Black Lake

Star4.46
35 reviews
PO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA
Family FriendlySummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,427 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

May 23 (opening date...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest 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
Black Lake
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for camping range from $15 to $30 depending on the site type and season. Discounts are not reflected in the listed rates.
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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) 634-4821
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 35 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanlocation

Some mention

noisesmall

"User reviews highlight Black Lake Campground's remote, peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Guests appreciate the clean facilities, family-friendly environment, and recreational opportunities. However, some users noted challenges with uneven ground, site privacy, and interactions with other campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA

Black Lake

PO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA

Driving directionsFrom Hayward, Wisconsin, take Highway B east for about 23 miles. Turn left on Barker Lake Road, which turns into Forest Service Road 172, and continue for a total of 8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 173 and drive less than a mile to the paved campground road.
The campground is accessible via long, dusty gravel roads, although the final campground road is paved.
Nearby places
Hayward (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Cable (approximately 25 miles, 35 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Hayward (23 miles) offers fuel, fishing supplies, firewood, and restaurants.

Best Time to Camp at Black Lake

Experience the dramatic beauty of Wisconsin's changing seasons at Black Lake. Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for outdoor adventures, while gentle breezes off the lake keep evenings comfortable. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a painter's palette of golds and crimsons. Winter brings a hushed serenity to the landscape, though most visitors prefer the accessibility and clear skies of the summer months when all trails and activities are at their finest.

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

Summer is peak season; swimming, hiking, fishing and boating are highlighted by guests.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter, peaceful camping though water activities decline.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23; late spring availability but services and activities ramp up later.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground operates mainly late spring–fall; winter usability not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 01, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 23 (opening date) through September 1 (reservable season with peak rates) and October 13 (non-reservable first-come-first-served season).
  • Current Alerts: null

About Black Lake

Nestled along the pristine eastern shores of Black Lake in northwestern Wisconsin, this beloved family campground offers an authentic escape into nature's embrace. The crystal-clear waters beckon boaters, anglers, and swimmers alike, while the surrounding wilderness provides a peaceful sanctuary where memories are made beneath towering pines and starlit skies.
Black Lake Campground offers opportunities for various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Sites cater to individual and group campers, with waterfront locations being particularly popular.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Standard check-in times are not specified.
Check-out
Standard check-out times are not specified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Black Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities ranging from fishing to hiking, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The peaceful lake and surrounding forest create opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Activities cater to families and nature enthusiasts.
HikingThe Black Lake interpretive trail is a 4-mile loop that provides an in-depth look at the nature surrounding the wooded shoreline. Campers noted its educational features related to early logging days. Several reviews described the trail as "nice" and suitable for exploring the area.
FishingFishing is available at Black Lake, with musky, walleye, bass, and panfish in abundance. However, reviews provide mixed opinions on fishing quality, with one camper describing it as "great," while another noted, "Fishing just ok."
SwimmingA grassy beach provides ample space for swimming. Reviews highlight its suitability for young kids, with one user describing it as "nice beach for young kids." Another family mentioned enjoying swimming during their stay.
BikingHundreds of miles of mountain biking trails surround the lake, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not included.
BoatingKayaking and canoeing are popular activities at Black Lake due to calm waters. Motorized boating is less common, with one review noting, "Black Lake is good for canoeing/kayaking, but a bit small for motorized boating."
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, loon, fox, wolves, and black bears. One camper noted seeing "a black bear mama and cub nearby." Another highlighted hearing wolves howling across the lake at night.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBiting insects like flies and mosquitoes can be prevalent. Wildlife hazards include wolves and bears.
Active Alertsnull

Weather at Black Lake

Reviews

4.5
35 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Black Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Black Lake Campground's remote, peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Guests appreciate the clean facilities, family-friendly environment, and recreational opportunities. However, some users noted challenges with uneven ground, site privacy, and interactions with other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

- Remote and quiet location - Clean and well-maintained facilities - Beautiful views and stargazing opportunities - Friendly and knowledgeable campground hosts - Opportunities for kayaking, canoeing,...
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Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of privacy at certain sites - Uneven ground at some campsites - Limited cell phone service - Mosquitoes and flies - Mixed experiences with fishing quality - Long gravel road leading to the...
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Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring mosquito spray due to high insect activity. - Stock up on firewood before arriving, especially if the host is unavailable. - Choose waterfront sites for better views and activities. - Site...
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Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying swimming, hiking, and fishing. Fall offers peaceful camping with fewer crowds, but water-based activities may be limited. Winter usability is...
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Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Black lake is beautiful! We love stargazing and our site was great for this." - "Campground hosts were amazing!!" - "Saw wolves and black bear mama and cub nearby." - "Very quiet, probably the...
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Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 019: "Has a very private feeling and is near the boat landing. The site is large and the view is beautiful." - Site 015: "Nothing separating our site from the neighbors." - Site 018: "Very...
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Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews specifically highlight the clean and accessible vault toilets but do not provide additional details.
Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at Black Lake Campground. One user mentioned being deterred from walking their dogs around the lake due to hearing wolves howling at night.
Based on 35 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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