Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet Nf, Wi)

Star4.34
108 reviews
4978 Highway 8 West
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,430 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Reservable from May ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet Nf, Wi)
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly recreation fee for all site types (standard nonelectric, tent-only nonelectric, and walk-to sites) is $15.00 during both peak and...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(715) 674-4481gbrandt@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 108 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

bugsmosquitoes

"Bear Lake Campground is widely praised for its peaceful atmosphere, clean facilities, and beautiful lake views. Campers appreciate the seclusion of sites, access to the lake for water activities, and pristine natural environment. Some complaints include issues with mosquitoes, occasional noise from generators, and lack of cell phone service."

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Campground Map

4978 Highway 8 West

Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet Nf, Wi)

4978 Highway 8 West

Driving directionsFrom Wabeno, drive north 5.5 miles or from Laona drive 3.0 miles to County Road T. Turn east and drive 3 miles to County Road H. Turn right (north) drive 0.75 miles to Goodman Park Road (FR2136). Turn right (east) and drive 4.1 miles to FR3770. Turn right (south) on FR3770 and drive 0.4 miles to the campground.
All roads leading to the campground are paved with blacktop. Seasonal heavy use during summer holidays may lead to congestion. Detours may occur due to road construction, as mentioned in user reviews.
Nearby places
Wabeno (5.5 miles), Laona (3 miles), Lakewood (approximately 25 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Firewood can be purchased locally for $4 per cord near the park entrance. Grocery stores and camping supplies are available in Laona (approximately 3 miles away) and Lakewood (approximately 25 minutes away).

Best Time to Camp at Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet Nf, Wi)

Experience the magic of Wisconsin's changing seasons at Bear Lake. Summer transforms the campground into an aquatic playground, with warm days perfect for swimming and lazy afternoons on the water. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forest erupts in a spectacular display of gold, crimson, and amber, while crisp air and fewer bugs create ideal conditions for hiking and campfire gatherings. When winter's snow blankets the landscape and temperatures plummet, the campground enters its quiet season, resting beneath a frozen wonderland until spring's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is prime for swimming and paddling but can be busy and buggy on holidays.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall noted as particularly good: fewer bugs, excellent fishing and vibrant foliage.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open season begins late May; limited information on spring conditions and activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal dates indicate closure/limited service in winter; no winter offerings listed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - September 01, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Reservable from May 22 to September 1, 2025. First-come, first-served from September 2 to November 30, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: None reported. Seasonal road construction may occur, as noted by user reviews.

About Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet Nf, Wi)

Nestled along the pristine shores of Bear Lake, this serene campground invites you to unwind beneath a canopy of towering trees. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, gliding across glassy waters in your kayak, or taking an afternoon swim, Bear Lake Campground delivers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Choose from waterfront sites that put you steps from the lake's edge or elevated ridge locations offering spectacular views through the forest canopy.
Bear Lake Campground offers a range of accommodations, including standard non-electric, tent-only, and walk-in sites. Walk-in sites are noted for their seclusion and direct lake access.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out is by noon local time.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Lake Campground is a hub for outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. The nearby Rat River trail is a popular destination for hikers and bikers.
HikingThe Rat River trail, located near the campground, offers an easily accessible hiking option. Users have described it as beautiful and well-maintained.
FishingFishing is a key activity, with northern pike, bass, and panfish inhabiting the lake. User reviews highlight catching small northern pike and bass using spinners.
SwimmingThere is a designated swim beach with sandy shores and shaded areas, praised by users for its quality and comfort on hot days.
BikingThe proximity to the Rat River Hike and Bike Trail provides biking opportunities. However, no specific details about trail conditions or difficulty levels are mentioned.
BoatingThe lake allows non-motorized boats and electric motors only, making it ideal for peaceful kayaking and canoeing. Some campsites have direct access to the lake, facilitating easy boat launches.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include otters, loons, and snakes. One user even witnessed a garter snake eating a frog. Fall is a great season to observe vibrant foliage.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison ivy has been reported along some walk-in site paths. Ground wasp nests were noted at stairways leading to the lake. Heavy mosquito presence during summer. All campers should be cautious of wildlife.
Active AlertsNone reported. Seasonal road construction may occur, as noted by user reviews.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet Nf, Wi)

Reviews

4.3
108 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet Nf, Wi) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Bear Lake Campground is widely praised for its peaceful atmosphere, clean facilities, and beautiful lake views. Campers appreciate the seclusion of sites, access to the lake for water activities, and pristine natural environment. Some complaints include issues with mosquitoes, occasional noise from generators, and lack of cell phone service.
Review Summaries
Based on 108 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the clean vault toilets, crystal-clear drinking water from pumps, excellent fishing opportunities, and the beautiful swim beach. Reviews also emphasize...
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Based on 108 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised by users include the presence of biting flies and mosquitoes, broken water pumps near some walk-in sites, and the lack of firewood for sale on-site. A few users reported...
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Based on 108 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing cash for firewood purchased from local sellers, carrying extra bug spray to handle mosquitoes and flies, and preparing for no cell coverage by downloading maps or information...
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Based on 108 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is noted as a particularly good time to visit due to fewer bugs, exceptional fishing, and vibrant foliage. Summer can be busy during holidays, and bugs such as deer flies are more prevalent.
Based on 108 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Walk-in site #15 had its own steps to the lake, and we were able to launch our kayak there." - Judith Hintz. "Absolutely gorgeous for fall camping; the lake was a watercolor reflection of the autumn...
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Based on 108 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight sites #15 and #24 for their excellent water access and seclusion. Site #26 has poison ivy along the path to the water and a wasp nest in the steps. Site #14 is noted...
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Based on 108 reviews

Accessibility Features

One user noted the accessible vault toilets but mentioned that they were not always clean. The paved roads were appreciated for easy navigation.
Based on 108 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and one user described the campground as 'dog-friendly.' Dogs enjoyed the setting, but some campers reported issues with barking dogs at night.
Based on 108 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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