Northern Highland State Forest encompasses 232,000 acres of forests and lakes near Woodruff, Wisconsin, at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 1,750 feet. The area contains over 900 lakes and 300 miles of streams with sandy shorelines dominating many camping areas. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer days typically range from 70-85°F with cooler nights in the 50s.
What to do
Paddle non-motorized lakes: Crystal Lake Campground offers pristine waters where motors aren't permitted. "This is a great campground in a group of the campgrounds in the area. Lots of water sites so I would highly suggesting getting one so the you can paddle right from the shoreline... 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," notes Scott M.
Explore interconnected biking trails: Big Lake Campground features paved routes through wooded areas. "We loved the bicycle route that runs throughout the area. People were walking, running and biking - even one wheels were in play. This is a great way to get out into the dispersed local community without touching your vehicle," explains Art S.
Wildlife observation: Cunard Lake Campground is known for loon watching, with multiple campers mentioning these distinctive birds. "You will wake up to the sound of loons and go to bed with the sound of them," shares AnneMarie C., while Jordan A. adds, "Loved getting to paddleboard (brought my own) and listen to the loons day and night."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Clear Lake Campground offers lakefront options with direct water access. "Beautiful clear water and beach area. Nice to kayak. Only a few great sites by the water," reports Adrienne L. Sites on the eastern edge of Crystal Lake feature private beach areas, as Shannon B. notes: "You can get sites that have your own beach pretty much with a trail right down to the lake. Very nice."
Quiet camping environments: Cunard Lake Campground is officially designated as a "Quiet" campground. According to S P., "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."
Spacious sites with privacy: Sandy Beach Lake sites feature good separation. "Campground is a hidden gem - these sites are huge and if you can get one of the sites right on the lake, do it!" recommends Caroline C. Big Lake Campground maintains vegetation between sites, as Larry L. explains: "Sites that I stayed in seem to have good amount of vegetation in between for privacy."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. At Clear Lake, "You will need to reserve your site 11 months in advance because it fills up fast," advises Joel N. For yurt camping, Woodruff, Wisconsin facilities like Arbor Vitae Campground require similar advance planning.
Seasonal considerations: Most Northern Highland State Forest campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Buffalo Lake Campground runs "April 30 to October 15" according to listings, while Sandy Beach Lake Campground operates "Memorial Day to Columbus Day."
Insect awareness: At Sandy Beach Lake, Art S. warns, "Upon arrival the horseflies greeted us with curiosity. They seemed to leave us after we finished setting up but we still put up our screen room." The same reviewer notes at another location, "We only made it a mile before we ran back to the car to avoid the flies and mosquitoes."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Chain O'Lakes Campground offers water activities and facilities for children. "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," explains Nova O.
Kid-friendly amenities: Hi-Pines Campground includes structured activities. "Great activities for kids…fishing presentation, movie, kickball," shares Amanda D. The same campground offers water features as Amanda C. explains: "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."
Multi-generation appeal: Clear Lake Campground has been a tradition for many families. "My father came here with his family growing up and brought us kids for the last 20+ years. Three different generations have seen this place and it will continue to be passed down," shares AnneMarie C. about Cunard Lake, highlighting the area's multi-generational appeal.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for shade: At Hi-Pines, "The site was full sun which got hot. There were shaded sites, but we couldn't get sites together in the woods to be close to friends so we had to be in the field sites," advises Amanda D. For yurt camping in Woodruff, Wisconsin, choosing shaded locations similarly affects comfort.
Electric hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer electric service. Big Lake Campground reviewer Malte W. notes, "The facilities are very basic—vault toilets and no showers—but they are clean and well-maintained." RVers needing hookups should verify availability.
Laundry timing: When facilities are available, plan strategically. At Hi-Pines, Brenda A. warns, "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."
