226 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Long Lake, Wisconsin encompasses a range of options within the Northwoods region, from rustic forest service campgrounds to lakeside sites with direct water access. The area sits within the Chequamegon National Forest, providing access to numerous lakes and extensive trail systems. Notable campgrounds include Chipmunk Rapids and Stevens Lake Campground in Long Lake proper, while nearby Franklin Lake and Laura Lake Recreation Area offer additional established camping experiences. The region is characterized by dense forests, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife typical of northern Wisconsin's lake country.
Most campgrounds in the Long Lake area operate seasonally from late April through mid-October, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Wisconsin state parks and forest service campgrounds require reservations, with Wisconsin state parks requiring an additional admission sticker. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with spotty coverage even for text messages in many areas. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, while mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent from May through August. Firewood restrictions are common due to invasive beetle concerns, with most campgrounds requiring purchase of wood on-site or from local vendors.
The camping experience varies significantly across the area's facilities. Lakefront sites are highly coveted, with many campers noting they provide direct water access for swimming and boating. According to reviews, the paved bicycle trail system is a major attraction, connecting multiple campgrounds and nearby towns. One visitor described the region as "the bicycle trail capital in the State of Wisconsin," with trails linking campgrounds to amenities in towns like Boulder Junction. Facilities range from primitive tent sites with vault toilets to more developed campgrounds with electric hookups, though even the more developed sites maintain a rustic Northwoods character. ATV enthusiasts will find dedicated trails near several campgrounds, including access to the 160-mile Blue Ox trail system.
"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."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to trails and area lakes. Could canoe the river if you want. Very quiet."
"The site was very nice and had buffers all around, with only a neighbor to one side. We chose 61 because on the map it appeared close to the bathrooms and park."
"The B loop is close to hot showers and clean bathrooms. Plenty of room between neighbor campers. I enjoyed the hiking trails. Grocery and hardware store is close by."
from $20 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Tall trees stand guard as you enter an even more peaceful area than the forest you were driving through. There is a communal parking area with a few of the cabins in sight."
"The cabins are large and the area is nice and secluded right on a lake. Swimming, boating, fishing, walking trails. Great family camping spot."
from $50 - $85 / night
Check Availability"The campground is along the lake. You can choose a spot lakeside or more wooded. Some sites are reservable and others are first come first serve. We found openings early on a Friday afternoon."
"It is right off of lost lake which is a small lake that can swim in, small boating, fishing. A hiking trail backs up to the campground!"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"With sites right next to the lake, you’re sure to enjoy some of Wisconsin’s beautiful north woods."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"We rolled in at dark and we’re enchanted by trees, falling leaves and mystic lake. There aren’t many spots, but they all quintessential WI. Free water is available via a hand pump."
"Tipler Trails is a great Wisconsin spot to camp, especially if you like riding ATV's or fishing! Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!"
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at site 2 in the first loop on White Deer Lake. Site 7 on the water seemed like it would be a good site too, although there were steps on site 7."
"Loved kayaking both lakes! Beautiful campground with a very nice swimming beach. Only draw back are the vault toilets. We always try to get a site away from the toilets."
from $15 - $18 / night
Check Availability"Loved the hike in, decided to walk the whole loop and unfortunately the bridge at the end was under water and we had to turn around and walk back instead."
"There was access to the lake from our campsite."
TravelerWe stayed here the weekend(2 of us) and just walked the road that it was on. there isn’t a lot to do so you have to bring stuff. fishing is not good- this lady said it was a pond full of leeches. there was a “toilet” and nice spots to sit by the pond. there was no service but the spot was really quiet and very far apart from other spots. we did not run into anyone 1 car that drove down the road.
GuideWe stayed at Robinson Lake Dispersed Campground last night and really enjoyed it! It’s very easy to get to, located right off the highway, so you don’t have to worry about driving miles down rough backroads. There’s plenty of room to set up camp, and being right next to the lake makes it an even better spot.
There’s also plenty of downed wood around for a campfire, which is always a bonus when camping. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend a night away from everything.
Definitely a spot we’d recommend and would stay at again!
GuideHappened to stumble upon this gem of a campground.
GuideEasy pull off. Spacious. Dispersed, no services but does have a privy - clean! Fire pit & table. No cell service. Perfect for a few days out. 2 sites, one on either side of the bridge. Road in is easy, hard pack gravel. Very little traffic. Accessible for any setup.
GuideThis is a typical national forest primitive campground. For me, it was the perfect middle point while driving along the seven hour plane crash trail. The sites along the lake are really beautiful. I did see a fifth-wheel camper at one of the sites so larger trailers can fit at some sites. Most sites are level but a few aren’t.
I could not find this campground in recreation.gov, so it may be first come first serve only, not sure.
There are pit toilets and hand pumps for potable water.
It’s $22 per night unless you have a senior pass, etc. they use the honor system so there is no one here at the pay station.
There are 24 sites and counting me there was only three or four in use on a Sunday night.
TravelerWe camped with our camper and boat. It was very nice to keep our boat at the dock. There is a small swimming area with a pier. The campground doesn’t have many amenities but the staff was very helpful. We loved hiking in the campground and adjacent and nearby state forest hiking trails. Beautiful lake. The north side of the lake is Untouched state forest. The campground is close to many sightseeing spots such as museums and shops.
TravelerThere are 3 sites at this location. The 2 southern sites can fit decent size trailers. The middle one, which we stayed in, for my 26” trailer pulled by my suburban. Pulled straight in and pulled straight out. Site was clean and the views were awesome!
GuideWell separated sites offer excellent privacy in an old growth forest. CG was very quiet
LegendSix FCFS sites make up this little slice of paradise. We arrived late afternoon on a Wednesday in mid-September and only two sites (Sites 1 and 3) were still available. Of the two, we chose Site 3, which sits up on a small hill overlooking the lake. It has a beautiful view and a short, somewhat steep path down to the boat launch. Sites 4 and 5 are the prime spots though, situated right on the lake and offering the best access to the water. The campground filled up on Thursday. After the crowds left on Sunday, we were finally able to grab one of the two lakefront sites--Site 5.
Pretty good privacy between most sites, but sound carries in this small loop. Two vault toilets. Currently $20/night. Okay cell service, surprisingly.
A small, peaceful campground with a beautiful setting made for tenters and small trailers—definitely worth getting there early if you want one of the best sites!
Just a heads up, Google Maps couldn't figure out the proper way to get here (from Marquette way, King Lake Road off of US-41). Our Garmin actually knew the best route in this instance. I recommend double-checking your route before heading this way.
The Long Lake area of northern Wisconsin contains 18 lakes and many streams within the Chequamegon National Forest. Campsites near Long Lake, Wisconsin typically sit at elevations between 1,600 and 1,700 feet, experiencing temperature swings from daytime highs in the 70s to nighttime lows in the 40s even during summer months. Several campgrounds offer vault toilets with hand pumps for water access, though campers often collect drinking water from the artesian well at Chipmunk Rapids.
Beach access and swimming: The water at Franklin Lake Campground stays crystal clear throughout the summer. "Private sites, great beach, beautiful buildings built by the CCC. There is even a small nature center," notes reviewer Kay K. The beach area includes a sandbar directly across from the shore which offers the best swimming according to regulars.
Hiking trails: Multiple walking paths connect the various campgrounds. At Laura Lake Recreation Area, "Hiking trail around the lake, well marked and easy to do," according to Artem I. Laura Lake features a scenic peninsula about 50 yards from the campsites where visitors gather to watch sunsets.
Fishing opportunities: Both lakes and streams offer fishing throughout the region. The Pine River near Lost Lake Campground provides "prime for trout fishing" according to Rachel C. Most lakes allow small boats, with some restricting motors to electric-only to preserve water quality and quiet environment.
Artesian well water: Located at Chipmunk Rapids Campground, the artesian well draws visitors from surrounding campgrounds. "The best feature is the artesian well right at the entrance. We filled up with water and the line started just as we finished. Even if you camp elsewhere the water is worth a visit," says Art S. The well provides drinking water superior to most pump stations.
Secluded camping experience: Despite being popular, many sites maintain a private feel. At Perch Lake Walk-in Campground, "The sites still feel very secluded and private. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each site," reports Kirsty G. The short hike-in requirement creates an additional buffer from crowds and noise.
Wildlife viewing: The forests and waterways support diverse animal populations. At Chipmunk Rapids, camper Adam reports, "Lots of deer and turkeys. Heard wolves at night." The relatively undeveloped shorelines create natural wildlife corridors, especially in early morning and evening hours.
Bear safety required: Bears inhabit the region, making proper food storage essential. At Perch Lake, "There is no bear box and there definitely are bears (during one camping trip some hunters treed and shot a bear in the early morning and we saw them carrying it while hiking out) so you'll want to hang your food," warns Kirsty G.
Insect preparation: Beyond what's mentioned in the existing description, mosquitoes can be particularly intense. At Franklin Lake, Sue B. reported they were "chased out by mosquitoes after first one" night despite planning a longer stay. Ticks remain active through September, requiring daily checks.
Primitive facilities: Most campgrounds provide only basic amenities. Stevens Lake Campground has a hand pump for water but limited facilities otherwise. Max S. notes, "Free water is available via a hand pump" but also warns about "Poor cell service for AT&T."
Water activities: Lakes with beaches provide ideal settings for children. At Lost Lake Cabins, Robert C. explains the setup is ideal for families: "It was a really nice place to go to introduce the kids to the camping experience while they're young without having to pitch a tent or 'rough it' right away." The cabins sleep multiple people with shared common areas.
Charging options: When camping without electric hookups, community buildings sometimes offer alternatives. At Franklin Lake, a camper discovered: "For those without power there is outlets in shelter in middle of campground to charge batteries."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences during weather breaks. Franklin Lake features a "small nature center" and a nature trail that "takes us through bogs and past maiden hair ferns," according to Kay K. The trail system is designed for all skill levels.
Site selection: RV campers should research specific sites before booking. At Bewabic State Park Campground, Pat H. notes "There are a lot of sites to choose from, but it's a tight squeeze in some sites." Loop A gets particular praise as "nice and wooded and private" while the larger loop has sites positioned much closer together.
Loop recommendations: Specific campground sections offer better amenities. Brandon B. recommends "The B loop is close to hot showers and clean bathrooms. Plenty of room between neighbor campers." These facilities become particularly important during extended stays or rainy weather.
Water fill stations: Since most campgrounds lack water hookups, RVers should plan accordingly. Suzanne B. advises: "There is a dump station there. They have electrical hook-ups but no water hook-ups you have to fill before you come in." The artesian well at Chipmunk Rapids provides an excellent water source when entering the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Long Lake, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Long Lake, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 226 campgrounds and RV parks near Long Lake, WI and 55 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Long Lake, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Long Lake, WI is Franklin Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Long Lake, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 free dispersed camping spots near Long Lake, WI.
What parks are near Long Lake, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Long Lake, WI that allow camping, notably Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Ottawa National Forest.
Keep Exploring
