Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

Star0
1 review
850 North 8th, State Highway 13, Medford, WI 54451
Summer Destination

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
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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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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."

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Campground Map

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

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Boating and fishing popular in summer, but campground facilities remain closed.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hardwood and pine surroundings suggest strong fall color and scenic value (hardwoods noted).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings thaw and returning activity; ice can linger and facilities remain closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 15% in WI

Ice fishing available year-round; however closed campground limits winter services and comfort.

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.
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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.

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.
FishingThe 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."
BoatingBoth 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
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

0.0
1 reviews
Limited 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...
Show more
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

Site-Specific Reviews

Camping sites lack individual reviews as the campground has been closed since 2015.
Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

"The boat landing is accessible," but no reviews specifically address accessibility features for other users with disabilities.
Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No data on pet policies or experiences is provided.
Based on 1 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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