The Lakewood, Wisconsin area offers camping options within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at elevations around 1,500 feet above sea level. Most camping sites near Lakewood, Wisconsin charge $5-20 per night depending on amenities, with dispersed sites typically at the lower end of this range. The camping season generally runs May through October, with limited winter access due to snow and cold temperatures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Boulder Lake allows both shore and boat fishing in a shallow lake environment. "Boulder lake is amazing and is located conveniently close to the Wolf river, which has whitewater rafting and trout fishing. The lake is not very deep, which is great for swimming or water recreation," notes one visitor to Boulder Lake.
Trout fishing: The rivers and streams around Lakewood provide excellent trout fishing. At Bagley Rapids NF Campground, one camper mentioned, "The short stretch of the Oconto River provides mainly brook trout and brown trout fishing. Tranquil nights next to the rapids makes this campground great."
River activities: The waterways around Lakewood provide opportunities for swimming, tubing and kayaking. "One trail leads to a scenic overlook and another leads to slippery rock. Slippery Rock is a waterfall from the river that you can actually slide down. They also have a rock you can jump off as well into water," shares a camper at Chute Pond Park.
What campers like
Peaceful water sounds: Campsites along waterways provide natural ambient sounds. One camper at Bagley Rapids NF Campground appreciated that "many of the sites are right on the river. You can hear the constant rushing of the water over the rapids, which is so relaxing at night."
Lakefront access: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access from individual campsites. At Boot Lake Campground, a visitor reported, "Sites weren't too close to each other and were at a normal level of seclusion. Beach and fishing area."
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Governor Thompson State Park Campground, a camper shared their experience: "Very quiet and peaceful. Did hear some bear walking the first night and some coyotes/or wolves howling literally right behind our tent the second night."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites can be challenging. At Mountain Lakes, a camper noted, "The worst part was finding the pay station. Its at a campsite on highway T about 3 miles south of 64. It's $5 per night cash or check only. I spoke with a park ranger who was checking in at camps, he said they were going to post maps next year at each site."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate seasonally. Ada Lake Recreation Area is first-come, first-served with no reservations. One camper described it as "a nice up north campground. No reservations so it is first come first serve. Only electric motors on the lake so it is usually a quiet setting."
Cell service: Mobile reception varies throughout the area. At Bagley Rapids, one visitor reported, "T-Mobile signal is non-existent, Verizon had 1-2 bars of LTE which was enough to send out a few texts."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly swimming areas. One visitor to Chute Pond Park shared, "They have a little footbridge to fish off of, a playground, and a nice beach. You can rent out kayaks and little boats."
Bug protection: Ticks and mosquitoes can be prevalent in warmer months. A visitor to Bagley Rapids warned, "Quite a few ticks here, make sure to bring some permethrin spray for your clothes and your dog."
Themed activities: Some private campgrounds offer organized events. At Maple Heights Campground, a camper mentioned, "They have a pool, some hiking trails, bathrooms and showers. They also have themed nights."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Several campgrounds offer electrical connections for RVs. A visitor to Heavens Up North Family Campground appreciated the "nice and shady. Sights have space. Pool, showers, dump station, mini golf and other activities. Camp fire wood was nice and dry at a good price. Vary hilly."
Site leveling: Pay attention to site terrain for easier setup. One RVer at Boulder Lake shared their experience: "We had site 18 which is right on the water and across from the shower house. It was decently spaced out from the other sites. The shore was pretty level and easy to get our kayaks in and out."
Site selection: For RVs, choose campgrounds with appropriate access. At McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, a camper observed, "There are three sites two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in. Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road."
