Long Lake, Wisconsin provides rustic camping opportunities within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at elevations between 1,600-1,700 feet. The forest encompasses over 1.5 million acres, with several campgrounds offering basic amenities without electric hookups. Winter conditions can be harsh with temperatures dropping below zero, while summer brings moderate temperatures and occasionally heavy mosquito activity.
What to do
Hike around Luna White Deer Lake: The 2-mile trail circling Luna Lake offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "This campground has our favorite hiking trail. The sites are spacious with privacy and shade," notes Kay K. about Luna White Deer Campground.
Fill water bottles at artesian wells: The natural spring at Chipmunk Rapids provides fresh drinking water. "Cute campground with an artesian well. The toilet is clean," reports Kay K. about Chipmunk Rapids. Another camper adds, "The best feature is the artesian well right at the entrance. We filled up with water and the line started just as we finished."
Try walk-in camping: For a more secluded experience, consider the short hike-in sites at Perch Lake. "The hike to these sites is very short. We paid when we parked. It's a great place to camp if you want to experience being in the woods for the first time," shares Kirsty G.
What campers like
Clear water for swimming: Franklin Lake stands out for its water quality and beach access. "The water is crystal clear and there's a beach that can be used if you don't have a lake site," explains Hannah I. about Franklin Lake. Another camper mentions, "Private sites, great beach, beautiful buildings built by the CCC. There is even a small nature center."
Spacious sites with lakeside options: Many campgrounds offer waterfront sites with direct lake access. "Sites are large and a few have lake shore access perfect for non-motorized boating/kayaking," notes Lisa R. about Lost Lake Campground. Another visitor adds, "You can choose a spot lakeside or more wooded."
Quiet, remote location: The distance from towns creates a peaceful atmosphere. "The campground is very rural, the closest town being Florence which is 20 miles away. It is right off of lost lake which is a small lake that can swim in, small boating, fishing," explains Rachel C.
What you should know
Wildlife presence: Bears and other animals are active in the area. "I've camped at Franklin Lake many times now. It is a gorgeous campground that is literally in the middle of nowhere, and I love it. Loons are always on the lake," shares Selah S. Another camper reports, "Heard wolves at night. It was great!"
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential in summer months. One camper at Stevens Lake notes, "The biting flies were plentiful, but stayed away with the help of a thermacell." Another camper at Lost Lake warns, "LOTS of mosquitos. Hoped to stay a few nights, chased out by mosquitoes after first one."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal throughout the region. "Cell service is awful, you can get service sort of by the lake depending on your provider, but don't count on it," warns Hannah I. Another camper confirms, "Poor cell service for AT&T."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for beginners: Lost Lake Cabins provides a comfortable introduction to forest camping. "The cabins are large and the area is nice and secluded right on a lake. Swimming, boating, fishing, walking trails. Great family camping spot," says Rachael P. Another visitor adds, "The interior of the cabins are spacious and could easily accommodate a large family."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Long Lake: Most sites welcome pets but require leashes. "The campgrounds with 30 plus sites are two of the bigger grounds in Chequamegon-Nicolet areas that look very well maintained," notes Nancy May about White Deer Lake, which allows leashed pets throughout the grounds.
Beach areas with swimming: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Long Lake offer swimming options for families. "Site 2 had about 4 steps down to the tent pad that was easily large enough for our 10 person tent, the ground there mossy and grassy," explains Lidia K. about White Deer Lake. "White Deer lake had a nice swimming beach area."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Bewabic State Park Campground offers the most developed sites for RVs in the region. "There are a lot of sites to choose from, but it's a tight squeeze in some sites. There are pit toilets close to the sites and flush toilets with showers that are centrally located," explains Pat H. Another camper adds, "Nice shaded and level lots. The B loop is close to hot showers and clean bathrooms."
Water access planning: No water hookups at most forest campgrounds. "They have electrical hook-ups but no water hook-ups you have to fill before you come in. There is a dump station there," advises Suzanne B. about Bewabic State Park.
Access considerations: Forest roads may be challenging for larger rigs. "4+ miles of good gravel roads to arrive at the campground. We passed more atv's than cars. Keep an eye out for the logging trucks," warns one Morgan Lake visitor.