Loons calling across the water at dawn set the tone at Sandy Beach Lake Campground, a Wisconsin DNR site within sites around Northern Highland State Forest that draws campers back season after season. The campground runs from Memorial Day through Columbus Day and accommodates drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in arrivals, with RVs up to 35 feet welcome. Sites vary considerably in their relationship to the water, and that difference matters.
Lakefront sites give campers direct water access, with families swimming straight from their campsites. Sites farther back reach the beach by a short walk through the woods or a quick drive. Vegetation between sites, including lower shrubs and tall pines, keeps neighbors from feeling crowded together. The back sites run quieter and more private, though reviewers note the trade-off: less breeze there means more insects. Horseflies can be active, particularly early in summer, and a screen room is worth bringing. Verizon users report picking up about two bars of signal at camp.
Amenities include drinking water, toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and firewood for sale at $5 per bundle, cash or check. No showers are available on-site. "Mornings were beautiful with the pines mirrored on the lake and the crying Loons," notes Jeanna Marie C. The town of Mercer sits roughly 10 to 15 minutes away for resupply, and nearby lakes give anglers additional water to explore. This campground suits paddlers, swimmers, and anglers who want direct lake access with some natural buffer between sites.
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 & DirectionsSandy Beach Lake Campground is located in Wisconsin near Mercer
Directions
Follow HWY 47 north 22.3 miles through Lac Du Flambeau. Sandy Beach is on the right.
Coordinates
46.10300092 N
89.96800018 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
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)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Wausau, WI
- 2 hrs 27 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 40 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 2 hrs 51 min from Green Bay, WI
















