Best Campgrounds near Land o Lakes, WI

Land o Lakes, Wisconsin sits at the gateway to multiple developed campgrounds across the Michigan-Wisconsin border region. Visitors can find accommodations ranging from basic Forest Service sites to RV parks with full hookups. Borderline RV Park offers seasonal camping from May through October with access to the Wisconsin River for canoes and kayaks. The Sylvania Wilderness area, just north in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, provides backcountry camping opportunities on pristine lakes with sites accessible by boat, foot, or vehicle. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin options for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.

The camping season in the Land o Lakes area typically runs from late April through mid-October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months. Forest Service campgrounds like Lac Vieux Desert provide basic amenities including pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while private facilities such as Hi-Pines Campground offer full hookups, showers, and camp stores. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months when visitation peaks. Weather can vary significantly, with warm days and cool nights even in summer. Cell service ranges from reliable in town to minimal or nonexistent at more remote sites. One visitor noted of Lac Vieux Desert Campground: "Basic Forest Service campground, with picnic table, fire pit, but also a paved pad. Very quiet and not very busy this time of year. Sites are very private and well-spaced."

Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers in the region, with several campgrounds offering sites near lakes or rivers. The Sylvania Wilderness area receives consistently high ratings for its clear lakes and old-growth forest. Sites there provide privacy and natural settings, though they may be more primitive than developed campgrounds. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, including loons, eagles, and deer. Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly in early summer. As one camper at Imp Lake Campground shared: "Campground was rustic and pretty private. There were only a couple other campers spread through the whole grounds. It felt remote but was a quick drive out of the woods to Watersmeet with convenience of a gas station and casino." Noise levels are generally low at Forest Service campgrounds, though private RV parks may have sites in closer proximity to neighbors.

Best Camping Sites Near Land o Lakes, Wisconsin (160)

    1. Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

    7 Reviews
    Watersmeet, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 396-5428

    $22 - $26 / night

    "The are 4 campground loops and many campsites out around the lakes. We chose a spot in loop 3. Our site is large with plenty of space for our teardrop and screen room. Water is right next to us."

    "Access to the lake was easy, and the fact that tete are so few camp sites on the lake really makes it feel secluded. There are 2 nice beaches on either end, and easy portage to other lakes."

    2. Bond Falls Campground

    16 Reviews
    Ottawa National Forest, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 827-3235

    "The lakes are stocked with brook trout and the fishing is amazing. Picnic areas are located near the falls and hiking in the surrounding areas is limitless."

    "In the morning, I walked the loop and found several others that we could fit(now that it was light out), and we moved over one site to W6."

    3. Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

    4 Reviews
    Watersmeet, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 358-4724

    "Loon was a lovely campsite - separated from the others, nice view of the lake, and a short, straightforward walk from the trailhead. "

    "We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear."

    4. Imp Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Watersmeet, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 358-4551

    "It felt remote but was a quick drive out of the woods to wintersweet with convenience of a gas station and casino. There was a fire pit, vault toilet, picnic table and lantern hook on the site."

    "Love the big tree all around and the view from site 19"

    6. Borderline RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Land o Lakes, WI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 547-6169

    "Numerous lakes nearby for fishing; a boat ramp into the Wisconsin River for canoes/kayaks is just across 45 I’ve been here April through October"

    7. Franklin Lake

    14 Reviews
    Three Lakes, WI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-2827

    $15 - $25 / night

    "I formally lived in northern Wisconsin and we would camp here quite often. Huge lake. Most sites are lake front with steps leading right down to your own private beach!"

    "My family has been coming to Franklin Lake for decades. It’s hands down our favorite campground in Wisconsin."

    8. Lac Vieux Desert

    2 Reviews
    Land o Lakes, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-6407

    "I'm only giving 4 stars because the campground is about a mile from the lake. However, the distance from the water does help with the mosquitoes."

    9. Torch Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Eagle River, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-5160

    $40 - $47 / night

    "Private sites, large, forested, near hiking trails and clean bathrooms. Fall colors are spectacular here! Eagle River is close by with charming shops and friendly locals."

    "There are only a few sites and most are drive through. There is a beach on a 39-acre lake. I highly recommend this place! https://www.vilaswi.com/lodging/camping/torch-lake-campground-and-rv-park/"

    10. Hi-Pines Campground

    7 Reviews
    Eagle River, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-9124

    "You are close to all of the activities Eagle River has to offer, although not directly on the chain of lakes."

    "The entry to the laundry is a step up and I stubbed my toe because the threshold was not secured."

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Recent Reviews near Land o Lakes, WI

515 Reviews of 160 Land o Lakes Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Union River Big Bear Campground

    Beautiful and clean!

    Our family of six greatly enjoyed tent camping at Big Bear! Our site was very close to the playground and we could see our kids playing there from our site. The bathrooms were extremely clean.It’s located at the entrance to the Porkies which was super nice and only 20 minutes to the grocery store. Walking across the main road and there’s Lake Superior? Perfection! Nice little store with ice and firewood. The only downside was the sites are very close together with no privacy.

  • 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.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Scott Lake

    Remote site on quiet lake

    The campsite is on a gravel road. There is access to a small lake. Across the road is a nice boardwalk to another lake. The Wilderness Headwaters trail is also close.


Guide to Land o Lakes

The Land o Lakes area of northern Wisconsin features extensive old-growth forests surrounding pristine lakes at elevations averaging 1,700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cooler nights even during peak season. The region contains a significant concentration of natural lakes formed by glacial activity, creating numerous waterfront camping opportunities.

What to do

Paddle the Wisconsin River: Borderline RV Park offers direct access to the Wisconsin River. "A boat ramp into the Wisconsin River for canoes/kayaks is just across 45," notes Susan T., who stays seasonally from April through October.

Hike through old-growth forest: Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping features hiking trails through pristine forest. "A lovely area with a good balance of open space and tree cover. Nearby Clark Lake is very pretty, good for swimming, and serves as the primary water source," reports Danielle A.

Photograph waterfalls: Visit Bond Falls Campground, which offers access to spectacular waterfalls. "The falls are very pretty and worth checking out... The damn here has enhanced the natural waterfall here and is one of he main attractions," writes Bruce B. The falls area features accessible viewing platforms.

Wildlife observation: The lakes host diverse wildlife. "We saw decent sized fish in Franklin lake... Loons are always on the lake. The water is crystal clear," shares Selah S. from Franklin Lake Campground.

What campers like

Crystal clear water: Many campers mention water quality in the region. At Franklin Lake, "The water is crystal clear and there's a beach that can be used if you don't have a lake site," reports Hannah I., whose family has visited for decades.

Private waterfront sites: Campers appreciate lakefront access. "Several sites on the water and all very big, with lots of space and privacy! It's a quiet campground, I've never seen more than 6 sites full!" writes Lisa A. about Marion Lake Campground.

Night sky viewing: With minimal light pollution, stargazing is exceptional. "The stars at night are some of the best I've seen with so little light pollution up there," notes Selah S. from Franklin Lake.

Fall colors: Several campers recommend visiting during autumn. "We camped here in October, the last week the National Forest was open. It seemed that we had 10,000 acres to ourselves," writes Juliana about Franklin Lake, while Jennifer S. notes "Fall colors are spectacular here!" at Torch Lake Campground.

What you should know

Insect considerations: Mosquitoes and flies can be intense, particularly in early summer. "The mosquitoes and flies were pretty bad... Mosquitoes and flies were so bad that our dogs faces were getting bloody and bug spray and a fire did nothing for us," warns Nathan W. about Bond Falls Campground.

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely by location. "Cell service is awful, you can get service sort of by the lake depending on your provider, but don't count on it," reports Hannah I. about Franklin Lake, while at Lac Vieux Desert, Thomas V. notes "One bar T-mobile enough for calls but no data."

Bear awareness: Wildlife precautions are necessary. "Bear and Wolf precautions, please," advises Juliana about Sylvania Clark Lake Campground, while Ann M. mentions, "We rented our canoe and a bear barrel from the Sylvania Outfitters" for backcountry camping.

Water sources: Potable water availability varies. "There's well water pumps throughout the campground but it's not good for drinking," notes Hannah I. about Franklin Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly fishing spots: Small pan fish make fishing accessible for children. At Marion Lake Campground, Lisa A. mentions "Good fishing and lots of pan fish to make fishing fun for the kids!"

Nature exploration opportunities: Natural features engage young visitors. At Sylvania Clark Lake Campground, Tawni W. notes "The moss-covered old growth forest provided an excellent tent site & entertained our 2 boys under 8 until they tired."

Campground amenities for children: Some campgrounds offer dedicated facilities. "There is a good mix of open and wooded sites... They have a nice walking trail on the property, in addition to a bunch of activities geared toward the kids," writes Garrett O. about Hi-Pines Campground.

Beach access: Sandy shores provide safe swimming. Kay K. shares about Franklin Lake: "Private sites, great beach, beautiful buildings built by the CCC... The best swimming is on a sandbar directly across from the beach."

Tips from RVers

Site considerations: RV sites vary in size and shade. At Hi-Pines Campground, Amanda D. notes "The site was full sun which got hot. There were shaded sites, but we couldn't get sites together in the woods."

Seasonal options: Some campgrounds accommodate longer stays. Coosa B. shares about Borderline RV Park: "Excellent for adults, fishing base camp, we stayed there May - Sept 2022 and loved it!"

Electric hookup availability: Hookups are increasingly available at Forest Service sites. Andrew D. mentions that at Franklin Lake, "They just added electric hook up to some sites in the South End. Right now the price is the same for electric or non-electric sites."

Laundry planning: Facility usage patterns affect availability. "Do not plan on doing laundry on a Monday. The personnel use all the machines to wash linens and towels from the cabins after folks check out," advises Brenda A. about Hi-Pines Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Land o Lakes, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Land o Lakes, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 160 campgrounds and RV parks near Land o Lakes, WI and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Land o Lakes, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Land o Lakes, WI is Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Land o Lakes, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Land o Lakes, WI.

What parks are near Land o Lakes, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Land o Lakes, WI that allow camping, notably Ottawa National Forest and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.