Chequamegon National Forest near Westboro sits approximately 1,400 feet above sea level in north-central Wisconsin. The region features a mix of northern hardwood forests and wetlands across gently rolling terrain, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F. Winter camping is limited with most campgrounds closing by late October due to average snowfall exceeding 50 inches annually.
What to do
Kayaking on Mondeaux Flowage: Access the water directly from Spearhead Point, where each campsite includes a dedicated pier for boats. According to Kalene H., "The fishing is great- lots of bluegill!! Will catch on almost every throw! Great for taking kids fishing. You get a pier at your campsite to tie your boat up at."
Ice Age Trail hiking: The trail traverses through Eastwood NF Campground and continues along the Mondeaux Esker segment. Anikka T. notes, "Our site had a wooded trail down to the flowage and onto the Mondeaux Esker Trail segment of the Ice Age Trail. The Mondeaux Esker segment was challenging (muddy) but fun."
Pine Line Trail access: Near Medford City Park, explore the 26.2-mile paved trail system. Mark B. describes it as having "paved trail loop and 26.2 mile Pine Line" with options for both walking and cycling through wooded areas.
Fishing at Cooper Dam: Free primitive camping with access to fishing spots. Steven D. mentions the "relatively primitive sites, large pile of firewood available" making it easy to stay while fishing without bringing your own wood.
What campers like
Site privacy: Campsites at Big Falls County Park offer exceptional separation and natural screening. UnnamedAdventures notes, "This campground and campsites are large and you can hear the falls in the background. Each site comes with a picnic table and wood that looks like leftovers from a lumber mill in the area."
Dark night skies: Several campgrounds maintain minimal lighting for stargazing. Greg D. at Eastwood mentions, "Dark and quiet at night," while also noting that "sites are well spread out, you barely notice they are other sites nearby."
Water features: Camping near water sources provides both recreation and peaceful ambiance. Dani M. describes Big Falls as having "nice campsites & the river is gorgeous. Nice walking & exploring trails," with the sound of falling water creating a calming backdrop.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, many campgrounds maintain good sanitation. Philip M. describes Chippewa NF Campground as having "flush toilets with token operated showers" and notes that "sites are spread out with woods between the sites."
What you should know
Variable water availability: Water access differs significantly between campgrounds. At Eastwood NF, Anikka T. warns that "the water at the campground is shut off due to bad water tests" and advises to "plan ahead - there is a glacial spring within driving distance and other federal campgrounds that you might be able to get water from."
Tent worms seasonally: Early summer campers should prepare for potential insect issues. Becky S. reports from Chippewa that "tent worms had infested the campground! Dropping from the trees and landing on you and all your belongings!"
Primitive facilities in backcountry: Sailor Creek Campsite and other backcountry options have minimal amenities. Steph H. notes that "This site has no pit toilet and not a lot of 'privacy' so finding a place to do your business is not for the modest."
Camp host enforcement: Regulations are closely monitored at established sites. Cathy J. at Chippewa warns, "They are also very picky about the number of 'wheels' on each site. This is specified on the rules when you reserve and they aren't kidding."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds provide safe swimming spots for children. Kalene H. at Spearhead Point mentions there's a "Nice area for swimming and even has a good hike!"
City park amenities: Picnic Point Campground offers a group tent site perfect for family gatherings. Mark B. describes it as a "Tent only, reservable group site at Mondeaux recreation area" with boat landing access.
Playgrounds nearby: Medford City Park provides additional recreation options. Mark B. notes it has "fishing, city pool, showers, electric, playgrounds, shelters, and new baseball complex" making it ideal for families wanting amenities.
Level sites: Many campgrounds feature flat terrain suitable for family setups. Amy E. at Chippewa mentions, "Most sites are level – we were only staying one night and didn't even need to unhook our pickup."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most forest service campgrounds have minimal services. At Chippewa, Cathy J. explains, "We were on the Hardwoods Loop which did not have electricity but several other loops did" and warns "All sites are heavily wooded in all the loops so solar is not a good option here."
City park alternatives: For full hookups, consider municipal options. Scott K. at Medford City Park reports, "30/50 amp on the west side of the street. 30/20 on the east side of the street against the river" and notes "Sites are level and paved" with good connectivity: "43mbps TMobile and 24mbps Verizon."
Dump station locations: Plan waste disposal carefully as not all campgrounds have facilities. Chippewa Campground offers this service, with Cathy J. confirming "There is a dump station here and potable water available."
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