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Established Camping

Bagley Rapids NF Campground

Bagley Rapids NF Campground, near Lakewood, Wisconsin, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. Nestled in the Nicolet National Forest, this campground offers a peaceful atmosphere with sites that are often right next to the Oconto River, where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of rushing water.

Campers rave about the spacious, wooded sites that provide a nice level of privacy. Many appreciate the clean facilities, including pit toilets and a well water pump, making it easy to stay comfortable during your stay. As one visitor noted, “The campsites are wooded and shady, and have plenty of trees that are placed ideally for hammock hanging.”

Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to love here, with the river offering brook and brown trout. The campground is also a great base for outdoor activities, with nearby trails for hiking, ATV riding, and snowmobiling. If you’re looking for a quick bite, Mountain, WI is just a short drive away for groceries and a tasty burger.

While the campground doesn’t have a beach, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a more rustic experience. Reviewers have highlighted the tranquility of the area, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a longer retreat in the woods. Whether you’re here to fish, hike, or just relax by the fire, Bagley Rapids NF Campground has a lot to offer.

Description

National Forest

The Bagley Rapids Recreation Area is now OPEN following the July 19 windstorm! If you enjoy listening to the soothing sound of flowing water, you will appreciate this campground. About one-third of the 30 campsites are located adjacent to the Oconto River. Trout fishing, berry picking, swimming and sightseeing can all be done in or near this campground. Weekends bring the most campers, with only moderate use occurring during the week. So come and relax among the pines and enjoy the sound and beauty of Bagley Rapids. Nearby is the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, a popular local tourist destination. This is one of the last fire towers standing on its original location in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. It was built in 1935 and was one of a series of 20 towers built in the Forest during the 1930s. If you’re brave enough, you can climb the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The Jones Spring non-motorized area is nearby, and offers hiking, hunting and cross-country skiing. Also nearby is Cathedral Pines, an area that survived Wisconsin’s logging era where the majestic pines and hemlocks have been preserved in their natural state. General use at this popular campground is heavy throughout the summer, mostly on weekends. There are plenty of sites to see on the district and Bagley Rapids Recreation area can serve as a home base. So, if you like to swim, fish, hike, picnic then the Bagley Rapids Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located just 5 minutes south of Mountain.

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Location

Bagley Rapids NF Campground is located in Wisconsin

Detail location of campground

Directions

In Mountain, WI, at intersection of County Rt. W and State Rts. 32 and 64, take State Rts. 32/64 south 2 miles to campground sign. Turn right after sign onto LWR Bagley Rapids and go 0.6 miles into campground.

Coordinates

45.15893659 N
88.46582097 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2023

Great for trout fishing and small rapids

Bagley rapids is a nice little campground in Nicolet National Forest. The short stretch of the Oconto River provides mainly brook trout and brown trout fishing. Tranquil nights next to the rapids makes this campground great.

Site9
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Christopher R., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Christopher R., July 2, 2023
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2020

Great!

We went for 1 quick night and it was perfect. First come first serve sites on water, good fire pits and grill. amazing.

  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Kathryn N., September 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Kathryn N., September 16, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

The perfect stop for the start of your Chequamegon National Forest Trip

Bagley Rapids Campground is located in the Lakewood- Laona District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which is about as far South as the Forest goes. This makes Bagley Rapids Campground the perfect spot for a quick weekend trip from surrounding larger cities. It's roughly 2.5 hours away from Madison and Milwaukee and just over an hour away from the Green Bay area. 

If outdoor recreation is your thing, this is the perfect base camp. The campground entrance is right off the ATV / Snowmobile / Horse Trails which connect to thousands of miles of trail systems all throughout the Northwoods of Wisconsin. I've stayed here 5 times in the last two years and frequent the local logging roads on my Dual Sport motorcycle. I'd say over 1/4 of the spots are actually located on Bagley Rapids, a very clear, crisp refreshing spring fed river that runs around the campground. It's great to wade into and enjoy after a hot day hiking and exploring trails. 

A couple miles from the campground is nearby Mountain, WI where you can get basic groceries, gas and a great bar burger. Within 30 minutes you can be in the smaller town of Wabeno, which is home to some of the best ATV trails around and also has a very cool old style downtown.

The sites are a mix of tent and RV with some really great spots with some elevation that back down into the river. It's always been peaceful during my stays and never gets loud and rowdy.

As there isn't a beach, small children should stay out of the river due to it's strong current, so this might not be the best choice if you're going purely for the water.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Chris B., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Chris B., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Chris B., July 31, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2019

Ideal campsite on the Oconto river

I have stayed here a couple of times and it is hands-down my favorite campground.  Many of the sites are right on the river. There are very clean pit toilets and a pump for well water. Other campers have been extremely respectful and friendly. The campsites are wooded and shady, and have plenty of trees that are placed ideally for hammock hanging. My favorite thing about this campsite is that it is right on the water. You can hear the constant rushing of the water over the rapids, which is so relaxing at night. The fire rings have adjustable grills that can be swung away from the fire when you are not cooking. There is a trail that runs along the river and many well-placed trees for hammocking if you like to be DIRECTLY on the river or even hanging over the water.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Mary M., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Mary M., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Mary M., July 30, 2019
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 19, 2018

Quiet

Quiet campground with decent spacing between sites.

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2017

Great campground.

We head a great time staying there for 3 nights. Visited John's spring trail that has great views; good exercise. Campground has water and toilet pit. Well maintained. Some campsites located right by the river, you can hear water streams.

Site30
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Artem  I., September 7, 2017
  • Review photo of Bagley Rapids NF Campground by Artem  I., September 7, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Bagley Rapids NF Campground?

    Bagley Rapids NF Campground allows vehicles up to 22 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Bagley Rapids NF Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Bagley Rapids NF Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Bagley Rapids NF Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.