Big Lake Campground

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest

This is the northern-most campground in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, less than nine miles from the Michigan border. The campground sits in a hardwood and pine forest on rolling hills next to sprawling Big Lake (827 acres). Most of the shoreline is undeveloped, and the lake has been designated a protected loon nesting site, meaning there are slow no-wake restrictions in certain areas. Venture out on the lake in the morning or evening when wildlife is most active and listen for the call of the loons. Fall colors can be spectacular.

CAMPGROUND BROCHURE RESERVE A CAMPSITE

There are 70 non-electric campsites shaded by a high canopy of maturing hardwoods. All 70 sites are available for tent and RV/trailer camping (back-in only, max length varies). Site #1804 is the campground manager. Every site has a parking spur, picnic table, fire ring, and tent area. Campground amenities include drinking water, accessible vault toilets, and a firewood bin ($ fee). A small swimming beach backed by a grass lawn with benches and picnic tables is between sites 1825 and 1828. All 70 sites are reservable.

Lakeside Campsites
The following campsites are closest to the lake on hillsides with partial views of the water through leafy vegetation (none are directly waterfront): 1802, 1805, 1809, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1815, 1817, 1819, 1821, 1823, 1828, 1829, 1831, 1833, and 1835.

The campground has a boat landing for registered campers. Anglers will find Musky, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass and Panfish.

Big Lake is a Loon nesting site.

CAMPGROUND BROCHURE RESERVE A CAMPSITE
Trails & Places

The campground is close to the Heart of Vilas Bicycle Path, a popular 52-mile paved bicycle trail through beautiful northwoods scenery. You can easily ride your bike from the campground to the trail by riding one mile south on County Highway F.

The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest offers abundant recreation opportunities for silent sports enthusiasts. These include hiking trails, nature trails, paddle trails, mountain bike trail systems, and over 52 miles of paved bicycle paths. Visit the NH-AL website for more info. The campground at Big Lake makes an excellent basecamp for enjoying everything the area has to offer. The communities of Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction and Presque Isle are only minutes away by car, offering groceries, sporting goods, souvenir shops, restaurants, and pubs.

There are hundreds of scenic lakes to paddle, boat or fish within an hour’s drive of the campground.

Season

The campground is open and closed depending on snow conditions (not plowed).

Registration

Campsite reservations are required before occupying a site. Campsites may be reserved on the day of your arrival, or up to 11 months in advance, online or by phone (1.888.947.2757). Campers must be finished setting up by 11:00 pm. A Wisconsin State Park & Forest Vehicle Admission Sticker is required (daily or annual).

Campground Stats
  • Total Number of Campsites: 70
  • RV & Tent Campsites: 70
  • Tent Only Campsites: 0
  • Group Campsites: 1 (double)
  • Reservable Campsites: 70
  • Campground Manager Site: #1804
Campground Amenities
  • Contact station kiosk
  • Campground Manager
  • Drinking water (hand pump)
  • Accessible vault toilets
  • Firewood bin ($)
  • Picnic area (tables, shade)
  • Swimming beach
  • Boat landing
  • Garbage & recycling
  •  
  • Pets Allowed? Yes
  • Wisconsin State Forest Pet Policies*
Campsite Amenities
  • All sites are non-electric
  • Fire ring
  • Picnic table
  • Tent area
  • Parking spur
  • Campsite Capacity: 6 people per site
  • Double Site Capacity: 12 people
  • All sites offer at least partial shade
RV & Camping Trailer Info
  • Generators Allowed: Yes (10:00am to 5:00pm)
  • Generator noise must not disturb other campground guests!
  • RV/Trailer Dump Station: No
  • Nearby Dump Station: 46.064454, -89.646094
    North Trout Lake Campground (Free for NH-AL campers), 14 miles away
  • Nearby Dump Station: 46.001968, -89.622402
    Crystal Lake Campground (Free for NH-AL campers), 22 miles away
Campground Activities
  • Picnicking
  • Big Lake (827 acres, max depth: 61 feet)
  • Swimming
  • Boating (motorized)
  • Canoeing & kayaking
  • Fishing
  • ⥾ Panfish (common)
  • ⥾ Musky (common)
  • ⥾ Smallmouth Bass (common)
  • ⥾ Walleye (common)
  • ⥾ Largemouth Bass (present)
  • ⥾ Northern Pike (present)
  • Big Lake contour map
  • Lake Bottom: 60% sand, 15% gravel, 10% rock, 15% muck
Managing Agency
  • Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
  • Crystal Lake Visitor Station
  • 3237 Crystal Lake Road
  • Boulder Junction, WI 54512
Local Gas & Services
  • Manitowish Waters is 7 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services)
  •  
  • Presque Isle is 7 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery-convenience store, gas)
  •  
  • Boulder Junction is 10 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Mercer is 16 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Minocqua-Woodruff is 26 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Distances are from the campground entrance.
    An asterisk* indicates an external link.