Dispersed camping near Presque Isle, Wisconsin offers a mix of rustic sites and developed campgrounds throughout the Northern Highland State Forest and surrounding areas. Situated at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, this region contains over 900 glacial lakes and borders Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit, while summer brings relatively mild 70-80°F days with cool evenings.
What to do
Wildlife observation: Clark Lake in Sylvania Wilderness provides excellent nature viewing opportunities. "We hiked around part of Clark Lake. It's a beautiful trail and also has some backcountry campsites," reports a camper, adding that visitors should "bring bug spray" in summer months.
Waterfall visits: 30 minutes away. Bond Falls features impressive cascades with wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms. "The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," notes one visitor to Bond Falls Campground, who appreciated the "tidy" camping areas near this natural attraction.
Winter sports: WinMan Trails. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are available during winter months near Sandy Beach Lake. "They also have mountain bike routes and short tracks along with winter cross country ski routes," explains a reviewer. Yurt camping near Presque Isle provides comfortable winter accommodations for snow sports enthusiasts.
What campers like
Lake access: Swimming and fishing. Crystal Lake Campground offers direct water access. "You can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake," mentions one camper. Another adds, "Know the rules when you come onto the lake as motors are not allowed which is why I chose it as it made paddling much easier."
Privacy: Secluded sites. Campers appreciate the separation between sites at Sandy Beach Lake Campground. "We loved the amount of greenery between sites that kept us feeling secluded. The tall trees provided shade," reports a visitor. The campground features "huge" sites, especially those right on the lake.
Multi-season options: Year-round availability. Many sites in the Northern Highland State Forest remain open throughout winter. "Great to camp anytime of year. Though there aren't really electric sites, having showers and flush toilets is a huge plus," notes a Crystal Lake Campground visitor, highlighting the benefits of all-season camping facilities for yurt stays near Presque Isle.
What you should know
Variable cell service: Reception varies widely. Most campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Crystal Lake, "Verizon service is spotty in areas, though given that you can see a cell tower towards Sayner it should be a lot better than it is. I think it is the heavy tree cover that impacts the reception."
Insects: Be prepared for flies and mosquitoes. Bug populations peak in early summer. At Big Lake Campground, visitors note, "We only made it a mile before we ran back to the car to avoid the flies and mosquitoes."
Water access: Some sites offer direct lakefront. When booking campsites, prioritize waterfront locations for the best experience. "Look along the east side of the lake for a sandy beach off of your site. Those on the south side don't have a sandy shore, but still have a sandy bottom," advises a Crystal Lake camper who visited multiple times.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Kid-friendly swimming areas. Crystal Lake features clean, sandy beaches ideal for children. "The water and beach is clean. The bike trails are endless! What fun," reports a reviewer who has camped there annually for over 20 years.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule morning hours. Early risers can spot diverse wildlife. At Presque Isle, "Being on the lake was nice, and we were entertained by a group of baby ducks that liked hanging out near our campsite." Similar experiences are available at most lakeside campgrounds.
Trail exploration: Varied difficulty levels. Multiple hiking options exist for different ages and abilities. "There are a few sites which are along the cliff side looking down to Lake Superior... The hiking throughout this park is unparalleled in its beauty," explains a Presque Isle visitor who camped with family.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check length and levelness. At Lake Gogebic State Park, RVers note that "most sites are large with trees but not many are very level." This can create challenges for larger rigs requiring stabilization.
Seasonal considerations: Spring can be muddy. Weather impacts site conditions significantly. "There were quite a few muddy spots at our & surrounding sites due to a lot of recent rain. We had to move our car to the parking lot to avoid getting stuck," reports a Lake Gogebic camper.
Utilities: Limited hookups. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities. "We camped at site 1933 which had a slight lake view... Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. There are dumpsters in the campground. They also had firewood for sale for $5 (cash or check)," explains a Sandy Beach Lake camper, noting limited electric options at most area campgrounds.
