Wabasso Lake Recreation Area

Chequamegon-Nicolet
National Forest

Beautiful Wabasso Lake is in the northeast corner of the Park Falls District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, 20 miles west of Minocqua. Wabasso is an idyllic northwoods lake whose crystal clear waters and deep sandy bottom are surrounded by spruce, tamarack, hemlocks, and pines. The lake is electric motor-only and offers a scenic and relaxing paddling experience.

The Wabasso Lake Recreation Area is part of the Headwater Lakes State Natural Area which includes Cedar Lake.

The campground has five walk-in canoe campsites along the southeast shore of the lake. The campground straddles a boat landing which has a wide gravel ramp, turnaround, and a trailer parking area. All five sites have tent areas, fire ring, and a picnic table. Amenities include accessible vault toilets and drinking water (hand pump). Garbage and recycling are available at the Emily Lake Campground (also a National Forest campground), two miles away.

Site #1 sits on the west side of the landing among shady hemlocks while site #2 is shaded by tall red pines on the east side of the landing and offers the best lake views of all five campsites. Both sites are waterfront and each has its own canoe landing.

Sites #3 and #4 are set back from the lake on a small rise among pines and birch. The two sites are about 15 yards apart and are connected by a wide footpath so they could be combined for small groups. A wooden stairway offers shoreline access near site #4.

Site #5 is at the end of the campground’s lakeside trail and is set back about 50 yards from the lakeshore. This site offers the most privacy and has its own canoe landing. Sites 3, 4, & 5 do not have views of the lake.

Trails & Places
Season

The campground is open year-round.

Registration

A self-registration kiosk is located at the boat landing. You must register and pay before occupying a site. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
45.97233, -90.00080

Campground Stats
  • Total Number of Campsites: 5
  • RV & Tent Campsites: 0
  • Tent Only Campsites: 5
  • Group Campsites: 0
  • Reservable Campsites: 0
Campground Amenities
  • Contact station kiosk
Campsite Amenities
  • All sites are non-electric
  • Fire ring
  • Picnic table
  • Tent area
  • Campsite Capacity: 8 people per site
  • All sites offer at least partial shade
Recreation Area Amenities
  • Drinking water (hand pump)
  • Accessible vault toilets
  • Boat landing
  •  
  • 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
  • Wabasso Lake (52 acres, max depth: 45 feet)
  • Boating (electric-motor only)
  • Canoeing & kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Fishing
  • ⥾ Panfish (abundant)
  • ⥾ Largemouth Bass (common)
  • ⥾ Northern Pike (present)
  • Wabasso Lake contour map
  • Lake Bottom: 85% sand, 5% rock, 10% muck
Managing Agency
  • Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
  • Medford-Park Falls Ranger District
  • 1170 4th Avenue So.
  • Park Falls, WI 54552
Local Gas & Services
  • Lac du Flambeau is 8 miles away
    (grocery, convenience store, gas & services, casino)
  •  
  • Minocqua-Woodruff is 19 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Park Falls is 26 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Distances are from the campground entrance.
    An asterisk* indicates an external link.