Best Campgrounds near Long Lake, WI

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Long Lake, Wisconsin (180)

    1. Chipmunk Rapids

    4 Reviews
    Long Lake, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 362-1300

    "Easy access to trails and area lakes. Could canoe the river if you want. Very quiet."

    2. Franklin Lake

    13 Reviews
    Three Lakes, WI
    17 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."

    3. Bewabic State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Alpha, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 875-3324

    "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."

    4. Lost Lake Cabins

    3 Reviews
    Long Lake, WI
    6 miles
    +1 (906) 396-5428

    $50 - $80 / night

    "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."

    5. Lost Lake Campground (WI)

    3 Reviews
    Long Lake, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-2827

    $15 / night

    "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!"

    6. Morgan Lake Campground And Group Site

    4 Reviews
    Long Lake, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 479-2827

    $15 - $35 / night

    "With sites right next to the lake, you’re sure to enjoy some of Wisconsin’s beautiful north woods."

    7. Stevens Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Long Lake, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 362-1300

    "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."

    8. Tipler Trails

    1 Review
    Long Lake, WI
    7 miles
    +1 (920) 470-6915

    $40 - $50 / night

    "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!"

    9. Chequamegon National Forest Perch Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Alpha, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 373-2667

    "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."

    10. Laura Lake Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Armstrong Creek, WI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 362-1300

    "Beautiful view on the lake and great access to the water from the campsite. Since it is located on the top of a hill, little windy at times."

    "We grabbed the last site with direct lake access. Vault toilets and garbage bins are in each loop. 

    We were impressed with the size of our site. Our setup only filled half the space."

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Showing results 1-10 of 180 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Long Lake, WI

451 Reviews of 180 Long Lake Campgrounds


  • 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.

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

    Indian Lake

    Single site on small lake

    The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It’s intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area. Many hiking opportunities are nearby.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site

    Amazing find

    This is a huge campsite on a dead end road. The parking area is huge so one could fit a trailer or pop up there. There is a sandy beach on a small lake full of fish. The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it’s a nice walk to another tiny lake.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Woodbury Lake Campsite

    Sweet spot on small lake

    This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wolf Lake Campsite

    Beautiful small lake

    I love this campsite. The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach. The parking area is adequate, I’ve seen small trailers set up here. Many hiking trails are nearby.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Sevenmile Lake

    Is there really a campground ?

    The Forest Service gives no indication that this campground is in operation. One could hike or boat in to find out, but the road is barricaded at the intersection with parking for the Sevenmile Trail. There is a nice boat launch and clean toilet.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Nicolet National Forest Luna-White Deer Campground

    Beautiful lakeside sites

    This lovely campground has large wooded sites with privacy. Some sites have direct beach access. The toilets are clean and water is available. It’s dark and quiet. There is a sandy swimming beach with picnic tables. A trail goes around each lake. I enjoy White Deer more, it covers more forest types and stays close to the lake.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Burned Dam Campground

    Dark and quiet

    Small campground near a falls. Sites are private.


Guide to Long Lake

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 180 campgrounds and RV parks near Long Lake, WI and 15 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 Chipmunk Rapids with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Long Lake, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 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.