Best Campgrounds near Mellen, WI

Northern Wisconsin's Chequamegon National Forest surrounds Mellen, Wisconsin, creating a landscape rich with camping opportunities among tall pines and pristine lakes. Copper Falls State Park, located just minutes from downtown Mellen, serves as the region's centerpiece with well-maintained campsites and spectacular waterfall views. The area includes a mix of state park campgrounds, national forest sites, and smaller county-managed areas like Potato River Falls Campground. Wildwood Haven Resort and Campground offers 20 sites with more amenities for those seeking electric hookups and cabin options. Dispersed camping can be found at Foster Falls for those preferring more primitive experiences. Most campgrounds feature wooded sites with varying levels of privacy, many positioned near water features including rivers, small lakes, and streams.

Reservation requirements vary significantly across the region, with state parks generally requiring advance booking while some national forest campgrounds offer first-come, first-served options. As one camper noted, "I camped in early May, before ticks, mosquitos and gnats got going. Locals say mosquitos are tough in summer due to marshy areas nearby." Cell service is notably limited or non-existent at many sites, particularly in the national forest. A long-time visitor to Beaver Lake Campground explained it's "completely off the grid; no cell service, no electric, nothing to disturb the peace and quiet." Gravel and dirt access roads are common, especially to more remote sites. Wisconsin state parks charge higher fees for non-residents, with entrance fees in addition to camping fees, while national forest campgrounds typically offer more affordable rates.

The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through several camping areas, providing excellent hiking opportunities directly from campsites. Waterfalls represent a major attraction, with Copper Falls State Park featuring "some of the best waterfalls in the State and trails that get you pretty close for spectacular photos." Walk-in sites at many campgrounds offer greater seclusion and sometimes better views. Wildlife viewing includes opportunities to hear loons on lakes and occasionally elk in certain areas. Fishing is popular at Day Lake Campground, which "offers variety of fishes without any motorized boats." Summer brings warmer temperatures but also increased insect activity, while fall camping rewards visitors with spectacular foliage colors and fewer bugs. Winter camping is available at select locations including Copper Falls State Park, which remains open year-round.

Best Camping Sites Near Mellen, Wisconsin (139)

    1. Copper Falls State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Mellen, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 274-5123

    $20 - $30 / night

    "There were open areas nearby too so we were able to do some kite flying!  "

    "If your from Wisconsin this sits at the very north of the State. If your looking for areas to visit while camping here you may have a little bit of a drive."

    2. Potato River Falls Campground

    10 Reviews
    Saxon, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 561-2697

    $10 / night

    "I have been visiting the falls for years as it is one of the most beautiful (and little known) places in northern Wisconsin."

    "Free campsites within walking distance to upper and lower falls."

    3. Wildwood Haven Resort and Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mellen, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 681-0852

    $25 - $119 / night

    "This small - off the beaten path - campground is wonderful. It has all the amenities you would need of a large campground without all the commotion."

    "We were fortunate to experience this campground in two very different situations."

    4. Namekagon Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cable, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 634-4821

    $18 - $50 / night

    "No trails right at the campground, but for a cross coin ski trail just past the cg entrance. We were here to visit Croix NWW - a bit of a drive from the cg."

    "All are heavily wooded and none right on lake. Boat Landing is great, boats can be pulled up on shore and left there safely."

    5. Chequamegon National Forest Day Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mellen, WI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 634-4821

    $18 / night

    "I have camped here twice and hiked around quite a few times and this is one of the most beautiful campground in Wisconsin."

    "The sites are surrounded by trees so you don't see your fellow campers, but still close enough that you can hear them."

    6. Frontier RV Park and Campground

    7 Reviews
    Saxon, WI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 893-2461

    "Conveniently located on Hwy2 but you could hear truck traffic at your site... cell tower right next to the campground meant we had full service when needed. We would stay here again no doubt!"

    "Best part is that there is a lot of room to walk your dog as it backs up to a forest. Also, the gas station is also a bar and its a great place to have a cold one after driving all day!"

    7. Bad River Wilderness

    1 Review
    Mellen, WI
    5 miles
    Website

    $17 - $39 / night

    "These are hike in sites and the payoff is worth every step. You will be secluded!! If you're looking for a place where you rub elbows with other campers, this is not the place for you. "

    8. Chequamegon National Forest Beaver Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marengo, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 634-4821

    $15 / night

    "A small NFS campground on a small lake. Good for afternoon sun and hiking on the North Country Trail. I camped in early May, before ticks, mosquitos & gnats got going."

    "Usually quiet, clean, and very well maintained, to my wife and I Beaver Lake's biggest asset is that it is completely off the grid; no cell service, no electric, nothing (except baying hounds in the distance"

    9. Foster Falls

    3 Reviews
    Upson, WI
    12 miles
    Website

    "8 Mile drive off the main road. Mostly paved, some gravel, but all smooth. We had the place to ourselves. A short walk down to the waterfall."

    "Also got a bit nervous hearing timber wolves in the distance for a few hours at night then again in the early morning. But we practiced good camp hygiene and they left us alone."

    10. Kreher RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Ashland, WI
    22 miles
    Website

    $45 - $50 / night

    "It's directly on the lake, and it's connected to a bike trail that you can take to downtown or farther north along the lake."

    "There was steady traffic of disappointed RVs driving through the grounds till 6-7pm. Water and electric sites only with a dump station on site."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 139 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Mellen, WI

534 Reviews of 139 Mellen Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Curry Park Campground

    Decent park for short stay

    Stayed two nights as the location was convenient for my stay in town. Older park with mature trees offering shade on most lots. Power pedestal upgrades to 30 and 50 amp to majority of lots. Limited FHU lots grouped together in lower area. Suspect this area could have drainage issues during heavy rainfall. Lots near highway would tend to be noisier. Restroom and shower area was kept up and clean. Very functional shower stall with plenty of hot water. Dump station designed for one sided unloading with non-potable and potable water nearby. Expect to wait if other using the dump station. Overall, decent place for short-term stays.

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Dalrymple Park and Campground

    Lovely spot

    Lakeside sites set above lakeshore. No lake access but great views. All seems to have electric. Vault toilets and city water. Sites 24,25 & 26 best views. 30 sits above them all across from toilets also with a fab view. Campground manager is a lovely woman who also manges the towns parking lots. At $30 a night it's well worth it! Just outside the little charming town if Belfield with ferry to Madaline Island and the Apostle Island tours.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Kreher RV Park

    I would definitely camp hear again

    Very nice campground host. New showers and bathrooms

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    Free parking, no water, no gray dump, no trash.

    This is the trailhead for a very beautiful mountain biking trail and the roads that lead up to this area are incredibly gorgeous especially in the fall. The red building in the pictures is an emergency cabin. You can go in it and look around if you want. It's not at the trailhead, it's about 10 minutes from it on your way in.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping

    Nice place for a day or two

    This is a nice enough campground but I am honestly disappointed. The website describes lots of amenities, which is why I booked this campground, however, everything is extra cost in addition to nightly rate— including mini-golf. The entire campground is in the side of a mountain and there are no flat roads, which makes biking and walking a workout rather than leisure. We will check out Buffalo Bay next time.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Afterhours Meadow

    Quiet but rough terrain

    Nice little field. Would be great if the groud wasn't all sticks and thorns. Good place to sleep. Not for extended camping

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Apostle Islands Area Campground

    Cute Campground

    Great campground with swimming hole & great access to Bayside for island ferry’s! Complaints: Park is located on the side of a hill—Spots are small but level, roads are all at a slope. Not a great campground for kiddos to ride their bikes, and not super fun to walk uphill in every direction. The campground also charges you $5-7 per person to play mini-golf… which is odd, since it is advertised as a campground amenity on the website.


Guide to Mellen

Camping spots near Mellen, Wisconsin sit within the mixed hardwood forests of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest where elevations range from 1,200 to 1,600 feet. The region experiences average summer temperatures of 75-80°F during the day, dropping to 55-60°F at night. Local campgrounds typically begin filling by Thursday afternoon during peak season (late June through August), with limited or non-existent cell reception throughout much of the area.

What to do

Waterfall hunting: 100 feet from base camps. At Foster Falls, campers can set up just a short distance from cascading water. "This is a nice, secluded site about 100 feet from the falls. We did get several visitors to the falls each day, but most were only there for a few minutes and left us alone," notes Michael G.

Fishing: No motorized boats allowed. Day Lake Campground provides quieter fishing opportunities away from engine noise. "If you're into fishing, Day Lake campground offers variety of fishes without any motorized boats," says Lesley R. The campground features several secluded shoreline access points.

Wildlife spotting: Elk territory. Multiple campgrounds offer chances to spot Wisconsin's reintroduced elk herd. "This is elk territory so keep your eyes open. We saw one crossing a stream," reports Art S. Evening and early morning provide the best viewing opportunities, particularly in grassy areas near stream crossings.

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Well-spaced for solitude. Beaver Lake Campground offers sites that feel genuinely remote. One longtime camper explains it's "completely off the grid; no cell service, no electric, nothing to disturb the peace and quiet. Tall pines abound, loons on the lake, Northern Lights in the sky."

Easy water access: No crowded beaches. Many campgrounds feature direct lake or river access without the crowds found at developed swimming areas. "The sites were so spacious and private... the lake was so peaceful! Seems like it's mostly used for fishing and kayaking and canoeing. Very very quiet area - felt somewhat like boundary waters," shares Jenna L.

Stargazing opportunities: Little light pollution. The lack of nearby urban areas creates exceptional night sky viewing. "No light pollution. Clear skies," notes Kim at Beaver Lake Campground, while others mention the possibility of Northern Lights viewing during late summer and early fall.

What you should know

Insect preparation: Essential in summer months. The marshy areas surrounding many campsites mean serious mosquito populations. "I camped in early May, before ticks, mosquitos and gnats got going. Locals say mosquitos are tough in summer due to marshy area nearby," reports Peggy M. at Beaver Lake.

Road access: Gravel and dirt approaches. Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. "8 Mile drive off the main road. Mostly paved, some gravel, but all smooth," explains Irvin N. about reaching Foster Falls.

Variable reservation systems: Plan accordingly. Reservation requirements vary by campground. At Potato River Falls, "This beautiful spot is quite out of the way. However it's free and has some beauteous scenery... We were there on a Thursday and most sites were open. This is a great find - to stay and enjoy the falls but also as a backup when things are filled up."

Weather considerations: Pack for temperature swings. Even summer nights can get chilly. Daytime temperatures in July and August typically reach 75-85°F but can drop to 50-60°F overnight.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Available at select campgrounds. Frontier RV Park offers "Large playground, biking, hiking" according to Heide B., making it suitable for families with younger children needing structured play areas.

Beach access: Sand areas for play. Some lakeside campgrounds feature small beach areas. "We had spot #7 reserved, easily the most beautiful camp spot on the lake. A wonderful strip of sandy beach, heavily treed site, nice flat tent pads, a picnic table and fire pit," describes Kim at Beaver Lake.

Hiking difficulty: Varied options for all abilities. Trails range from easy loops to challenging segments of the North Country Trail. "Copper Falls State Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenic views, making for an enjoyable trek through nature," says Malte W.

Tips from RVers

Limited pull-through sites: Arrive early. Most national forest campgrounds have back-in sites only, sometimes with challenging approaches. "We arrived on a Saturday but still found empty sites. There are multiple loops so you have choices," notes Art S.

Electric availability: Selective locations only. Wildwood Haven offers water and electric hookups that are rare in the area. "It has all the amenities you would need of a large campground without all the commotion. It sits on the shore of Long Lake, allowing for fishing, swimming or relaxing," explains a reviewer.

Leveling challenges: Bring blocks. Many sites require leveling equipment. "This is a municipal park, right on the shores of Lake Superior. Each site has a picnic table fire pit and grill. Water and electric are provided with your $40 a night Lakeside campsite or $35 park campsite," notes Kelly N. about sites 30 minutes north of Mellen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close is Copper Falls State Park to Mellen, WI campgrounds?

Copper Falls State Park Campground is approximately 5 miles east of Mellen, making it one of the closest camping options to town. This popular park features some of Wisconsin's most spectacular waterfalls with excellent hiking trails and observation areas. The campground offers wooded sites with varying levels of privacy, including standard drive-in sites and more secluded walk-in options (site #49 is particularly recommended). Sailor Lake NF Campground is another option in the vicinity, offering both waterside tent sites and pull-through spots away from the lake. The proximity of these campgrounds to Mellen makes them convenient bases for exploring both the town and the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin.

What campgrounds are available near Mellen, WI?

The Mellen, WI area offers several excellent camping options. Chequamegon National Forest Beaver Lake Campground is a serene small lake campground with access to the North Country Trail, typically quiet and well-maintained. Potato River Falls Campground provides first-come, first-served sites near one of northern Wisconsin's most beautiful waterfalls. Other nearby options include Wildwood Haven Resort and Campground, Sailor Lake NF Campground, and Lake of the Pines in Flambeau River State Forest. Most campgrounds in this area offer basic amenities like vault toilets and water access, with varying levels of privacy depending on the site. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, with locals noting that summer can bring mosquitoes, especially in marshy areas.

What camping is available near Mellen, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mellen, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Mellen, WI and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mellen, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mellen, WI is Copper Falls State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mellen, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Mellen, WI.

What parks are near Mellen, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Mellen, WI that allow camping, notably Chequamegon-Nicolet NF and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.