Approximately five miles southwest of Townsend, Boot Lake Campground sits within the Nicolet National Forest on the shores of its namesake boot-shaped lake. The US Forest Service operates this established campground from early May through November, with sites accommodating RVs up to 88 feet alongside tent camping options.
The campground's 16 sites include eight directly on the lakeshore, with sites 13-16 offering the most convenient water access for launching kayaks and canoes. Motor boats also use the lake, creating busier conditions during midday hours while mornings and evenings remain calmer for fishing and paddling. A lakeshore trail connects the sites and leads to a rope swing for swimming access.
Recent storm cleanup has left some interior sites more open than originally designed, though lakefront locations maintain better screening. Standing water across from some sites can increase mosquito activity during certain periods. Christopher R. notes the lake "provides some decent fishing from shore but excellent fishing from a boat." Access roads can be rough, and campers should stock up on firewood and ice in town before arriving, as these items aren't available on-site.
The campground provides vault toilets, drinking water, and trash service, with no pets allowed and reservations available during normal seasons. For additional camping options in the area, consider places to camp around Townsend or nearby Octonto River - South Branch.
Description
Overview
Boot Lake Campground overlooks its namesake -- 263-acre Boot Lake. Bask in the sun on the beautiful beach and then take a relaxing dip in the lake, or enjoy the fishing. Boot Lake contains walleye, northern pike, bass, musky, and panfish. In addition, several nearby streams offer excellent trout fishing, and the Wolf River provides fishing, kayaking, rafting, and first-class canoeing opportunities. The Jones Spring Non-Motorized Area is nearby, and offers hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Generally, use at this popular campground is heavy throughout the summer.
Recreation
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those most enjoyed at Boot Lake are fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Due to the clarity of the water Scuba diving has become increasingly popular.
Facilities
Boot Lake Campground has 34 sites. More than half of the sites can accommodate campers of 30 and some of the sites are tent only. Drinking water, vault toilets, swim beach, picnic area, and a boat landing are also provided at this location. All roads are paved.
Natural Features
This campground sits on the northwest corner of Boot Lake, in a quiet finger of the lake. The campground is a mix of hardwoods and pine. Boot Lake is a high quality clear lake and has a maximum depth of 38 feet.
Nearby Attractions
Jones Springs Non-Motorized Area is just west of Boot Lake. It offers opportunities for hiking, hunting and cross-country skiing in the winter. There is a trail in the campground that connects into the Jones Springs hiking trails. The nearby Wolf River provides excellent opportunities for rafting and white water canoeing, and kayaking. The local community of Townsend is just north of the campground. The Cathedral Pines Trail is approximately four miles from the campground -- a must see at any time of the year.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBoot Lake Campground is located in Wisconsin near Townsend
Directions
From the intersection of Highway 32 and County Road T in Townsend, drive south on T 5.6 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
45.2685778 N
88.6456583 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 1/18/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 1/18/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 14 min from Green Bay, WI
- 1 hr 15 min from Wausau, WI
- 1 hr 26 min from Appleton, WI
- 1 hr 45 min from Oshkosh, WI
