Kathryn Lake Recreation Area
01 review850 North 8th, State Highway 13, Medford, WI 54451
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
8 campsites
Season
The campground has b...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
8 campsites
Season
The campground has b...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider715-748-4875sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov
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."
Fees & Passes at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles per site when operational.
Cancellation: Not applicable; campground is closed.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official USDA Forest Service website.
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
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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 SignificanceWhile 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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers an accessible boat landing, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSite size details are not specified.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not discussed.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNot applicable; campground is closed.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground originally featured 8 sites but remains closed.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground has been closed since 2015 due to budget shortfalls and remains closed as of 2021.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; campground is closed.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable; campground is closed.
Cancellation PolicyNot 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
The lake supports fishing for walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and panfish. Ice fishing is available year-round: "Anglers can expect to find plentiful populations of walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and panfish."Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are supported, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing noted. "There is an accessible Boat Landing at Kathryn Lake," the source confirms.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is explicitly mentioned as a winter activity.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddling are popular activities at Kathryn Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood should originate within 25 miles or be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include restricted firewood usage and limited accessibility for large vehicles.
Active alertsThe campground has been closed since 2015 due to budget shortfalls.
Weather at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area
9
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Medford Office provides administrative assistance; however, it does not specify emergency services like hospitals or police stations nearby.
Good to know
Trash and recycling"Garbage service available" is explicitly mentioned, but recycling facilities are not discussed.
Proximity to water featuresKathryn Lake is adjacent, offering boating and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsClosure of the campground and lack of maintenance since 2015 despite growing recreation economy.
HostNot provided due to closure.
Campground Map
850 North 8th, State Highway 13, Medford, WI 54451
Driving directionsTravel north from Medford on State Highway 13 for 4 miles. Turn left (west) on County Trunk Highway M for 15 miles. Turn left (south) for 0.5 miles on Forest Road 121 campground entrance.
The campground can be accessed via paved roads, but the campground itself is not operational, as per the information. Forest Road is accessible but remote.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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 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 reviewsCommon 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 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest utilizing the accessible boat landing and adjacent town park, which is well-maintained.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal 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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Camping sites lack individual reviews as the campground has been closed since 2015.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
"The boat landing is accessible," but no reviews specifically address accessibility features for other users with disabilities.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No data on pet policies or experiences is provided.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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