Birch Grove Recreation Area

Star4.40
48 reviews
113 East Bayfield St. Washburn, WI 54891
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,145 ft

Price

$7.5 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from May 2 to O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Washburn Ranger District site

Official Website
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Birch Grove Recreation Area
$7.50 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsite fee is $15, or $7.50 with the use of an Interagency pass (access or senior). The interagency pass applies only to the fee for the...
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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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 48 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikinglake

"Users generally praise the peaceful and scenic environment of Birch Grove Recreation Area. Comments highlight its suitability for kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. However, some reviewers note challenges such as rough access roads and reduced privacy due to storm damage."

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Campground Map

113 East Bayfield St. Washburn, WI 54891

Birch Grove Recreation Area

113 East Bayfield St. Washburn, WI 54891

Driving directionsFrom Washburn, follow Hwy. 13 south 1 mile, turn right (west) on the Wannebo Rd. for 8 miles. Turn right (north) on Forest Road 252 for 2 miles and right (east) on Forest Road 435 for 1 mile.
The road to the campground includes gravel, sand, and larger sharp stones, with multiple user reviews mentioning challenges such as punctures and uneven paths. Additionally, it involves a long 2.5-mile bumpy dirt road to reach the campground.
Nearby places
Washburn (8 miles), Bayfield, Ashland
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be sourced from Washburn, approximately 8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Birch Grove Recreation Area

From the crisp, snow-blanketed tranquility of winter to the warm, sun-drenched days of summer, Birch Grove showcases nature's seasonal transformations. The sweet spot for camping stretches from late spring's wildflower bloom through early autumn's spectacular color show, when comfortable temperatures and long daylight hours create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WI

Summer is most popular: kayaking, swimming, berry picking and warm-weather activities peak then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open in fall but reviewers note storm cleanup and more exposed campsites; less popular than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 2; late spring shows renewal but some reviewers mention storm-cleanup impacts.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Apr; winter camping and sports not supported on-site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 2 to October 31.

About Birch Grove Recreation Area

Tucked between the sparkling waters of East and West Twin Lakes, Birch Grove Recreation Area has become a cherished getaway for families seeking adventure on Wisconsin's stunning Bayfield Peninsula. This scenic campground serves as your perfect basecamp for days filled with paddling across mirror-like waters, discovering hidden patches of wild berries, and cooling off with refreshing swims in crystal-clear lakes.
Birch Grove Recreation Area caters to primitive, tent, and RV camping, with no modern conveniences such as electricity or sewer hookups. Sites are designed for rustic camping among natural surroundings.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles per site.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The area offers activities centered around its natural lakes and forested surroundings. Fishing, non-motorized boating, and berry picking are popular, along with hiking and biking in nearby recreation areas such as Valhalla (20+ miles of trails) and Long Lake Recreation Area. The lakes support bass, panfish, and northern pike, and are suitable for kayaking and canoeing. Swimming is possible at the lakes, though not all areas are ideal. Wildlife viewing includes sounds of loons and occasional coyote or wolf howls.
HikingHiking opportunities are available nearby at Valhalla Recreation Area, with over 20 miles of trails, and at Long Lake Recreation Area.
FishingFishing is supported on East and West Twin Lakes, which are accessible via small boat launches. Species include bass, panfish, and northern pike.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the lakes, but not all areas are ideal. A better swimming beach is located at Long Lake Recreation Area.
BikingBiking is possible in the area, with gravel and sand roads leading to pavement after several miles. Valhalla Recreation Area provides over 20 miles of biking trails.
BoatingNon-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking, is popular on East and West Twin Lakes. Each lake has small boat access.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include hearing loons, coyotes, and wolves. The area supports a variety of bird species and other forest wildlife.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions include gravel and sharp stones. Storm damage has left some areas with minimal vegetation.

Weather at Birch Grove Recreation Area

Reviews

4.4
48 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Birch Grove Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise the peaceful and scenic environment of Birch Grove Recreation Area. Comments highlight its suitability for kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. However, some reviewers note challenges such as rough access roads and reduced privacy due to storm damage.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include large and well-maintained campsites, clean vault toilets, proximity to hiking and biking trails, and scenic lakes. Many users appreciate the quiet and rustic atmosphere.
Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the rough, stony access roads that may cause tire damage, the difficulty of using the water pump, and the lack of tree cover and privacy due to storm damage.
Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water due to difficulty with the pump, preparing for rustic conditions, and using a bicycle for easier access to nearby recreation areas.
Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time for camping, with activities like berry picking and swimming. Reviewers note challenges related to storm cleanup and open campsites during spring and fall.
Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A nice place to spend a night while visiting the Bayfield peninsula." - Greg Krueger; "Perfect for kayaking around." - Erin Manley; "If you enjoy four-wheeling, this is a definite place to stay." -...
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Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites are described as more open and less private due to storm damage. Specific site numbers are not provided.
Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility for disabled campers.
Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences are not explicitly reviewed.
Based on 48 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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