217 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Three Lakes, WI ranges from developed campgrounds with electric hookups to free primitive sites deep in the forest. The Harbor Campground, situated on State Highway 32, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups and water access, while Franklin Lake offers lakefront camping with direct water access. Further into the forest, dispersed sites like Wolf Lake and Woodbury Lake campsites provide free, more primitive camping experiences. The region also features cabin rentals at several locations including Hi-Pines Campground and Chain O'Lakes Campground, both within a short drive of Three Lakes.
Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October. Winter weather in northern Wisconsin makes camping challenging outside this window. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly for summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. The Nicolet National Forest dispersed sites require no reservations but have limited amenities—no toilets, drinking water or trash service. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited or no reception in remote forest areas. A visitor noted that "this is a beautiful campground nestled in Wisconsin's north woods" with many choices for campsites of varying sizes.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Three Lakes region. Many campgrounds offer direct lake access with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. Several reviews highlight the quality of the lakes themselves, with one camper describing Franklin Lake as having "steps leading right down to your own private beach." The area's extensive paved bicycle trails connect multiple campgrounds and nearby towns, creating opportunities for exploration beyond individual campsites. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings, including deer walking through campsites at night. Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially in morning and early evening hours during summer months, so proper repellent is advised for comfortable camping experiences.
"I formally lived in northern Wisconsin and we would camp here quite often. Huge lake. Most sites are lake front with steps leading right down to your own private beach!"
"My family has been coming to Franklin Lake for decades. It’s hands down our favorite campground in Wisconsin."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"You are close to all of the activities Eagle River has to offer, although not directly on the chain of lakes."
"The entry to the laundry is a step up and I stubbed my toe because the threshold was not secured."
"Lovely campground near the lakes. Tons of lake activities like renting boats to fish (like we did). Our campground was next to nice bathrooms and a sand volleyball court."
"Big sites, paved roads, nice camp store, beach area is so so, but the multiple lakes and canal are awesome. We try to get to this park once a year."
from $16 - $35 / night
Check Availability"The lake has clear water and a sandy bottom"
"The campground has three spacious sites, while the Campground 1 in the lake has eight. A vault toilet and clean water well. The autumn weather is bright and fresh!"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at site 2 in the first loop on White Deer Lake. Site 7 on the water seemed like it would be a good site too, although there were steps on site 7."
"Loved kayaking both lakes! Beautiful campground with a very nice swimming beach. Only draw back are the vault toilets. We always try to get a site away from the toilets."
from $15 - $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water."
"Tent spot by lake boat access."
"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."
"There is access to a small lake. Across the road is a nice boardwalk to another lake. The Wilderness Headwaters trail is also close."
TravelerWe stayed here the weekend(2 of us) and just walked the road that it was on. there isn’t a lot to do so you have to bring stuff. fishing is not good- this lady said it was a pond full of leeches. there was a “toilet” and nice spots to sit by the pond. there was no service but the spot was really quiet and very far apart from other spots. we did not run into anyone 1 car that drove down the road.
GuideWe stayed at Robinson Lake Dispersed Campground last night and really enjoyed it! It’s very easy to get to, located right off the highway, so you don’t have to worry about driving miles down rough backroads. There’s plenty of room to set up camp, and being right next to the lake makes it an even better spot.
There’s also plenty of downed wood around for a campfire, which is always a bonus when camping. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend a night away from everything.
Definitely a spot we’d recommend and would stay at again!
GuideHappened to stumble upon this gem of a campground.
GuideEasy pull off. Spacious. Dispersed, no services but does have a privy - clean! Fire pit & table. No cell service. Perfect for a few days out. 2 sites, one on either side of the bridge. Road in is easy, hard pack gravel. Very little traffic. Accessible for any setup.
GuideThis is a typical national forest primitive campground. For me, it was the perfect middle point while driving along the seven hour plane crash trail. The sites along the lake are really beautiful. I did see a fifth-wheel camper at one of the sites so larger trailers can fit at some sites. Most sites are level but a few aren’t.
I could not find this campground in recreation.gov, so it may be first come first serve only, not sure.
There are pit toilets and hand pumps for potable water.
It’s $22 per night unless you have a senior pass, etc. they use the honor system so there is no one here at the pay station.
There are 24 sites and counting me there was only three or four in use on a Sunday night.
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.
TravelerThere are 3 sites at this location. The 2 southern sites can fit decent size trailers. The middle one, which we stayed in, for my 26” trailer pulled by my suburban. Pulled straight in and pulled straight out. Site was clean and the views were awesome!
Dispersed camping in the Nicolet National Forest near Three Lakes, Wisconsin offers several primitive sites for those seeking a more secluded outdoor experience. The forest encompasses over 600,000 acres of northern Wisconsin wilderness with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,900 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer days typically reach 75-85°F with cooler nights around 50-60°F.
Hiking trails: Access the Wilderness Headwaters trail system near Scott Lake, where campers can explore boardwalks connecting multiple lakes. "The campsite is on a gravel road. There is access to a small lake. Across the road is a nice boardwalk to another lake," notes reviewer Kay K.
Paddling: Launch kayaks or canoes at Wolf Lake Campsite for a peaceful experience on smaller lakes. One camper shares: "I love this campsite. The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach."
Beach activities: Multiple lakes offer swimming opportunities with varying features. At Woodbury Lake Campsite, Kay K. notes: "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
Fishing: Cast for bass and panfish from shoreline access points. At Luna White Deer Campground, a visitor reports: "He caught a 9 inch bass and some panfish. Mosquitos were present, but not the worst I've ever experienced, the biting flies were plentiful, but stayed away with the help of a thermacell."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer good spacing between sites. At Franklin Lake, campers appreciate the layout: "Sites are large and decent spacing between sites. Heavy tree cover with mostly shade. The site was mostly gravel with nice fire ring and picnic table."
Water clarity: The lakes in this region are known for exceptional water quality. As one camper at Franklin Lake notes: "The water is crystal clear, you can get campsites on the lake, and it's pretty quiet."
Charging access: For those staying at non-electric sites, some campgrounds offer alternatives. A Franklin Lake reviewer shares: "For those without power there is outlets in shelter in middle of campground to charge batteries."
Wildlife viewing: The remote setting provides opportunities to spot local animals. At Wolf Lake Campsite, a camper mentioned: "The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach."
Cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the area. A Franklin Lake camper warns: "Cell service is awful, you can get service sort of by the lake depending on your provider, but don't count on it."
Insects: Biting insects can be problematic during warmer months. A Franklin Lake review notes: "No power, no water, clean pit toilets, beautiful water view sites, no dump station, LOTS of mosquitos. Hoped to stay a few nights, chased out by mosquitoes after first one."
Water sources: Many campgrounds lack drinking water. At Hi-Pines Campground, visitors note: "There's well water pumps throughout the campground but it's not good for drinking."
Seasonal timing: Consider visiting during fall for fewer crowds. One camper at Franklin Lake shares: "We camped here in October, the last week the National Forest was open. It seemed that we had 10,000 acres to ourselves. Area was spotless!"
Water activities: Campgrounds with beach areas provide entertainment for children. At Hi-Pines Campground, one visitor mentions: "This campground is very clean and nice with tons of things to do! The sites are nice and big and the pond has inflatables that are very fun."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programming for children. A Hi-Pines Campground reviewer notes: "Great activities for kids…fishing presentation, movie, kickball."
Space needs: When camping with multiple families, consider site layout. A Hi-Pines visitor advises: "Perfect location to plan multi-family camping. Lots of amenities on site and nearby."
Nature education: Several campgrounds incorporate educational elements. At Luna White Deer Campground, visitors appreciate: "This campground has our favorite hiking trail. The sites are spacious with privacy and shade."
Site surfaces: Note ground conditions when selecting sites. At Franklin Lake, one camper shares: "The site was mostly gravel with nice fire ring and picnic table."
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs. For Woodbury Lake Campsite, a visitor notes: "Nice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access."
Electric options: Some campgrounds have added services. At Franklin Lake, a camper mentions: "They just added electric hook up to some sites in the South End. Right now the price is the same for electric or non-electric sites."
Parking accessibility: For those with larger setups, look for information about parking areas. A Scott Lake visitor shares: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What do reviews say about Three Lakes Campground?
The Three Lakes area is home to several highly-rated campgrounds within the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. West Bass Lake recently upgraded its facilities with new showers and flush bathrooms in 2024. The campground offers various site options, with site #4 being notably spacious for those who don't require lakefront access. Many campers appreciate the region's natural beauty, noting the abundance of lakes, extensive forest acreage, and excellent opportunities for fishing, bicycling, and hiking throughout the area.
What are the best campgrounds near Three Lakes, WI?
Several outstanding campgrounds surround Three Lakes in Northern Wisconsin. Franklin Lake is highly recommended for its lakefront sites with private beach access. Firefly Lake — Northern Highland State Forest offers a peaceful setting with clear waters, sandy shores, and proximity to paved bike trails. Other excellent options include Laura Lake Recreation Area with spacious sites overlooking the water, and Upper Gresham Lake Campground, which provides easy access to Boulder Junction's attractions. The region's campgrounds generally feature rustic amenities in beautiful north woods settings.
Are there glamping options available in Three Lakes?
While traditional glamping (luxury tents, yurts, etc.) is limited in Three Lakes, several campgrounds offer upgraded experiences that bridge the gap between camping and comfort. Rohr's Wilderness Tours provides a private campground with the natural beauty of a state park but with added amenities. For RV travelers seeking more comfort, Borderline RV Park offers seasonal accommodations with access to numerous lakes and the Wisconsin River. For those willing to venture slightly outside Three Lakes, nearby Eagle River has additional options with more developed facilities and rental accommodations.
Keep Exploring
