Upper Gresham Lake Campground

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest

This popular campground offers an idyllic northwoods camping experience at the northeast end of Upper Gresham Lake (362 acres). The campground is spread out over rolling terrain and every site is well-shaded beneath a canopy of pines and hardwoods. The s-shaped lake is surrounded by forest, and the shoreline on the entire east bay is undeveloped, providing a scenic paddling, boating, and fishing experience.

CAMPGROUND BROCHURE RESERVE A CAMPSITE

There are 25 non-electric campsites. 22 sites are available for tent and RV/trailer camping (back-in only, length varies) and 3 are walk-in tent only. One pair of sites can be combined for a small group of up to 12 people. Each site has a parking spur, tent area, fire ring, and picnic table. Site #1504 is the Campground Manager. Campground amenities include drinking water (hand pump), vault toilets, and a firewood bin ($ fee). All sites are reservable.

A small swimming beach is in the middle of the campground with inviting, sandy-bottomed shallows, excellent for families with children.

Lakeside Campsites with Lake Access
Upper Gresham features some of the most attractive lakefront sites in the State Forest. Most are 10 to 20 feet above the lakeshore with at least partial views of the water through foliage: 1503, 1506, 1510, 1512, 1513, 1515, 1516, 1517, 1518, & 1522. Three walk-in tent sites are on a small, shady plateau overlooking the lake in a gorgeous setting. 1520 & 1521 are near each other with a connecting path, while 1519 offers a little more privacy. Every lakefront site has shoreline access.

A public boat landing and a separate, accessible fishing pier are near the campground entrance. The landing has a ramp, launch pier, turnaround, trailer parking area, and drinking water (hand pump).

Upper Gresham Lake is a Loon nesting site.

CAMPGROUND BROCHURE RESERVE A CAMPSITE
Trails & Places

The North Creek Road segment of the Heart of Vilas Bicycle Path passes the campground entrance. The road is smoothly paved for comfortable riding. Boulder Junction is 6 miles away by bicycle (or vehicle).

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 Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Sayner, and Minocqua-Woodruff are only minutes away by car, offering groceries, sporting goods, souvenir shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Season

The campground opens the Thursday before the fishing opener and closes the Tuesday after Columbus Day weekend.

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: 25
  • RV & Tent Campsites: 22
  • Tent Only Campsites: 3
  • Group Campsites: 1 (double)
  • Reservable Campsites: 25
  • Campground Manager Site: #1504
Campground Amenities
  • Drinking water (hand pump)
  • Accessible vault toilets
  • Firewood ($ fee)
  • Swimming beach
  • Fishing pier
  • 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
  • All sites are shaded
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: 46.0680929, -89.6457277
    North Trout Lake Campground (free for NH-AL campers), 6 miles away
  • Nearby Dump Station: 46.002054, -89.621313
    Crystal Lake Campground (free for NH-AL campers), 10.5 miles away
Campground Activities
  • Upper Gresham Lake (362 acres, max depth: 32 feet)
  • Swimming
  • Boating (motorized)
  • Canoeing & kayaking
  • Fishing
  • ⥾ Panfish (abundant)
  • ⥾ Musky (common)
  • ⥾ Largemouth Bass (common)
  • ⥾ Walleye (common)
  • ⥾ Northern pike (present)
  • Upper Gresham Lake contour map
  • Lake Bottom: 75% sand, 15% gravel, 10% muck
Managing Agency
  • Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
  • Crystal Lake Visitor Station
  • 3237 Crystal Lake Road
  • Boulder Junction, WI 54512
Local Gas & Services
  • Boulder Junction is 6 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Manitowish Waters is 9.5 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services)
  •  
  • Lac du Flambeau is 12.5 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, convenience store, gas)
  •  
  • Sayner is 16 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas)
  •  
  • Minocqua-Woodruff is 15 miles away
    (restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat)
  •  
  • Distances are from the campground entrance.
    An asterisk* indicates an external link.