Plum Lake Campground

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest

This small, hilly campground is in a mature hardwood and pine forest at the west end of Plum Lake (1,057 acres). The lake has a long, narrow profile with a sandy bottom and clear waters. Though motorized, it's fun to explore the numerous bays and islands in a canoe or kayak. Undeveloped pine forest surrounds most of the lake, while some areas of the shoreline have homes and cottages.

The campground’s day use area features an open lawn for picnicking and a scenic, sandy swimming beach. A trail at the west end of the campground leads to the headwaters of Plum Creek. Different sections of the creek below County Highway N are classified as Class I or Class II trout waters.

CAMPGROUND BROCHURE RESERVE A CAMPSITE

The campground has 18 non-electric campsites shaded by a high forest canopy. 15 sites are available for tent and RV/trailer camping (back-in only, length varies) and 3 are walk-in tent only. 1 pair of sites may be combined for a small group of up to 12 people. Site #1206 is the Campground Most. Campground amenities include drinking water (hand pump) and vault toilets. All 18 sites require a reservation.

Lakeside Campsites with Lake Access
A pair of walk-in tent sites #1208 and #1209 are directly behind the day use area and swimming beach. Although they lack privacy, both have excellent views of the lake. Waterfront sites #1202, #1203, #1204, and #1205 are set back from the lake edge with at least partial views of the water and shoreline access.

At the southwest corner of the campground, site #1211 is in a beautiful, secluded setting on a shady rise overlooking Plum Creek.

The public boat landing is on the north shore of Plum Lake, about 4 miles from the campground by vehicle; west on County N > north and east on Razorback Road. The improved landing has a paved ramp, launch pier, turnaround, and a large, paved trailer parking area. This location is also the home to the Plum Lake Skeeters, a popular local waterski show.

CAMPGROUND BROCHURE RESERVE A CAMPSITE
Trails & Places

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 makes an excellent basecamp for enjoying everything the area has to offer. The communities of Sayner, St Germain, Minocqua, Woodruff, Boulder Junction, and Eagle River are only minutes away by car, offering groceries, sporting goods, souvenir shops, restaurants, and pubs.

The Heart of Vilas Bicycle Path crosses the campground entrance. A popular ice cream shoppe and general store (the Corner Store) is about 1.4 miles west on the paved pathway and County Highway N by vehicle.

Season

The campground is open from the last week of May through the first week of September.

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: 18
  • RV & Tent Campsites: 15
  • Tent Only Campsites: 3
  • Group Campsites: 1 (double)
  • Reservable Campsites: 18
Campground Amenities
  • Drinking water (hand pump)
  • Accessible vault toilets
  • Picnic area (tables, grills, shade)
  • Swimming beach
  • Canoe launch (from beach area)
  • 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
  • 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: 46.002054, -89.621313
    Crystal Lake Campground (Free for NH-AL campers), 4 miles away
Campground Activities
  • Picnicking
  • Bicycling
  • Plum Lake (1,057 acres, max depth: 57 feet)
  • Swimming
  • Boating (motorized)
  • Canoeing & kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Fishing
  • ⥾ Panfish (common)
  • ⥾ Musky (common)
  • ⥾ Walleye (common)
  • ⥾ Largemouth Bass (present)
  • ⥾ Smallmouth Bass (present)
  • ⥾ Northern Pike (present)
  • Plum Lake contour map
  • Lake Bottom: 30% sand, 30% gravel, 10% rock, 30% muck
Managing Agency
  • Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
  • Crystal Lake Visitor Station
  • 3237 Crystal Lake Road
  • Boulder Junction, WI 54512
Local Gas & Services
  • Sayner is 1 mile away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas)
  •  
  • St Germain is 8 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Boulder Junction is 8 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Minocqua-Woodruff is 15 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Eagle River is 18 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Distances are from the campground entrance.
    An asterisk* indicates an external link.