Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

1 review

850 North 8th, State Highway 13, Medford, WI 54451

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Wisconsin

Quick Facts

1,535 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

The campground has b...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,535 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

The campground has b...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are applicable as the campground is closed. Day-use fees are charged for access to the boat landing and fishing pier.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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USFS

Provider

715-748-4875sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lakewell-maintained

"User reviews are largely centered on the campground's closure and the remaining amenities like the fishing pier and boat landing. Some users express disappointment over the lack of maintenance and prospects for reopening."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

850 North 8th, State Highway 13, Medford, WI 54451

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

850 North 8th, State Highway 13, Medford, WI 54451

Nearby places

Medford (4 miles, travel time not specified).

Nearby supplies

Possibly Medford city center. No specific supply locations, fuel stations, or grocery stores mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

The recreation area transforms with the seasons, beginning with crisp, frosty mornings in early spring when ice still clings to shadowed corners of the lake. As weeks progress, the landscape awakens into cool, comfortable days perfect for outdoor adventures. The temperate climate creates ideal conditions for fishing, picnicking, and exploring the surrounding forest trails throughout the warmer months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Hardwood and pine canopy suggest strong fall color viewing over a scenic lake.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground has been closed since 2015 due to budget shortfalls and remains closed as of 2021.
Current Alerts: The campground has been closed since 2015 due to budget shortfalls.

About Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

Nestled within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Kathryn Lake Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its serene boat landing and thoughtfully placed picnic areas along the shoreline. An accessible fishing pier extends over the water, offering anglers of all abilities the chance to cast their lines into this pristine 62-acre lake. While camping facilities have been closed since 2015, the area remains a cherished day-use destination for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area previously offered an 8-site national forest campground, but it has been closed since 2015. "The 8-site national forest campground here was closed in 2015 due to budget shortfalls," a user review highlights.

Historical Significance

While specific historical records remain undocumented, Kathryn Lake stands as part of the greater legacy of Wisconsin's Northwoods, a region shaped by centuries of Native American heritage, logging history, and conservation efforts that created today's beloved national forest system.

Weather and SeasonsThe recreation area transforms with the seasons, beginning with crisp, frosty mornings in early spring when ice still clings to shadowed corners of the lake. As weeks progress, the landscape awakens into cool, comfortable days perfect for outdoor adventures. The temperate climate creates ideal conditions for fishing, picnicking, and exploring the surrounding forest trails throughout the warmer months.

ElevationThe gentle topography of the Northwoods cradles Kathryn Lake in its natural basin, creating the perfect setting for water recreation and forest exploration at Wisconsin's characteristic modest elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryKathryn Lake's crystal-clear waters span 62 acres, creating a mirror that reflects the surrounding emerald forest canopy. Towering pines and hardwoods frame scenic vistas at every turn, while the shoreline alternates between sandy stretches perfect for launching watercraft and rocky outcroppings ideal for contemplative moments. The lush forest ecosystem provides habitat for diverse wildlife, making each visit an opportunity for nature observation.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the area showcases classic Northwoods geography with its characteristic blend of pristine lakes, dense forests, and gently rolling terrain. This glacier-carved landscape tells the story of ancient ice sheets that sculpted the region's numerous lakes and kettle ponds, creating today's water-rich wonderland that defines Wisconsin's outdoor heritage.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not applicable
campground is closed.

Check-out

Not applicable
campground is closed.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles per site when operational.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people.

Groups

Group camping information is not provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground originally featured 8 sites but remains closed.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; campground is closed.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable; campground is closed.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable; campground is closed.

AccessibilityThe campground offers an accessible boat landing, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeSite size details are not specified.

PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not discussed.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesNot applicable; campground is closed.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Fishing, boating, and water-related activities dominate recreation at Kathryn Lake. "Boating and fishing are popular activities on Kathryn Lake," an authoritative source states. Ice fishing is available year-round. Canoeing, kayaking, paddling, and windsurfing are popular non-motorized options.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include restricted firewood usage and limited accessibility for large vehicles.

Active AlertsThe campground has been closed since 2015 due to budget shortfalls.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFirewood should originate within 25 miles or be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesMedford Office provides administrative assistance; however, it does not specify emergency services like hospitals or police stations nearby.

Trash & Recycling"Garbage service available" is explicitly mentioned, but recycling facilities are not discussed.

Water FeaturesKathryn Lake is adjacent, offering boating and fishing opportunities.

Camp HostNot provided due to closure.

Weather at Kathryn 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

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are largely centered on the campground's closure and the remaining amenities like the fishing pier and boat landing. Some users express disappointment over the lack of maintenance and prospects for reopening.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

"A boat landing and fishing pier remain available for use at the lakeshore," emphasizes one review. The nearby town park is noted as well-maintained and adjacent to the recreation area.

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

Reviews frequently lament the campground's closure: "The 8-site national forest campground here was closed in 2015 due to budget shortfalls." The lack of state or local partnerships for its...

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest utilizing the accessible boat landing and adjacent town park, which is well-maintained.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Ice fishing is noted as a popular year-round activity; however, the lack of campground facilities makes winter visits less appealing for non-fishing activities.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The shoreline appears swimmable, though isn’t formally maintained as a beach since the campground closed." "A boat landing and fishing pier remain available at the lakeshore."

Based on 1 reviews