Pine, spruce, birch and hardwoods surround this scenic 133-acre lake in a remote area of the Chequamegon-Nicolet. Black Lake is long and narrow on a north-south axis, and the campground sprawls over a half-mile on the west shore. Most campsites are lakefront with shoreline access, and room to beach a boat, canoe or kayak. Sunsets on partly cloudy evenings can be fantastic from many of the sites. The motorized lake is a popular for fishing and offers excellent paddling.
The campground has 29 non-electric campsites in a mixed pine and hardwood forest. Every site offers at least partial shade. 17 sites are lake-front and most are within 50 feet of the lakeshore and have carry-in access. 26 sites are available for tent and RV/trailer camping (back-in only, see list below). Three sites are walk-in tent only. All sites have a tent area, fire ring, picnic table, and a parking spur. Campground amenities include drinking water, vault restrooms, and two boat landings. Several boat-trailer parking areas are located throughout the campground. 17 sites are reservable and 12 are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The three walk-in tent sites are spread out in a beautiful, lake-side location among tall pines and birch. However, sites 27 and 28 do not get much use and you will be dealing with tall grass, weeds and uneven ground (as of fall 2022).
Lakeside Campsites with Lake Access
1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 28, 29
Site #25 has no lake view
The Black Lake Recreation Area has two developed boat landings. The first is near the campground entrance and features a paved ramp, boat pier, turnaround and limited trailer parking. The second landing is between sites 19 and 26 and offers a ramp, turnaround and a paved trailer-parking area.
Trails & Places
The trailhead for the Black Lake Trail is south of the campground entrance, near the walk-in tent sites. The 4-mile hike is a lightly-used trail that circles the lake and provides an excellent opportunity for long walks with your pet.
- Forest Lodge Nature Trail | Hiking
- Flambeau River | Paddling
- Chippewa River | Paddling
Season
The campground is open from May through October.
Registration
A self-registration kiosk is located near the campground entrance. You must register and pay before occupying a site. Reservable sites may be reserved online up to six months in advance (please visit the reservations website for more details).
GPS: 45.984300, -90.933217
Campground Stats
- Total Number of Campsites: 29
- RV & Tent Campsites: 26
- Tent Only Campsites: 3
- Group Campsites: 0
- Reservable Campsites: 17
Campground Amenities
- Contact station kiosk
- Swimming beach
- Drinking water (hand pump)
- Accessible vault toilets
- Garbage & recycling
Campsite Amenities
- All sites are non-electric
- Fire ring
- Picnic table
- Tent area
- Parking spur
- Campsite Capacity: 8 people per site
- All sites offer at least partial shade
RV & Camping Trailer Info
- Campground Roads: Paved
- Campsite Spurs: Gravel
- All sites are back-in
- 35-foot max: 16, 17, 18, 19, 23
- 40-foot max: 3, 5, 7, 12, 15, 21, 22, 24
- 45+-foot max: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 25
- Generators Allowed: Yes (6:00am to 10:00pm)
- Generator noise must not disturb other campground guests!
- RV/Trailer Dump Station: No
- Nearby Dump Station: 45.806054, -91.088147
Ojibwe Park, 19.3 miles away
- Visit sanidumps.com or rvdumps.com for more info.
Recreation Area Amenities
- Historic & Cultural Site
- Boat landings (2)
- Pets Allowed? Yes
- Pets must be restrained or on a leash in campgrounds & developed areas.
- Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas.
Recreation Area Activities
- Hiking
- Black Lake (133 acres, max depth: 17 feet)
- Swimming
- Boating (motorized)
- Canoeing & kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Fishing
- ⥾ Musky (common)
- ⥾ Largemouth Bass (common)
- ⥾ Panfish (common)
- ⥾ Northern Pike (present)
- ⥾ Walleye (present)
- Black Lake contour map
- Lake Bottom: 25% sand, 10% rock, 65% muck
Managing Agency
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
- Great Divide Ranger District
- 22223 State Highway 13
- P.O. Box 126
- Glidden, WI 54527
- Phone: 715.264.2511
- Official Website: Black Lake Recreation Area
Local Gas & Services
- Winter is 15 miles away
(restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat) - Hayward is 35 miles away
(restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat) - Distances are from the campground entrance.
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