East Star Lake Campground

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest

This rustic campground lies on the northeast shore of Star Lake (1,219 acres), a popular destination for boating and fishing. The lake is shaped in a giant U and features a scenic shoreline covered in pines, hemlocks and hardwoods. Campsites near the lake are among pines and balsam fir while sites away from the lake are in stands of tall oak and maple. A high forest canopy provides plenty of shade and there is little understory. Most sites are spaced well-apart from each other.

A small swimming beach features sandy-bottomed shallows in crystal clear waters with a picnic area shaded by tall red pines directly behind.

The walk-in tent area is a highlight of the campground and features 4 tent sites among pines and hardwoods spread out along a small bay. Each site is waterfront and has its own shoreline access. Site #1630 sits in a spectacular location beneath red pines at the end of the walk-in trail.

CAMPGROUND BROCHURE RESERVE A CAMPSITE

The campground has 30 non-electric campsites. All sites offer at least partial shade. 26 sites can accommodate a tent and a RV/trailer (back-in only, max length varies), and 4 are walk-in tent sites. 2 double-sites can accommodate small groups (12 people max). Each site has a parking spur, fire ring, picnic table and a tent area. All sites are reservable. Campground amenities include drinking water (hand pump) and accessible vault toilets. A firewood bin ($ fee) is at the nearby West Star Lake Campground (NHAL).

Lakeside Campsites with Lake Access
The following campsites are lakefront or have views of the water: 1616, 1617, 1618, 1621, 1622, 1627, 1628, 1629, and 1630

Star Lake Lake is a Loon nesting site.

A Very Brief History of Star Lake

"The End of the Line"
The railroad played a huge role in the development of the local area into what you see today. It began during the logging era when the railroad was extended from Minocqua to Star Lake in 1894 to transport harvested timber. As the logging boom subsided, tourism gradually became more popular, and a large number of resorts and lodges were built throughout the area. During the final years of rail-service, they mainly catered to hunters and fishermen from Chicago and Milwaukee, who traveled north on the “North Woods Hiawatha” streamliner.

Rail service to Star Lake ended in 1943, and the rail line from Minocqua to Star Lake was removed as vehicle travel became more common. Tourism evolved and family vacationers began coming to the area to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

CAMPGROUND BROCHURE
Trails & Places
Season

The campground is open or 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: 30
  • RV & Tent Campsites: 26
  • Tent Only Campsites: 4
  • Group Campsites: 2 (double)
  • Reservable Campsites: 30
Campground Amenities
  • Drinking water (hand pump)
  • Accessible vault toilets
  • Firewood ($ fee)
  • Picnic area (shelter, tables, grills, 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
  • Group Site Capacity: 12 people
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: 46.002054, -89.621313
    Crystal Lake Campground (free for NH-AL campers), 10.5 miles away
  • Nearby Dump Station: 46.0680929, -89.6457277
    North Trout Lake Campground (free for NH-AL campers), 14 miles away
Campground Activities
  • Hiking
  • Star Lake (1,219 acres, max depth: 68 feet)
  • Swimming
  • Boating (motorized)
  • Canoeing & kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Fishing
  • ⥾ Panfish (common)
  • ⥾ Musky (common)
  • ⥾ Walleye (common)
  • ⥾ Smallmouth Bass (present)
  • ⥾ Largemouth Bass (present)
  • ⥾ Northern Pike (present)
  • Star Lake contour map
  • Lake Bottom: 75% sand, 10% gravel, 10% rock, 5% muck
Managing Agency
  • Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
  • Crystal Lake Visitor Station
  • 3237 Crystal Lake Road
  • Boulder Junction, WI 54512
Local Gas & Services
  • Star Lake is 1 mile away
    (restaurants, general store)
  •  
  • Sayner is 5 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas)
  •  
  • Conover is 11.5 miles away
    (restaurants, supplies, convenience store, gas & sevices)
  •  
  • St Germain is 11 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Boulder Junction is 14 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Eagle River is 15.5 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Minocqua-Woodruff is 19 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Distances are from the campground entrance.
    An asterisk* indicates an external link.