136 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Mercer area in northern Wisconsin contains several established campgrounds along lakes and flowages, with sites suitable for tents, RVs, and occasionally cabins. Lake of the Falls County Park provides three distinct camping loops, some with electric hookups and direct water access. The Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area features remote island campsites accessible only by boat, while the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest offers multiple campgrounds including Sandy Beach Lake and Big Lake Campground. Most developed campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while some include amenities like showers and electric hookups.
Seasonal considerations affect campsite availability throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from Memorial Day through October. Winter access becomes limited as facilities close and snow accumulates. "The campsite was huge and private, also our site was on the lake with access to it. Perfect for pitching up your hammock and just enjoy the scenery and sounds of the lake," noted one visitor to Sandy Beach Lake Campground. Most campgrounds in the area have limited or no cell service, so visitors should plan accordingly. Water-based recreation dominates the area, with boat launches available at many campgrounds for access to the various lakes and the Turtle Flambeau Flowage.
Campers consistently praise waterfront sites for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage, often called the "Boundary Waters of Wisconsin," provides exceptional paddling and primitive camping experiences. A camper described it as "secluded camping along the water" with "over 300 islands, camp sites for groups, families and even a quiet area." Mosquitoes and flies can be problematic, particularly in early summer, with several reviews mentioning the need for proper insect protection. Weekends tend to bring more motorboat traffic on popular lakes, so weekday visits offer a quieter experience. Most campgrounds in the area maintain a rustic character while still providing essential amenities like drinking water and vault toilets, making them suitable for campers seeking a balance between wilderness and convenience.
"The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is a 12,942 acre lake, located in Iron County, Wisconsin. It has a maximum depth of 50 feet. Great fishing as well."
"Beautiful Up North Wisconsin! Over 300 islands, camp sites for groups, families and even a quiet area. Availability for gas, bait or a drink and meal."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Me and the kids took a road trip from North Carolina to Wisconsin over the summer during Covid to get away."
"Sites that are near the lake have more direct access. For the rest of us it’s a short hike through the woods or a quick drive to the beach."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"We explored the trail behind site 14 and walked along the waterfall. The bridge takes you to another camp section. We walked down the road to see a restaurant with lodging."
"Boat landing very close by in another of the camping loops. Very close to waterfalls. Quiet. Lost a star because it’s very difficult to find, no signage along the road. Great body of water."
"You can literally camp right next to the falls! The sites are very big and have beautiful views of the river that leads to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage!"
"Lake Emily is in Florence county. Very popular from opening to clean see of the season. Great lake and views. Boat ramp fishing grills. Many well forested campsites. Well maintained and clean."
"Vault toilets are centrally located. In the middle of the week there were still empty sites to choose from. However from looking on Google it seems to be a popular spot so weekends may fill up."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"There are only walk-in tent sites here. We missed that before we headed here so we needed to look elsewhere. There are other campgrounds just a few miles away."
"This campground has 4 walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, and suitable areas for tents."
"Big Lake Campground is a great spot if you’re looking for a simple and peaceful camping experience. The facilities are very basic—vault toilets and no showers—but they are clean and well-maintained."
"This is a nice campground located in a nice place that isn’t too rustic. Lots of sites in this large campground too. The road in is paved and yet nicely wooded."
from $19 / night
Check Availability"This is a perfect small sized campground with trail access to UTV /Atv trails. If you are coming here to ride I would recommend going west on the trail. North a lot of the trails were closed."
"There are trails starting right by camp. They even have an atv washing station - first I’ve seen. With no Verizon cell service, this is a nice night’s stopover for us."
"Saw a deer walking through camp. Nearby brewery was a nice treat! Sites we stayed at were pull through sites with full hook ups."
"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."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Lakeside sites have their own path to the lake. Campers would leave their water “toys” ashore for use the next day. Loons singing; very peaceful."
"Big Muskellunge Lake is one of many campgrounds situated in the North Highland American Legion State Forest and one of three in a two mile radius that offers modern facilities with showers and flush toilets"
from $25 / night
Check Availability
ScoutSite 28. Literally right on shore. Sleeping to the waves and waking up to endless water. T-Mobile says no coverage in Dyrt app, but I had two bars most of the time.
RangerSites are very close together but the area is beautiful. Maybe it was unusual but it was very windy for 3 days in a row
GuidePotato falls is beautiful. A bit of a walk to both the upper and lower falls and I did not find actual easy access to the water, although I’m traveling solo so there’s only so much risk I’ll take. There’s some sort of protest here going on but the group has been quiet. I was discouraged at first thinking I wouldn’t find a spot, but the sites are far enough apart (out of eye sight within ear shot) that I felt comfortable staying. I walked to both upper and lower falls - about 320ish steps total. Verizon has 2 bars of service. Pit toilet located in the pavilion like area. Campsite has picnic table and fire pit.
GuideFalls are just a short walk away from the parking/camping area and I can hear them from my car. It’s fall and the leaves are changing and it’s just stunning. Great signage, easy to find and I somehow have service. The only reason I gave 4 star is because you’re camping right in the public parking area and I don’t think I would have stayed if anyone else was camping here simply because it’s not a huge site. But for one gal solo traveling in her car, it’s perfect for the night!
TravelerBeautiful, quiet campground with a true wilderness feel. The three nearby waterfalls are a must-see, and make sure to spend some time exploring the riverbed around them—it was one of the highlights of our stay. Great location for hiking, scenery, and enjoying the natural side of the Porcupine Mountains.
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.
GuideRestate here , six nights at the very tail end of the season. We were the only ones left in the park , so it was very peaceful and quiet , lots of birds and squirrels and rabbits , which kept our dog and our cat entertained. This is like a state park with gravel parking spots, gravel dirt road on the way in, very well maintained. Lots of site options with and without power, full hookups with long big rig options are in the middle of the loop. But many of the sites within the park itself are not level, make sure you have leveling blocks or you look at your site options before you park. Very friendly, helpful people in the office.The bathrooms were clean , but basic. You pay for the shower with quarters. There are some nice little cabins scattered around to have family visit that don't have tents or trailers. Very niceChildren's play equipment near the entry and bathroom. Certainly more affordable than the fancy resorts. Starlink works well here. There's an old Speedway nearby, you can see it on google satellite view, but it is no longer used.So don't worry about that.
TravelerWe had a site along the lake, close to the bath house and across from the camp host. Barb house and showers very clean. Bought fire wood at a great a lot right down the road.
GuideWell separated sites offer excellent privacy in an old growth forest. CG was very quiet
Mercer's camping spots sit within Wisconsin's northern lake country, featuring over 200 lakes in Iron County alone. Camping facilities remain accessible from May through mid-October, with limited winter camping options when seasonal roads close. The area experiences temperature swings from daytime highs in the 70s to nighttime lows in the 40s even during summer months.
Explore island camping opportunities: The Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offers unique island camping experiences across its 12,942-acre lake. "If your looking for camping in the woods and privacy this is your spot. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is a 12,942 acre lake, located in Iron County, Wisconsin. It has a maximum depth of 50 feet. Great fishing as well," notes camper Kelli D.
Paddle secluded waterways: The extensive water system provides exceptional canoeing and kayaking routes with minimal motorized traffic in certain zones. "There are several public boat launches for launching a canoe, kayak or fishing boat... We settled on this amazing site called 'Zelda's' nestled in a bay which is off the main drag of boats. It was quiet, heavily wooded, secluded and perfect for two," shares Kim from Turtle Flambeau.
Utilize nearby hiking trails: The Wabasso Lake Recreation Area connects to the Headwaters Lakes Natural Area with century-old forest roads. "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," explains Dennis L.
Spacious, private campsites: Sandy Beach Lake Campground offers exceptionally large sites with natural barriers. "We loved the amount of greenery between sites that kept us feeling secluded. The tall trees provided shade," reports Art S., while Scott M. adds, "Sites are fairly private because of the lower vegetation so you don't feel as though you are right on top of your neighbors."
Direct waterfront access: Many campsites provide immediate lake access for fishing and water activities. At Lake of the Falls County Park, "We stayed in #19 which is in area 2... We also pulled our boat right up to our site even though it said the site wasn't waterfront," explains Cathy J. Another camper notes, "Our neighbor, another Dyrt camper!, launched his boat right from his site."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The lakes around Mercer support diverse wildlife populations that campers frequently observe. "We saw deer and fawn, rabbits and so many mallards in a couple hikes," reports a visitor to Twin Lakes. Another camper describes "Mornings were beautiful with the pines mirrored on the lake and the crying Loons" at Sandy Beach Lake Campground.
Insect management is essential: The region's lakes and forests support heavy insect populations during summer months. "Upon arrival the horseflies greeted us with curiosity. They seemed to leave us after we finished setting up but we still put up our screen room," reports Art S. at Sandy Beach Lake. Another camper advises, "Don't forget a water filter for drinking water and some toilet paper for bathroom uses."
Campground facilities vary significantly: Emily Lake NF Campground demonstrates the range of amenities available. "Great little campground in a woodsy setting on the lake. Good cell service, vault toilets, and dumpsters. At the moment, it's first-come first-serve and $15/night," notes Meghan B. Another visitor mentions, "There is a hand pump well for fresh water, and although safe and tastes great, clarity is not its strong suit (harmless tannins)."
Limited connectivity across campgrounds: Cell service remains inconsistent throughout camping areas near Mercer. While Emily Lake offers "good cell service," other campgrounds have limited coverage. "The town of Mercer is 15 minutes away and that was our only Verizon cell signal - but a strong one," reports a Lake of the Falls camper.
Beach access for children: Big Lake Campground provides family-friendly swimming areas. "The real highlight is the beautiful natural surroundings. The campground is nestled in a quiet, wooded area, perfect for relaxing and disconnecting," shares Malte W. The campground sits "in between two great lakes. With hiking, biking trails," according to another camper.
Multi-use recreational paths: Several campgrounds connect to paved bike trails suitable for all ages. At Big Lake, "We loved the bicycle route that runs throughout the area. People were walking, running and biking - even one wheels were in play," notes a visitor. The Crystal Lake area similarly offers "many different hiking and biking trails to explore and you definitely have to visit the Corner Store just a few miles down the road for some delicious ice cream!"
Consider weekday visits: Weekend traffic increases substantially on popular lakes and campgrounds. "Weekdays were beautiful with the pines mirrored on the lake and the crying Loons," notes a Sandy Beach Lake camper, while Twin Lakes visitors report having the entire campground to themselves on weekdays, making it "perfect. Very rustic campground. I was actually the only one here this weekend."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent RVs in Mercer, Wisconsin for camping?
While Mercer itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities, you can typically arrange RV rentals through regional dealers or online platforms that serve the northern Wisconsin area. Once you secure an RV, several campgrounds near Mercer accommodate RVs well. North Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest offers sites suitable for RVs in a beautiful forest setting with access to numerous lakes and bicycle trails. Copper Falls State Park Campground is another option with RV-friendly sites, located a short drive from Mercer with spectacular waterfalls and hiking trails.
Are there any campgrounds near Mercer, Wisconsin for visitors?
Visitors to Mercer have several excellent nearby camping options. Sailor Lake NF Campground provides water access with both lakeside sites (primarily for tents) and pull-through sites away from the water. For those seeking a more remote experience, Lake of the Pines Campground — Flambeau River State Forest offers rustic, wooded sites with clean vault toilets and hand pump water. The campground provides easy access to a lake for sunset viewing and is suitable for those traveling the Trans Wisconsin ATV Trail.
What campgrounds are available in Mercer, WI?
Mercer and its surrounding area offer several excellent camping options. Lake of the Falls County Park is a popular choice with three separate camping areas, waterfront sites, and access to fishing, boating, and hiking trails. The park features sites right on the water where you can launch boats directly from your campsite. For a more rustic experience, Sandy Beach Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest offers wooded sites with beautiful lake views, though it has fewer amenities (no showers). Both campgrounds provide clean vault toilets and access to water.
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