How much does camping cost at Ada Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Ada Lake Recreation Area range from $7.5-$15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Ada Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Ada Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ada Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Ada Lake Recreation Area has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ada Lake Recreation Area?

Ada Lake Recreation Area is open May through October.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ada Lake Recreation Area?

Ada Lake Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Ada Lake Recreation Area have?

Ada Lake Recreation Area has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ada Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ada Lake Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ada Lake Recreation Area?

Ada Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ada Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Ada Lake Recreation Area include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ada Lake Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ada Lake Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Ada Lake Recreation Area: Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. However, firewood must be sourced locally or certified disease-free. Pallets are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.58

69 reviews

Ada and Glade Lake Dr.

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Wisconsin Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Wisconsin Swimming Camping Wisconsin +11 more

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$7.5 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$7.5 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Ada Lake Recreation Area

$7.50 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The standard fee for individual campsites is $15 per night. Discounts are available with Interagency Senior or Access Passes, reducing the fee to...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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USFS

Provider

715-674-4481sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 69 reviews

60 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspaciouswaterlake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews consistently praise the campground's quiet, peaceful environment, clear lake water, and well-maintained facilities. Campers appreciate the camp host's efforts to keep the vault toilets clean and the campground free of trash."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ada and Glade Lake Dr.

Ada Lake Recreation Area

Ada and Glade Lake Dr.

Nearby places

Wabeno (5 minutes southwest), Laona (approximately 15 minutes southeast).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Wabeno or Laona, both of which are within a 15-minute drive of the campground.

Driving directionsFrom Wabeno, drive north 0.8 mile on Highway 32 to Highway 52. Turn left (west) on Highway 52 and drive 7.0 miles to FR 2126. Continue straight on FR 2126 for 0.4 mile to FR 2620. Turn left on FR 2620 and drive 1.2 miles to the campground. From Laona, drive south 8.0 miles on Highway 32 to Highway 52. Turn right (west) on Highway 52 and drive 7.0 miles to FR 2126. Continue straight on FR 2126 for 0.4 mile to FR 2620. Turn left on FR 2620 and drive 1.2 miles to the campground.

The roads to the campground include a mix of paved highways and forest roads. The campground is accessible by vehicles, but RVs are limited based on site size. Some reviews suggest the drive is straightforward, but as the location is remote, navigation aids are recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Ada Lake Recreation Area

Summer brings the warmest water and most reliable weather, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and cool nights in the 50s. This is the best time for swimming, kayaking, and using the beach. The season runs from May through mid-October. Autumn delivers intense fall color as the hardwoods turn. Mosquitoes spike after storms throughout the season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in WI

Summer is peak season for swimming, kayaking and fishing; reviews highly favor summer visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May through October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 1 to October 15.

About Ada Lake Recreation Area

Ada Lake Recreation Area sits in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest with 19 wooded sites spread along a 75-acre lake. Sites run $7.50–$15 per night and accommodate RVs up to 45 feet. Some campsites sit directly on the lakeshore. The campground has vault toilets, potable water, and a sandy beach for swimming and launching small boats.

Ada Lake offers a mix of rustic camping options suitable for tent campers, RV users, and those seeking lakeside sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest water and most reliable weather, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and cool nights in the 50s. This is the best time for swimming, kayaking, and using the beach. The season runs from May through mid-October. Autumn delivers intense fall color as the hardwoods turn. Mosquitoes spike after storms throughout the season.

ElevationPerched at 1,600 feet above sea level, Ada Lake offers a refreshing mountain climate that takes the edge off summer's heat. This gentle elevation gifts campers with crisp, star-filled nights perfect for sleeping and invigorating mornings that pair beautifully with campfire coffee.

Natural Features and SceneryAda Lake's clear, spring-fed water sits at 1,600 feet elevation, surrounded by northern hardwoods and pines. The sandy bottom is visible through the water. A smaller 26-acre lake called Glade Lake lies nearby. In autumn, the hardwoods turn gold and crimson, and the colors reflect in the lake's surface. The forested sites provide good shade and spacing.

Geological RegionDeep within the magnificent Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Ada Lake represents the best of Wisconsin's Northwoods heritage. This pristine landscape showcases the region's signature tapestry of northern hardwood forests interwoven with sparkling lakes. The area's geological history has blessed it with clear, spring-fed waters and rolling terrain that creates stunning vistas, especially when autumn paints the forest in brilliant hues that reflect perfectly in Ada Lake's mirror-like surface.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay limit
enforced strictly.

Guests Allowed Per Site

8people maximum per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites loop through the woods with some overlooking Ada Lake. The spacing is good enough that you won't hear much from your neighbors. Everything's wooded, which helps with both shade and privacy.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Cancellation PolicyCampsites are non-reservable and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations are not applicable.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available. Accessibility features are limited at this campground.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating RVs up to 45 feet for back-in parking. Sites are spacious and offer good spacing for privacy.

PrivacySites are wooded and provide good spacing between each other. Some sites are directly on the lakeshore, offering privacy and scenic views.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers seeking privacy and lakefront access should choose one of the lake-adjacent sites. Site #10 is highlighted for its quality. Other sites, such as those with tree coverage, provide additional shade and seclusion.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Ada Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of activities for campers, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking. The lake's clear water and sandy beach make swimming particularly enjoyable. Fishing is available for northern pike, bass, rainbow trout, and panfish. Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are popular, supported by the boat ramp.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes can be a nuisance, particularly after rainstorms. Campers are advised to bring insect repellent. Wildlife such as red squirrels and loons are commonly seen.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings. However, firewood must be sourced locally or certified disease-free. Pallets are prohibited.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Wabeno and Laona, which include healthcare facilities and municipal services. For specific emergencies, campers may contact the Laona Office at 715-674-4481.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling and trash bins are available on-site. The campground host ensures they are well-maintained.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Ada Lake (75 acres) and near Glade Lake (26 acres), both of which are restricted to electric motors. The campground has a sandy beach and a boat launch.

Camp HostCamp hosts are present and are described as friendly and diligent in maintaining cleanliness, particularly in the bathrooms and other facilities.

Weather at Ada Lake Recreation Area

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

69 reviews

Top-Rated

Ada Lake Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently praise the campground's quiet, peaceful environment, clear lake water, and well-maintained facilities. Campers appreciate the camp host's efforts to keep the vault toilets clean and the campground free of trash.

Review Summaries

Based on 69 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the clear water of Ada Lake, the well-maintained beach area, and the spacious campsites. The presence of a friendly and proactive camp host is also frequently mentioned.

Based on 69 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of shower facilities and occasional issues with water spigots. Mosquitoes are a frequent annoyance, particularly after storms.

Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure lakeside campsites, bringing mosquito repellent, and utilizing kayaks or canoes for exploring the lake.

Based on 69 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highly favored for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Winter brings opportunities for ice fishing, supported by plowed parking areas.

Based on 69 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Have been camping here since 1985. Love it! 19 camp sites, but since it's a national park, you cannot reserve in advance." "Beautiful, peaceful campground! It's a fairly small campground with an...

Based on 69 reviews