Map showing campground location near Presque Isle, Wisconsin

Camper submitted image from Big Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest

Big Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest

Boaters and anglers find direct lake access at Big Lake Campground, where a paved road leads to wooded sites within Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages this year-round facility that accommodates RVs up to 40 feet and offers both drive-in and boat-in access options.

Sites include good vegetation screening between neighbors, and vault toilets stay clean throughout the campground. Firewood sells through an honor system at the on-site building. Morning and evening boat traffic creates the main noise, while a bicycle route connects the area for car-free exploration. WinMan BaseCamp sits nearby for additional trail access. Reservations help secure preferred sites during busy periods.

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Map & DirectionsBig Lake Campground is located in Wisconsin near Presque Isle

Public Campground

Directions

From the intersection of Highways 51 and 47 in Woodruff, travel Highway 51 north 6.2 miles to Highway M. Turn right on Highway M then go 9 miles to Boulder Junction. Turn left on Highway K west out of Boulder Junction, go 10 miles, then turn right onto Highway P. The campground is 1.2 miles on the right.

Address

6566 Mordvinoff Dr
Manitowish Waters, WI 54545

Coordinates

46.16618308 N
89.78806755 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 39 min from Wausau, WI
2 hrs 41 min from Duluth, MN
3 hrs 1 min from Eau Claire, WI
3 hrs 1 min from Green Bay, WI

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Big Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the peaceful wooded setting with good site privacy and clean basic facilities. Some visitors reported boat noise during peak hours, but most found it a welcoming spot for a rustic getaway.

Malte W.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 28, 2024

Basis Campground - beautiful nature

Big Lake Campground is a great spot if you’re looking for a simple and peaceful camping experience. The facilities are very basic—vault toilets and no showers—but they are clean and well-maintained. Firewood is available for sale on-site, which is super convenient.

The real highlight is the beautiful natural surroundings. The campground is nestled in a quiet, wooded area, perfect for relaxing and disconnecting. There are some really nice hiking trails nearby, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

If you’re okay with minimal amenities and want to enjoy nature, this is a great spot. Perfect for tent campers and anyone looking for a rustic getaway!

Site1805

Month of VisitAugust

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Nicer side of rustic camping on a Great Lake with a paved bike route

This is a nice campground located in a nice place that isn’t too rustic. Lots of sites in this large campground too. The road in is paved and yet nicely wooded. It feels like a more upscale location than some other more remote campgrounds. Once in there are a variety of sites to choose from. Firewood is for sale in the wooden building - an honor system for payment. Vault toilets are spread throughout.

Big lake is beautiful and certainly a draw. 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. If you would rather something more trail oriented, WinMan Trails is not far. To be honest, we only made it a mile before we ran back to the car to avoid the flies and mosquitoes. The trails were beautiful. They also have mountain bike routes and short tracks along with winter cross country ski routes.

This is a welcoming campground that we look forward to returning to.

Month of VisitJune

(13) View All

Larry L.

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 22, 2019

Basic State Forest Campground

Have stayed here two or three times. Pretty quiet except for the boaters coming in and out in the morning and evening. Just your basic campground with pit toilets and pump water. Firewood available for $5 or $6 when I was there. Sites that I stayed in seem to have good amount of vegetation in between for privacy. Overall a good campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Big Lake Campground located in relation to Presque Isle?

Big Lake Campground is located in the Northern Highland State Forest in the Manitowish Waters area of Wisconsin, near Presque Isle. The campground is situated on paved roads that make access relatively easy while still maintaining a wooded setting. Its location provides a good balance of natural surroundings while being accessible enough to serve as a convenient base for exploring the Presque Isle area and its various recreational opportunities.

What reviews do campers give for Big Lake Campground in Wisconsin?

Big Lake Campground in the Northern Highland State Forest receives generally positive feedback from visitors, with ratings typically in the 3-4 star range. Campers appreciate its quiet setting with just enough activity from boaters to provide interest. The campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and pump water. Visitors note the good vegetation between sites providing decent privacy. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, making it convenient for campers to enjoy evening campfires. The campground strikes a nice balance between feeling developed enough for comfort while still providing a natural woodland experience.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Big Lake in Manitowish Waters?

Big Lake in Manitowish Waters offers excellent water recreation opportunities as the main attraction. Boating is popular, with activity typically concentrated in the mornings and evenings. The beautiful, clear lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Beyond water activities, visitors can enjoy hiking through the surrounding Northern Highland State Forest, wildlife watching, and photography. The wooded setting creates a peaceful atmosphere for relaxing at camp. With its natural beauty and various outdoor options, Big Lake provides a well-rounded recreational experience for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Are there photo galleries available to preview Big Lake Campground?

Photo galleries of Big Lake Campground are likely available through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or the Northern Highland State Forest official pages. Visitors planning a trip should check these official sources for current images showing the campground layout, lakefront areas, and typical campsites. Social media platforms and camping forums may also contain recent visitor photos that provide realistic expectations of the campground's setting and facilities. Contact the forest headquarters directly for the most up-to-date visual information about the property.

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