Northern Wisconsin's forests around Hazelhurst offer diverse camping experiences through several established campgrounds in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. Hazelhurst serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV campgrounds. Campgrounds like Cedar Falls Campground in Hazelhurst and Patricia Lake Campground in nearby Minocqua provide tent sites, RV accommodations, and cabin rentals. Most facilities in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with some forest campgrounds remaining accessible year-round.
Public lands in the Northwoods region feature varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when tourism surges. A camper noted, "We stayed for a week in the Indian Mounds loop campground. This site is a few miles from the camp registration but worth it. There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registration area." The Northern Highland State Forest properties generally provide basic amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, with some campgrounds reporting 5G coverage while others have limited connectivity.
Waterfront sites are particularly coveted in this lake-rich region. The Clear Lake Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its pristine water and beach areas. According to one visitor, "Lake is big, clear and beautiful. Very peaceful, lots of wildlife and fishing is great too!" Several campgrounds offer boat-in access points, allowing campers to reach secluded shoreline sites. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the area's interconnected lake systems. Campgrounds designated as "quiet" zones, such as Cunnard Lake, prohibit generators and noise-producing devices, creating peaceful environments for nature appreciation. Sites with lakefront access typically fill quickly, requiring advance planning during summer months when Hazelhurst and the surrounding areas experience their highest visitor numbers.
"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."
"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"
"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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"Great state campground, near Minocqua WI. Was clean and was a busy weekend of people but great space, little to know bugs."
"Weather we stay in Wisconsin or not I’ll be back!"
"This is our second year camping at carol Lake. We got the site next to the beach nice site. Campsite very clean well taken care of bathrooms were exceptionally clean."
GuideNice campground, well maintained, next to a lake with a boat ramp. Ever site has a picnic table, fire ring, asphalt pad and drying stand. Vault toilets, very limited trash collection trash cans (2). No water or waste. Only a few pull through most are back in.
RangerBeautiful lake. Large parking area for oversized rigs. Camping is not allowed in the parking area but a small walk to the lake provides a decent tent site.
RangerScott Lake is not listed on the U.S. Forest Service dispersed page. This location is just off the forest service Road. A small parking area and a small walk to the lake with a fire pit and picnic table.
RangerMayflower Lake is another free dispersed site that is set back in the deep woods. There is a picnic table and fire pit you drive right up to. The trail leading in a little rough and I would advise having an SUV or truck.
RangerThis site is located a few miles off the main Forest Service Road. There is a camping location hidden under the large pines next to the lake. Nothing but you and nature here. Part of the trail is decent for most vehicles, however I would advise an SUV or truck as the trail gets a little technical closer to the lake
Ranger2 sites located on an island accessible by boat. Took the shoreline by kayak to get to the sites.
TravelerWe have camped at Spearhead Point twice while hiking the Ice Age Trail which passes right next to it. Many of the sites are on the water, which is a fabulous bonus. As a non-electric campground, it is a quiet place where nature comes first. Visit during spring bird migration for amazing morning choruses and unusual bird sightings.
GuideFlush toilets & showers. Also one vault toilet. Clean with hand sanitizer. Lower sites are closer to playground, beech & picnic area. But upper sites are spaced better with lake views. All sites have picnic table, fire ring & power.
GuideStunning, got here on a Monday night and no one was here. Sites are right on the water. Dirt road was fine for our older 29’ rv
Camping spots near Hazelhurst, Wisconsin range from quiet lakeside sites to family-friendly developed campgrounds across the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75-80°F and cold winters that can drop below zero. Several campgrounds enforce "quiet" designations that prohibit generators and noise-producing devices, creating unique opportunities for peaceful northwoods experiences.
Paddling motorless lakes: Crystal Lake Campground offers exceptional paddling opportunities on a pristine lake where motors aren't allowed. According to one camper, "No 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."
Biking forest trails: The Northern Highland State Forest features extensive paved bike trails connecting campgrounds. At Musky Lake Campground, one camper noted, "Quiet campground across the road from the busier Crystal Lake campground. Convenient to the lovely bike trail that takes you to Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters."
Stargazing in open clearings: Some camping areas provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. A camper at Crystal Lake Campground shared, "Great site. Big open site. Great for star viewing. In between two great lakes. With hiking, biking trails."
Geocaching adventures: The Hazelhurst area contains numerous geocaching opportunities. A visitor to Cunnard Lake mentioned, "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! We had a beautiful sunset every night and even got to see a double rainbow (: geocaching is hot in this area too!"
Pristine swimming beaches: Many campgrounds feature natural sand beaches with clear water. At Clear Lake Campground, campers praised the water quality: "Beautiful clear water and beach area. Nice to kayak. Only a few great sites by the water."
Private lakefront access: Some sites offer direct lake access from individual campsites. At Indian Mounds Campground, a visitor explained, "You can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake. Very nice."
Loon serenades: The area's lakes are home to loon populations that create distinctive nighttime soundscapes. At Cunnard Lake, one camper shared, "Cunard Lake Campground was the perfect, beautiful 5-day getaway we were looking for. Not too busy, noisy or fancy. Great stay for my pup and I! Loved getting to paddleboard (brought my own) and listen to the loons day and night."
Well-spaced campsites: Many campgrounds offer good site separation for privacy. A visitor to Clear Lake noted, "Phenomenal! Love our site. It's big, neighbors are not on top of us… and it's quiet! Great firewood… only 5$ per bundle. Clean showers. Friendly staff."
Quiet area designations: Cunnard Lake was officially designated as a quiet campground in 2019. According to a camper, "Lake Cunard campground was designated a 'Quiet' campground several years ago - one of only two in the 18 different Northern Highlands American Legion state forest campgrounds. That means no 'noise producing devices', including generators, radios, TV's, video games, guitars, etc."
Reservation complexity: The Wisconsin reservation system can be challenging. A camper at Indian Mounds noted, "Wisconsin had the most confusing online reservation system we have ever used. The only state that requires a state sticker with their camping fees."
Cell service variability: Mobile coverage is inconsistent throughout the area. A camper at Crystal Lake observed, "We have Verizon service and it 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."
Lakefront site competition: Water-adjacent sites book quickly, especially at popular campgrounds. A visitor shared, "You will need to reserve your site 11 months in advance because it fills up fast."
Seek out beach-accessible sites: Campsites with direct beach access are ideal for families. At Indian Shores, a camper noted, "This is one of our favorite campgrounds. It's big and spacious and on the most beautiful clear lake. Good fishing and boating/skiing. Minoqua is easily accessible."
Look for paved pathways: Several campgrounds feature bike-friendly paved paths that are safer for children. A visitor to Indian Mounds shared, "Paved roads made it easy for my children to navigate the grounds on their scooters."
Pack for weather changes: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, even in summer. One camper advised, "The weather is unpredictable so bring extra layers just in case."
Consider Cedar Falls for easier logistics: Cedar Falls Campground in Hazelhurst provides water and electric hookups that can simplify family camping. A visitor remarked, "We found this place this summer and it's the only camping I want todo. Weather we stay in Wisconsin or not I'll be back!"
Check for campground shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. At Patricia Lake Campground, an RVer noted, "Sites are relatively spaced apart for a private campground and offer FHU's for those needing to stay a night or two to dump tanks, etc."
Consider seasonal composition: Some campgrounds primarily serve seasonal campers with limited spaces for visitors. An RVer observed, "This is our second stay, once in 2020 and now 2023. Both times were just for a couple nights. Great location to explore Minocqua. The campground is comprised mostly of seasonal folks, but offers 20 some sights to non-seasonal."
Watch site widths at state forest campgrounds: Buffalo Lake Campground and other state forest sites may have narrower access roads. A visitor noted, "Buffalo Lake Campground in the Norther Highlands-American Legion State Forest is spectacular - the sites are large and beautiful."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hazelhurst, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hazelhurst, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 155 campgrounds and RV parks near Hazelhurst, WI and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hazelhurst, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hazelhurst, WI is Clear Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hazelhurst, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Hazelhurst, WI.
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