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.

Bagley Rapids NF Campground

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.

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

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. 

Great campground.

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.

Ideal campsite on the Oconto river

Good sized sites, pretty secluded. Convenient location with trails around the campground. 

Great campground 

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

Great!

Amazing Cedar trees and fall asleep to river rapid sound.

Primitive camping 

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. 