Lakeshore sites fill fast here. North Trout Lake Campground stretches along the water's edge within Northern Highland State Forest, where the paved bike path connecting Boulder Junction and surrounding towns runs directly past the campground, giving campers easy access to both towns without a car. The campground sits close enough to Highway M that some sites pick up road noise, particularly those near the main entrance, so requesting a site deeper along the lakeshore is worth the effort when reserving.
Water access is the primary draw. The lake has a sandy swimming beach that transitions to rock further out, a boat launch, and several walk-in sites positioned close to the shoreline. Lakeside spots face the sunset and tend to book out during peak summer weekends, while September brings noticeably fewer campers. Double sites accommodate larger groups, though the campground can get lively with families during busy stretches. Lawrence B. notes that cell service and data are adequate at the site.
Amenities include vault toilets, hand-pump drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, firewood for sale on-site, and full hookups for RVs up to 60 feet. There are no showers. The nature trail does not permit pets, though the paved bike route does. Nearby options include Allequash Lake — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest and South Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest for campers exploring camping destinations around Northern Highland State Forest. Reservations are required even for first-come, first-served sites and must be completed online before arrival.
Description
With over 236,000 acres and more than 900 lakes within its boundaries, the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest provides wonderfully scenic opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation from wild and remote campsites accessible only by boat, to developed family and group campgrounds, beaches, boat launches and trails. The forest is spread across three counties near the towns of Woodruff, Minocqua and Boulder Junction. There are two main Visitor Contact Stations, at Crystal Lake and Clear Lake, where campers can check-in for reservations. Self-registration stations are available for campers at non-reservable campgrounds.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNorth Trout Lake Campground is located in Wisconsin near Boulder Junction
Public CampgroundDirections
From the intersection of Highways 51 and 47 in Woodruff, travel Highway 51 north 6.2 miles to Highway M. Turn right and stay on Highway M for 6.8 miles to North Trout Lake Campground on the left.
Coordinates
46.0640009 N
89.64600067 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/20/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Wausau, WI
- 2 hrs 38 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 2 hrs 40 min from Green Bay, WI
- 2 hrs 49 min from Duluth, MN
