Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, near Mercer, Wisconsin, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a true wilderness experience. With its stunning waterways and over 300 islands, this area is perfect for canoe camping, offering a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature.

The campsites here are rustic and provide a sense of seclusion, with many located on private islands. Visitors rave about the peacefulness, with one camper noting, “It can get a little loud on weekends,” but overall, it feels like your own slice of paradise. You’ll find fire rings and pit toilets at the sites, but remember to bring your own drinking water and firewood.

Fishing and wildlife watching are popular activities, with sightings of bald eagles, loons, and deer reported frequently. The area is also known for its diverse fishing opportunities, making it a hit among anglers. As one reviewer put it, “If you love secluded camping along the water, this is a must!”

For those looking to explore, there are several public boat launches available, and the scenic beauty of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage is hard to beat. Whether you’re paddling through the channels or relaxing on a sandy beach, this campground offers a memorable outdoor adventure.

Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area

Are you in need of a campground near Mercer, WI? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Mercer, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Mercer, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Mercer

The Best Camping Near Mercer, Wisconsin

If your looking for camping in the woods and privacy this is your spot. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is a 12,942 acre lake, located in Iron County, Wisconsin. It has a maximum depth of 50 feet. Great fishing as well.

Great place to get away

Take a canoe down the Turtle Flambeu Flowage and you will be surprised at how many campsites are available but also you will notice most times it's like having an Island to yourself. It is relatively easy to navigate but you may want a handheld GPS if your not the best at reading maps.  I wouldn't count on your phone for service. You can easily find  a map on the Wisconsin DNR Website which shows an abundance of campgrounds and coordinates.  It is peaceful and relaxing watching the wilderness transform hourly around you or waking up and going to sleep with the song from the  Loons. It can get a little loud on weekends when you have a Flowage full of campers as noise echoes off the trees water. If your real sensetive you might get annoyed by the sounds of boats which come and go often as this is a fishing hot spot as well as many campers have motor boats instead of canoes. Overall, when your out there your feel like your on your own little piece of paradise!  This is definitely a camping getaway for the romantic or family fun adventure. Don't forget a water filter for drinking water and some toilet paper for bathroom uses.  All sites have a pit toilet but be aware they are not covered and your literally sitting on a toilet seat in the middle of the woods. Wildlife is abundant with Bald Eagles, Loons, deer, coyotes, and sounds of wolves.  I  was lucky to enjoy nice weather but can imagine watching a  beautiful rain storm passing through while sipping on a cup of coffee and living on Paradise Island! These islands are all first come first serve so you take your chances but there are plenty and I have been there in the middle of July with no problem finding one.

Camping with the bare Minimum

Beautiful Up North Wisconsin! Over 300 islands, camp sites for groups, families and even a quiet area. Availability for gas, bait or a drink and meal. Diverse fishing, multiple wildlife for viewing and hiking trails. Amazing area with few houses along the water to keep that natural feel. If you love secluded camping along the water this is a must!

True Up North!

R27 is a small rustic sight on an island within the Turtle Flambeau Flowage

Site R27

F 17 is a island family site.   It is a larger site with the addition of a picnic table

Site F17

The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is dubbed the "Boundary Waters of Wisconsin" and for good reason! The quality of the waters, vast array of channels, islands and camping spots is simply amazing. 

There are several public boat launches for launching a canoe, kayak or fishing boat. Unfortunately there are also some ski boats launching which should be forbidden on the flowage. There is nowhere that water levels go over 15 feet and in fact usually average 8 feet or less. There are random large rocks, stumps right out in the middle of what looks like a good area to open up a power boat and ski. I fear some day someone will die or destroy their boat on a collision.  

When canoe camping, the best place to launch from is Murrey's Landing or Fisherman's landing. These two spots are closest to the voluntary wake zone where you won't see speed boats. There are 60 camp sites spread throughout the flowage.

We settled on this amazing site called "Zelda's" nestled in a bay which is off the main drag of boats. It was quiet, heavily wooded, secluded and perfect for two. This site (like many) was on its own private island. The site had a fire ring, latrine and nice tent pad. This site is considered "rustic" because it lacks a picnic table and bench around the fire. We didn't mind though. 

Our site happened to have a mating pair of eagles about 50 yards from our landing. There was also a nice sandy beach 100 yards from our landing on an opposite strip of the flowage. We paddled over, laid out a blanket and sun bathed in a little used area. 

We can't wait to go back and stay at another camp spot!

Photos of Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area

Real photos from real campers