Best Campgrounds near Woodruff, WI
Northern Wisconsin's lake country surrounding Woodruff features numerous campgrounds within the expansive Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, a 225,000-acre wilderness dotted with over 900 lakes. Clear Lake Campground, located directly in Woodruff, offers year-round camping with boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access for tents, RVs, and glamping accommodations. Nearby Cunnard Lake Campground provides more rustic options with vault toilets and no electric hookups, operating seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The region's campgrounds typically feature wooded sites with varying levels of privacy, many offering direct lake access with sandy beaches and boat launches.
Most campgrounds in the Woodruff area require advance reservations through the Wisconsin DNR system, which some campers report can be confusing to navigate. Wisconsin state parks and forests require both camping fees and vehicle admission stickers. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds reporting minimal coverage. According to one visitor at Firefly Lake Campground, "Cell phone service is minimal with Verizon. We could send and receive texts." Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and boating, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds but cooler temperatures. Insect activity peaks in early summer, with one camper noting, "Bring your best mosquito defenses as they are thick in the morning and early evening."
The extensive paved bike trail network connecting campgrounds and nearby towns receives consistent praise from visitors. As one camper described, "This is the bicycle trail capital in the State of Wisconsin for sure! There are paved bicycle trails connecting every campground and every town." Lakefront sites are particularly coveted, with many campers highlighting sunset views and direct water access. Campground amenities vary widely, from primitive sites with vault toilets to more developed facilities with showers, electric hookups, and dump stations. Firefly Lake stands out as "the ONLY one with showers available" among Northern Highland State Forest campgrounds. The area's clean lakes with sandy beaches and fishing opportunities remain the primary attraction, with many campers noting the peaceful sounds of loons in the evening.
