Fishing and paddling drive most visits to Day Lake Campground, a US Forest Service site set within Chequamegon National Forest near Hayward, Wisconsin. Day Lake draws anglers specifically because motorized boats are not permitted on the water, keeping conditions consistent for fishing and non-motorized paddling like kayaking and canoeing. An interpretive trail circles the lake, and additional ATV and motorcycle trails extend into the surrounding forest.
Sites are arranged across multiple loops, with tree cover between them providing visual separation from neighboring campers. Reviewers consistently describe the sites as spacious and well-maintained. The loops do place sites close enough together that sounds carry, particularly wood chopping and general camp noise, though several visitors note the campground stays relatively quiet. Some sites have direct water access to the lake. Cell service is limited in the immediate area; one reviewer noted needing to drive toward Hayward to get a reliable signal.
"Very very quiet area, felt somewhat like boundary waters," notes Jenna L., who found availability on a weekend in August with little advance notice. That said, the campground does draw weekend crowds, and a few reviewers mention arriving to find sites filling up. Mosquitoes and horse flies are a documented issue, so insect repellent is worth packing regardless of season. Nearby alternatives include East Twin Lake NF Campground roughly 2.6 miles northeast. The campground runs May through November, accepts RVs up to 60 feet, and reservations are available, which makes sense to use for summer weekend visits.
Description
Overview
Day Lake Campground is situated in northwestern Wisconsin, not far from the shores of Lake Superior. The spacious and peaceful Day Lake offers a family-friendly campground with swimming beaches, a boat launch and picnic area. Day Lake is a designated off-road vehicle campground, allowing off-road vehicle use to and from the nearby trails.
Recreation
Located in the elk capital of Wisconsin, the Day Lake area has activities for everyone. Miles of off-road vehicle, hiking and mountain biking trails are nearby on the Dead Horse Run Off-road Vehicle (ATV/UTV) Trail. A half-mile interpretive trail can be accessed from the campground. A boat ramp and picnic area with beach access are located two miles south of the campground, on County Highway M. The 640-acre lake is a popular destination for anglers, with musky, bass and panfish available in abundance. The area is also ideal for kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Elk, eagles, loons and other wildlife are often spotted in the area.
Facilities
The campground offers dozens of single-family campsites for tent and RV camping. Only the Paper Birch loop has a paved road, while the remainder of roads within the campground are gravel. The parking aprons are grass and dirt. Each campsite is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and hand pump drinking water are also provided. Trash collection and recycling bins are available at the campground as well.
Natural Features
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers 845,000 acres of lush landscape dotted with lakes, rivers and streams. Pine, spruce, maple, aspen and balsam forests, as well as extensive jack pine plantations, make up the vegetation.
Nearby Attractions
A general store, bait shop, firewood vendor, fuel and restaurants are located in Clam Lake, about a mile from the campground. The local community club hosts an annual July 4th fireworks display.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChequamegon National Forest Day Lake Campground is located in Wisconsin near Mellen
Public CampgroundDirections
From Clam Lake, Wisconsin, travel a mile north on Highway GG.
Address
PO Box 896
hayward, WI
Coordinates
46.1763889 N
90.9091667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/16/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/16/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 37 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 1 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 2 hrs 16 min from Wausau, WI
- 2 hrs 57 min from Minneapolis, MN
