours. Winter camping is limited as temperatures can drop well below freezing with annual snowfall exceeding 55 inches.
What to do
Bike the extensive trail system: The paved bike paths connect multiple campgrounds and towns throughout the Lac du Flambeau region. At North Trout Lake Campground, "there are paved bicycle trails connecting every campground and every town. There are nature trails everywhere that vary in length," notes one visitor. Trails lead to Boulder Junction and Minocqua, with both towns a short ride away.
Fishing for multiple species: Lake fishing opportunities vary from smaller peaceful lakes to larger bodies of water with mixed species. At Wabasso Lake Recreation Area, "the lake is gorgeous and swimmable," while the surrounding area features multiple interconnected lakes. Cedar Lake has a "portage/hiking trail within walking distance of the campground, but beware the lakeshore is boggy, bring high boots."
Hiking through forest areas: The region offers various hiking trails connecting lakes and wilderness areas. Near Wabasso Lake, there's a "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."
What campers like
Lakeside camping with direct water access: Sandy Beach Lake Campground offers sites with immediate lake access. "Sites that are near the lake have more direct access. Sites in the back are super private and easy to get away from noise of other people, but they do have more flies bc it is less breezy," explains one camper. Many visitors appreciate being able to "get in and out with the kayak" right from their site.
Clear water swimming areas: The lakes in the region are known for their clarity and cleanliness. At Crystal Lake Campground, "You can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake" and the campground has "a crystal clear lake with sandy beaches." The water quality is consistently mentioned in visitor reviews, with many noting the "clean water lake with only a handful of houses."
Hearing loons while camping: The call of loons is frequently mentioned as a highlight of camping in the region. "Big clean sites. Clean bathrooms/showers. Between two lakes. Near hiking, kayaking, swimming," notes a camper at Musky Lake Campground, adding that "Loons will sing you to sleep."
What you should know
No-motor lakes offer quieter experiences: Some lakes in the area have motor restrictions. At Crystal Lake Campground, "no motorized boats allowed unless you go to the neighbors lake about a min down." One camper advises to "know 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."
Cell service varies significantly: Network coverage can be unpredictable throughout the area. At Emily Lake NF Campground, there's "good cell service" according to recent visitors. However, at Crystal Lake, "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."
Insects can be intense: Biting insects are common, particularly in early summer. "With covid changing campgrounds to require reservations, we found a spot here over the weekend. We got one of a couple open sites. Upon arrival the horseflies greeted us with curiosity," reports a Sandy Beach Lake visitor. Similarly, at the Lac du Flambeau Campground, visitors advise to "bring your best mosquito defenses as they are thick in the morning and early evening."
Tips for camping with families
Motor-free lakes for safer swimming: Crystal Lake's prohibition of motorboats makes it particularly family-friendly. "A nice quiet campground with trees between the sites to give it a more private feel. Showers and bathrooms are available if desired and a crystal clear lake with sandy beaches," notes one visitor. Families appreciate the safety aspect of swimming without boat traffic.
Look for campgrounds with beach access: Lac du Flambeau Campground and Marina offers good swimming options for families. "The lake water surrounding was very clean and refreshing; you're able to swim at your own risk wherever you choose. Tent sites were well shaded and all lakeside," reports a camper who stayed at site #7.
Explore ice cream stops: Local ice cream is a family favorite in the region. One family staying at Crystal Lake mentioned a must-visit: "you definitely have to go visit the Corner Store just a few miles down the road for some delicious ice cream!" Similarly, another camper mentioned visiting "a nice family market in Mercer which had everything we needed about 10-15 minutes away. Get the Cinnamon bread! We went up there every morning to get more."
Tips from RVers
RV site availability varies seasonally: At Patricia Lake Campground, "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. A bit pricey, but if you spend most of your time boondocking it's a good fit." The campground has "100 sites, most with full hookup" and includes laundry facilities.
Check for size restrictions: Many campgrounds in the area have limited space for larger RVs. At Emily Lake, "Among the 11 campsites there are a few that will accommodate small rvs" while others note it's "Good for pop-up and tents. And room for some larger campers."
Plan for dump stations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or dump stations. At North Trout Lake, visitors can expect "a relatively flat site, fire ring, a picnic table, hand pump for water and vault toilets along with a beautiful clear water lake" but limited services for larger RVs. Visitors recommend planning your route to include periodic stops at campgrounds with sanitary dumps.
