Best Campgrounds near Minocqua, WI

Minocqua, WI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Wisconsin camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Minocqua, WI. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

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Best Camping Sites Near Minocqua, Wisconsin (148)

    1. Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    16 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 542-3923

    "Beautiful clear water, bike paths galore, big sites. Close to Minocqua, cute touristy town. Lots of trails connecting to other lakes."

    "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."

    2. Clear Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Woodruff, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3668

    "There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registraion area. We arrived at our campsite, unloaded the bikes, then proceeded to ride to check in."

    "Campsite is very near a lake with plenty of wildlife. The weather is unpredictable so bring extra layers just in case."

    3. Cunnard Lake — Northern Highland State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Woodruff, WI
    6 miles
    Website

    "We had the perfect set up.. right on the water and tucked into the woods. Our neighbors were to far to hear us and the bathrooms were near by!"

    "Some provide camper access, walk in private access and water access. Cunard Lake allows non motorized watercrafts and has a great swimming area."

    4. Crystal Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 542-3923

    "The best sites are lake sites (obviously), but there are some better than others. Look along the east side of the lake for a sandy beach off of your site."

    "You can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake. Very nice."

    5. Patricia Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Minocqua, WI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3198

    $30 - $43 / night

    "Great location to explore Minocqua. The campground is comprised mostly of seasonal folks, but offers 20 some sights to non-seasonal."

    "Small lake with swimming area. Fishing is good. 100 sites, most with full hookup. Laundry."

    6. Indian Shores

    3 Reviews
    Minocqua, WI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-5552

    "The majority of the weekend campsites are located near the prime activity locations; the pool, playground and lake areas. There are full sun and full shade sites available."

    "It’s big and spacious and on the most beautiful clear lake. Good fishing and boating/skiing. Minoqua is easily accessible."

    7. North Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Boulder Junction, WI
    13 miles
    Website

    "Nice campground situated in Northern Wisconsin in the North Highland American Legion State Forest. Over 900 lakes and 225,000 acres."

    "Loved the water view from our campsite, unfortunately on the other side was the main entrance and a highway so vehicular traffic sound was prominent. Sites are large, with some tree coverage."

    8. Indian Mounds — Northern Highland State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Hazelhurst, WI
    5 miles
    Website

    "Nestled on Lake Tomahawk, this small campground is comprised of drive-in and walk-in sites. Walk-in sites being tent camp only, which is the option we took."

    9. Firefly Lake — Northern Highland State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Sayner, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3668

    $20 / night

    "Very nice campground in state forest in northern Wisconsin. NO electricity. Generators allowed from 10 am to 5 pm. "

    "This is a beautiful campground nestled in Wisconsin’s north woods. There are many choices for sites."

    10. Buffalo Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Arbor Vitae, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 356-3668

    "Great state campground, near Minocqua WI. Was clean and was a busy weekend of people but great space, little to know bugs."

    "Buffalo Lake Campground in the Norther Highlands-American Legion State Forest is spectacular - the sites are large and beautiful - we had campsite 2020 which overlooked the lake, a perfect spot to hang"

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Showing results 1-10 of 148 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Minocqua, WI

365 Reviews of 148 Minocqua 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 Minocqua

Camping near Minocqua, Wisconsin, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful lakes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Musky Lake Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Loved this site. Big open site. Great for star viewing. In between two great lakes. With hiking, biking trails."
  • Swimming and Kayaking: Many campgrounds are near lakes perfect for swimming and kayaking. A visitor at Clear Lake Campground said, "Beautiful clear water lake with only a handful of houses."
  • Fishing: The lakes are great for fishing. One camper at Franklin Lake noted, "Good fishing. Clean campground with running water and bathrooms."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Musky Lake Campground highlighted, "Showers and bathrooms are very clean."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A family at Cunnard Lake mentioned, "You can come here on the 4th of July without reserving ahead of time and still find plenty of open sites."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One reviewer at Sandy Beach Lake Campground said, "The sites are huge and if you can get one of the sites right on the lake, do it!"

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Clear Lake Campground advised, "You will need to reserve your site 11 months in advance because it fills up fast."
  • Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds, like Cunnard Lake, have strict noise regulations. One camper noted, "Lake Cunard campground was designated a 'Quiet' campground."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at North Trout Lake mentioned, "There are no showers or flush toilets at this location but the restrooms were clean."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A family at Hi-Pines Campground said, "Great activities for kids… fishing presentation, movie, kickball."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. One camper at Sandy Beach Lake Campground mentioned, "Yes there are flies and yes there are mosquitos, but get on the water and it is not so bad."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A reviewer at Franklin Lake noted, "Nice bathrooms, nice trails to hike and close to eagle river for supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Hi-Pines Campground said, "The sites are for the most part spaced well enough apart that you don’t feel packed in."
  • Electric Hookups: If you need power, look for campgrounds that offer electric hookups. One reviewer at Franklin Lake mentioned, "They just added electric hook up to some sites in the South End."
  • Plan for Busy Weekends: Expect crowds during peak times. A visitor at Musky Lake Campground noted, "It is less busy."

Camping near Minocqua, Wisconsin, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What state campgrounds are available near Minocqua, WI?

The Minocqua area is rich with state campgrounds, primarily within the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. Popular options include Buffalo Lake Campground, a clean state campground with spacious sites and minimal bugs, and Firefly Lake, which offers a rustic experience with no electricity (though generators are permitted from 10am-5pm). Both provide access to paved bike paths and proximity to Minocqua's attractions. Other nearby state campgrounds include Clear Lake, North Trout Lake, Upper Gresham Lake, Musky Lake, Crystal Lake, and Cunnard Lake campgrounds, all part of the vast 225,000-acre state forest system with over 900 lakes.

What amenities are available at Patricia Lake Campgrounds in Minocqua?

Patricia Lake Campground offers a range of amenities in a convenient location for exploring Minocqua. The campground features full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections that are relatively well-spaced for a private campground. While primarily serving seasonal campers, they maintain approximately 20 sites for non-seasonal visitors. The campground provides access to Patricia Lake with opportunities for fishing and water activities. Restrooms, showers, and standard campground facilities are available for guests. Its strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Minocqua area while enjoying more amenities than typically found at state forest campgrounds.

Are there both private and public campgrounds in Minocqua, Wisconsin?

Yes, Minocqua offers both private and public camping options. For public campgrounds, the area features several Northern Highland State Forest sites like Musky Lake Campground with beautiful clear water, bike paths, and large sites. The Chequamegon National Forest offers Sailor Lake NF Campground, which provides both waterfront and inland sites in a forested setting with basic amenities. On the private side, campgrounds like Patricia Lake Campground offer more amenities including full hookup sites, designed for both seasonal campers and shorter-term visitors, typically with better access to conveniences like showers and laundry facilities.