Best Campgrounds in Wisconsin: 2026 Guide

Wisconsin's Northwoods are the Midwest's best-kept camping secret. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest blankets the northern third of the state with over 1.5 million acres of pine, birch, and hardwood, punctuated by hundreds of clear lakes that define Northwoods camping. Down south, the Mississippi River bluffs offer a completely different feel. This is lake country at its purest — where loons call at dawn and the water is always a short walk from your tent.

Why Wisconsin Stands Out

The Chequamegon-Nicolet is one of the most campground-dense national forests in the system. Nearly every campground sits directly on a lake, giving you waterfront access without the crowds of a state park. The lakes range from tiny kettle ponds to sprawling reservoirs, and the forest roads connecting them make for excellent cycling and exploring. Add the Mississippi River corridor on the western border and you have freshwater camping variety that rivals Minnesota without the Boundary Waters permit system.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Franklin Lake

One of the most popular spots in the Chequamegon-Nicolet near Eagle River, Franklin Lake features unique CCC-built structures and native hardwood forest surrounding a pristine Northwoods lake.

Boulder Lake

The forest's largest campground near Lakewood sits on Boulder Lake's shores and fills up fast for good reason — swimming, fishing, and paddling are all steps from your site.

Anvil Lake Campground

Minutes east of Eagle River off State Highway 70, Anvil Lake offers a family atmosphere and serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the area's extensive trail system.

Black Lake

A family favorite near Hayward spread along the eastern shores of its namesake lake. The calm waters are perfect for fishing, paddling, and swimming — quintessential Northwoods camping.

Blackhawk Park

On a forested bend of the Mississippi River's main channel near De Soto, this is the largest public campground in Pool 9 — offering river camping with bluff views and excellent fishing.

East Twin

On a sparkling 110-acre lake near Hayward, East Twin is another known family favorite providing access to a beautiful portion of the Chequamegon National Forest.

Day Lake

Not far from the shores of Lake Superior near Hayward, Day Lake offers spacious, peaceful camping with swimming, fishing, and a family-friendly atmosphere in northwestern Wisconsin.

Boot Lake Campground

Overlooking 263-acre Boot Lake near Lakewood, with a beautiful beach for swimming and relaxing. The surrounding Nicolet forest provides miles of hiking and wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak season runs June through August, with July being the busiest. Many Northwoods campgrounds are first-come, first-served — arrive Thursday for a weekend stay. Bugs are intense in June; bring serious repellent and head nets. Fall color season in late September through early October is spectacular and far less crowded. Water temperatures are swimmable from mid-June through August. Most forest campgrounds close by mid-October.

Find More

Browse all Wisconsin campgrounds on our Wisconsin camping page, or explore the full campground directory to plan your next trip.