Three Lakes sits in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods region, surrounded by over 230 interconnected lakes within Oneida County. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer days reach the mid-80s with cool evenings. The area's sandy soil contributes to clear lake waters with sandy bottoms, making it popular for swimming and fishing despite occasional rainfall during summer camping season.
What to Do
Paddling adventures: Wolf Lake Campsite provides access to a small, secluded lake perfect for canoes and kayaks. "The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach," notes Kay K., who appreciates the wilderness setting.
Hiking trails: Near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Backcountry Site, campers can access the Sam Campbell Trail. Kay K. mentions, "The Sam Cambell trail is right next door, it's a nice walk to another tiny lake."
Beach swimming: Luna White Deer Campground offers a designated swimming beach area. Lidia K. shares, "White Deer lake had a nice swimming beach area, the trail around the lake had many sandy access areas that my husband enjoyed some shoreline fishing. He caught a 9 inch bass and some panfish."
What Campers Like
Clear water lakes: The lakes around Three Lakes are known for exceptional clarity. At Laurel Lake Campground, Kay K. comments, "The sites are wooded and private. The lake has clear water and a sandy bottom."
Wildlife encounters: Woodbury Lake Campsite offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. According to Kay K., "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling."
Privacy between sites: Franklin Lake Campground provides well-spaced campsites. Andrew D. notes, "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."
What You Should Know
Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential when camping in the Three Lakes area. At Franklin Lake, Sue B. warns, "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."
Cell service limitations: Phone reception can be unreliable at most wilderness campsites. Hannah I. advises about Franklin Lake, "Cell service is awful, you can get service sort of by the lake depending on your provider, but don't count on it."
Water availability: Many forest service campgrounds have limited drinking water. Hannah I. points out, "There's well water pumps throughout the campground but it's not good for drinking."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Chain O'Lakes Campground offers activities for children. Nova O. shares, "Our campground was next to nice bathrooms and a sand volleyball court. Good privacy from neighboring campsites."
Swimming options: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Three Lakes offer swimming areas. Amanda C. recommends Hi-Pines Campground: "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."
Seasonal planning: Visit in early fall for fewer crowds at pet-friendly campgrounds near Three Lakes. Juliana writes about Franklin Lake: "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!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Nicolet National Forest Pine Lake Campground, Charles E. notes, "Small primitive campsites right on lake pine in a beautiful area. The site are adequate and nothing negative to report. Host was super friendly and came up to welcome me."
Campsite types: For RVers looking for full hookups near Three Lakes, Hi-Pines Campground offers varying site types. Brenda A. observes, "This campground is wide and very open. We arrived on a Sunday and the weekend crowd had cleared out, so nice and quiet."
Laundry facilities: When planning longer stays at dog friendly campgrounds in the Three Lakes region, schedule laundry strategically. Brenda A. cautions about Hi-Pines, "Do not plan on doing laundry on a Monday. The personnel use all the machines to wash linens and towels from the cabins after folks check out."
