Chippewa
4.0858 reviewsCHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 850 NORTH 8TH STREET, MEDFORD, WI 54451, USA
Chippewa
$15.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$28.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$36.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range between $15 to $36 per night, depending on site type. Electric hookup sites cost $25-$28; non-electric sites cost $15-$18. Group non-electric sites range between $30-$36.
About this campground
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Chippewa Campground, where 78 thoughtfully placed campsites await beneath a canopy of towering pines and hardwoods. With 41 sites available for advance reservation, you'll find your ideal spot along the pristine shores of the Chequamegon Waters Flowage. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your kayak into mirror-calm waters, or exploring scenic forest trails, this well-appointed campground serves as your gateway to adventure. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural setting, featuring convenient flush toilets, refreshing hot showers, and electric hookups at select sites, ensuring your wilderness escape doesn't mean sacrificing comfort.
Chippewa Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Electric sites are available, but no water or sewer hookups are provided.
Historical SignificanceNull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of Wisconsin's northwoods through changing seasons at Chippewa. Summer arrives with warm, languid days perfect for swimming and paddling, though temperatures can dance between crisp 40-degree mornings and balmy 85-degree afternoons. Pack your rain gear and bug spray for those occasional showers and mosquito-filled evenings that are part of the authentic woodland experience. As autumn approaches, the campground transforms into a quieter sanctuary, with cooler air bringing relief from summer's insects and painting the forest canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons.
ElevationPerched at 1,020 feet above sea level, Chippewa Campground enjoys a naturally temperate climate that provides welcome relief during summer's peak. This gentle elevation creates refreshing morning mists over the flowage and ensures cool, comfortable nights perfect for campfire gatherings and restful sleep under the stars.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Wisconsin's northwoods, where Chippewa Campground nestles beneath a magnificent cathedral of mixed hardwoods and whispering pines. The sprawling 2,714-acre Chequamegon Waters Flowage serves as your backyard playground, its waters reflecting the ever-changing sky and surrounding forest. Rolling hills give way to mysterious wetlands where herons stalk and eagles soar, while dense woodlands invite exploration along winding paths. This diverse landscape creates a tapestry of habitats that showcase nature's finest moments, from misty morning sunrises over the water to the evening chorus of loons echoing across the flowage.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of northwestern Wisconsin's lake country, Chippewa Campground occupies a remarkable position at 1,020 feet elevation, where ancient glacial forces carved out the spectacular Chequamegon Waters Flowage. This 2,714-acre aquatic gem is embraced by rolling terrain characteristic of the region's glacial heritage, while overhead, a protective canopy of mixed hardwoods and stately pines creates a natural sanctuary that has sheltered visitors for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites, fishing docks, flush toilets, and vault toilets are available. However, users pointed out that wheelchair-accessible features, particularly bathrooms and showers, could be improved.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally described as spacious and suitable for large camping setups, including 35 ft. Class A RVs and 25 ft. trailers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; some campsites are secluded, while others lack vegetation and privacy between sites. User reviews have mixed sentiments about privacy depending on site-specific layouts.
Total Campsites78 campsites
Recommended CampsitesInspect sites for leveling issues before booking, especially if using large RVs. Sites with proximity to the lake, such as P39, are recommended for water access.
Best CampsitesMany reviews praise sites in the Bass loop for their proximity to the lake and spacious layouts. Sites S45 and P39 are noted for their quiet atmosphere.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit not stated. However, sites are spacious enough to accommodate families.
Groups
Group sites are available, with capacity varying by individual site. Fees range from $30 to $36 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, including Bass, Beaver, Rustic, and Hardwoods loops. Each loop offers a mix of electric and non-electric sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 20th through September 30th each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availability41 of the 78 campsites are reservable. The remainder are first-come, first-serve. Certain loops may fill quickly.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. No refunds are offered for cancellations made on the check-in day.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Chippewa Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, ATV riding, and snowmobiling during winter. The campground has a playground, a beach, and a walking trail connecting loops, along with a boat ramp.
Fishing
Fishing is popular at the campground, with anglers finding largemouth bass, pike, and bluegill. However, user reviews highlight challenges due to shallow and weedy waters near fishing piers. A fish cleaning station is available near the entrance.Swimming
Swimming areas are available, but reviews criticize the beaches for poor maintenance, rocky terrain, and algae-filled water. Seasonal issues include green water later in the summer.Biking
Paved roads between campsite areas are suitable for biking. Gravel trails are available but may not be ideal for newer bikes or e-bikes.Boating
Boating is a key activity at the campground, with a boat ramp available. Users report difficulty using the ramp due to low water levels. Canoes and kayaks are recommended instead of larger boats.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities exist, particularly along the Perkinstown Motorized Trail. Common wildlife includes birds and forest species.Beach activities
Beach areas are poorly maintained according to user reviews, with rocky terrain and algae issues. Beaches are not ideal for typical beach activities.Winter Activities
The campground offers snowmobiling opportunities along the Perkinstown Motorized Trail during winter months.Water Sports
Popular water sports include kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Larger boats may face challenges due to shallow and weedy water conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood from outside the area is not permitted to prevent the spread of invasive species. On-site campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and biting flies are common in summer. Certain loops have narrow roads and deep ditches, which can be hazardous for large RVs.
Active alertsNo current alerts, but reviews mention issues with water quality and facility maintenance.
Weather forecast
48
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Medford Area Memorial Hospital (~28 miles), Medford Police Department (~28 miles), and Medford Ranger Station (~28 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 20th to September 30th.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection and recycling facilities are available within the campground, but reviews indicate occasional issues with uncollected garbage during busy periods.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to the 2,714-acre Chequamegon Waters Flowage, with two beaches and a fishing pier on-site.
Common complaintsSome reviews complain about poorly maintained facilities, lack of clean showers, limited privacy between sites, and lack of hiking trails.
HostHosts are reported to be friendly but were sometimes noted as unavailable or unhelpful in reviews.
Campground Map
CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 850 NORTH 8TH STREET, MEDFORD, WI 54451, USA
Driving directionsFrom Medford, Wisconsin, travel north on State Highway 13 for 4 miles. Turn left onto County Road M and continue for about 24 miles then turn left onto Forest Road 1417.
All roads leading to the campground are paved. The one-way campground roads are narrow with deep ditches on the edges, making maneuvering for large RVs and trailers challenging. Campers are advised to inspect sites before reserving.Nearby places
Medford (approximately 28 miles, ~40-minute drive), Park Falls (~50 miles, ~1-hour drive), and Gilman (~20 miles, ~25-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Basic groceries and supplies can be found in Gilman (~20 miles away). Firewood is not sold on-site, but is available at local bars nearby. Ice is also sold at a bar a few miles away. Nearby towns offer general conveniences.
Camper Reviews
4.1
58 reviews
Chippewa is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight mixed experiences. Positive feedback includes spacious sites, quiet atmosphere, and helpful camp hosts. Common complaints involve poor maintenance, outdated facilities, and cleanliness issues in bathrooms and showers.
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the spacious sites, quiet atmosphere, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Positive comments also noted the camp hosts' friendliness and the affordability of the...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include poor maintenance of beaches, fishing piers, and bathrooms, lack of firewood for sale on-site, and issues obtaining shower tokens. Bugs and mosquitoes were a recurring...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray to deal with mosquitoes, and plan ahead to purchase firewood outside the campground. Inspect campsites before reserving to ensure suitability for RV size and privacy preferences.
Based on 58 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention bugs and poorly maintained swimming areas, while winter reviews focus on snowmobiling. Fall and early spring seem to be ideal seasons for fewer bugs and moderate weather.
Based on 58 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The campgrounds have a lot of potential but seem under-cared for." - Douglas M.
"The beaches were very rocky and not kid-friendly." - Vincent B.
"Been my favorite campground for years, been going...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site S49 in the Bass Loop is described as spacious but difficult for large RVs to access due to narrow roads and deep ditches. Site-specific complaints include poor site leveling and maintenance...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible flush toilets and vault toilets are available, but users suggest improvements for wheelchair accessibility. One user noted that ADA-compliant restrooms and showers would be a significant...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no specific amenities or regulations highlighted in user reviews regarding pet-friendly features.
Based on 58 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025