Namekagon Lake Campground, near Hayward, Wisconsin, is a fantastic spot for those who love water access and a laid-back camping vibe. With sites nestled under a canopy of deciduous trees, it offers a serene setting perfect for relaxing by the lake.

Campers rave about the clean pit toilets and the availability of potable water, making it a comfortable place to stay. The campground is known for its spacious sites, with some reviewers highlighting the privacy of certain areas, especially those further from the water. One visitor noted, “Large, private sites. Beautiful, great riding,” which speaks to the overall atmosphere here.

For outdoor activities, the nearby Namekagon River is a hit for canoeing and kayaking, with some campers sharing their adventures paddling through scenic waters. If you're looking to explore, there are nature trails adjacent to the campground, although some have mentioned that the trail options are limited. 

While the campground can get busy on weekends, the peaceful surroundings and wildlife sightings make it a great escape. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Namekagon Lake Campground offers a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends alike.

## Overview

 Namekagon campground is a family-friendly campground that runs alongside its namesake lake, at the headwaters of the Namekagon River. It is the perfect spot to kayak, canoe, jet ski, swim or take a boat ride to one of the many restaurants along the shoreline. With its close proximity to mountain bike trails and the North Country hiking trail, Namekagon campground is an ideal location for making a base camp.
## Recreation

 Namekagon Lake offers excellent fishing, and anglers will find musky, pike, walleye and bass, among other fish varieties, available in abundance. The campground is conveniently located near off-highway vehicle, hiking and mountain bike trails. The North Country National Scenic Trail is also nearby. The Namekagon Nature Trail is a one mile interpretive trail which traverses the immediate area and begins in the campground.
## Natural Features

 The campground is situated on the 3,227-acre Namekagon Lake that is famous for its fishing potential. It is surrounded by a hardwood and hemlock forest in northwestern Wisconsin.

Namekagon Lake Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Marengo, WI? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Marengo campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Marengo, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Marengo

The Best Camping Near Marengo, Wisconsin

Love staying here. Sites are nice and secluded. In the national forest so lots of places to find wood. Very close to the boat launch. Lots of wildlife.

Isolated. Great views. Peaceful! 

Spent 4 nights motorcycle camping the week after labor day. Very quite and peaceful.  Large, private sites. Beautiful, great riding. 

A+++

This was the first time I canoe camped and it became one of my favorite ways to travel and pitch a tent! 

A group of friends and I launched from a public launch 20 miles up river with the help of Jack's Canoe for shuttle drop off.  Right away there were some nice riffles to paddle and we paddled for 12 miles occasionally encountering some class one rapids, rocks and shallow sandbars. For the most part, the water rarely was over 8 feet and often averaged only a couple feet deep, enough for a loaded canoe and two passengers to easily navigate. 

We found an excellent group camp site with several tent pads, picnic table, fire ring and latrine. It was heavily wooded and the mosquitos in July were in full force! 

The Namekagon is a gorgeous river and worth the paddling adventure. The 2nd day we paddled 8 miles to the St Croix junction and met the shuttle. That last section was far more challenging rapids. When canoeing, you should have a good steering partner to avoid the rocks and potential spills!

Canoe camping at its best

A group of us camps here about every other year. This year we were here late July in sites 1,2,3,4 and 6. All are heavily wooded and none right on lake. Boat Landing is great, boats can be pulled up on shore and left there safely. We’ve also had sites 9,10 and 11 which are larger and closer to lake but not on it. There are 2 distinct loops in campground; this one is less crowded. Nice nature trail adjacent. Several bars and super clubs on lake. Fun sandbar to party on. 

Namekagon quiet

This campground is beautiful and spacious and we were able to get a spot on the water side even though we were coming for the weekend and did not have reservations. My only qualms is that if you are looking to "get away" and for a more remote feel, this is a more family friendly campground and there aren't many trails and such nearby through the national forest. It was difficult for us to try to go do things since we were ill prepared and forgot our maps and cell phone usage was impossible since there is no service. Otherwise, the campground served us well to just get away and relax and the pooch loved it.

  

Note: the location of this campground is inaccurate on the map.

Great campground

Namekagon:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating:  4.   Great water access campground .    No trails right at the campground, but for a cross coin ski trail just past the cg entrance.  We were here to visit Croix NWW - a bit of a drive from the cg.  
Price 2023:  non-electric sites are $11 per night w Lifetime Senior Pass. 
Usage during visit:  Full on weekends 
Site Spacing/Privacy:  Some sites are very close.  I listed the best sites for privacy and spaciousness.
Site surface:  Gravel
Reservations:   Yes.   Looks like up to two days out is first come, first serve. 
Campground Noise:   Not bad.  Lake noice is minimal as well. 
Road Noise:  Even the sites close to the Missionary Point Dr. do not seem to experience too much traffic noise.  
Through Traffic in campground:   Just down the middle to the lake boat ramp.  And that’s not too bad.  
Electric Hookup:     Some, not all sites. 
Sewer Hookup:  No
Dump Station:    No
Potable Water Available: Yes.   
Generators:  Allowed during the day.  
Bathroom:   Pit toilets are kept extremely clean 
Showers:    None. 
Pull Throughs:    Some 
Cell Service (AT&amp;T): One bar in some areas of cg. 
Setting:  Under a deciduous tree forest. 
Weather:  70 and 90 degree days .    Hot days were particularly humid.  
Bugs:   Mosquitoes galore. 
Solar:   Most sites are very shady.  
Host:  Yes
Rig size:   All rigs I see are under 30’ 
Sites:  Lakeside Sites: 13, 14, 17, 19

BEST non-water side sites: rated for spaciousness and a bit more private :11, 9, 8, 7, 3, 34,  30, 32, 31, 33, 29,28, 27,26, 25, 10. Not in any particular order 



Photos of Namekagon Lake Campground

Real photos from real campers