Horn Lake Camping provides primitive, rustic camping near Medford, Wisconsin on Lincoln County Forest land. Sites lie approximately 100-400 feet above sea level in Wisconsin's Northwoods region. The area features glacial lakes surrounded by mixed hardwood forests that display vibrant fall colors from late September through mid-October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest offers waterfront access for anglers. "Stunning, got here on a Monday night and no one was here. Sites are right on the water," reports one visitor to Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot deer, waterfowl, and small mammals. The surrounding forest areas contain diverse bird species. Recent visitors note that lake breezes help reduce insects during dawn and dusk hours when wildlife is most active.
Photography: The lake setting creates opportunities for nature photography, particularly during sunrise when light reflects across the water. The secluded location means minimal light pollution for night sky photography during clear conditions.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: The limited number of sites creates a more intimate camping experience. "A few mosquitoes, but the wind kept them to a minimum! Great view of the lake and very private," notes a camper at Horn Lake Camping.
Zero cost: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the free camping. "As a primitive camper who hates paying to sleep on the ground somewhere, this is my new favorite spot. Two sites, fire rings, no bathroom, water, electric," explains one visitor.
Water access: Direct lakefront positioning allows for easy water activities. Campers can launch small watercraft directly from their sites, and the boat launch provides additional access for larger vessels.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access requires navigating unpaved forest roads that can become challenging after rain. "About 2 miles of dirt road to get there. Turn right when you get to ATV trail," advises one camper who visited during summer.
Preparation requirements: The complete absence of services requires thorough planning. Visitors must bring all water, sanitation supplies, and waste removal containers. Lincoln County follows pack-in, pack-out protocols for all trash and waste.
Fire safety: Visitors should check current fire restrictions before arrival as dry conditions can lead to temporary bans. The existing stone rings may contain debris from previous users, making portable fire pits advisable.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: The direct lake access requires close supervision of children. No designated swimming areas or lifeguards exist, and the lake bottom can drop off quickly from shore. Bringing life jackets is essential for all water activities.
Insect protection: While lake breezes help, families should prepare for seasonal insects. Long clothing, head nets, and appropriate repellents improve comfort, especially for children during evening hours.
Activity planning: The remote location lacks developed recreation facilities. Families should bring board games, field guides, and nature exploration tools to engage children during downtime at the campsite.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: RVers report mixed experiences with access. "Dirt road was fine for our older 29' rv," notes one camper about their experience at Horn Lake. However, most recommend smaller rigs due to tight turns and limited maneuvering space.
Leveling challenges: The natural terrain requires leveling blocks as sites are not graded. RVers should bring sufficient leveling equipment and check site stability before setup, particularly after rainfall when ground conditions soften.
Self-contained requirements: The complete absence of hookups or dump stations means RVers must be fully self-contained. Tank capacity planning is essential as the nearest dump facilities are in surrounding towns.
