How much does camping cost at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Kathryn Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Not applicable; campground is closed.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Kathryn Lake Recreation Area has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Kathryn Lake Recreation Area?

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area is open The campground has been closed since 2015 due to budget shortfalls and remains closed as of 2021.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area?

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Kathryn Lake Recreation Area have?

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area: Firewood should originate within 25 miles or be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

1 review

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

Top 23% in WIWinter

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability 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.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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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

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.

Weather at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

Current alert: The campground has been closed since 2015 due to budget shortfalls.

Best Time to Camp at Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

Fall offers the clearest benefits: crisp, comfortable weather with daytime highs often 45–60°F and nights 30–40°F. Peak northern hardwood color makes the lake particularly scenic for photography, shore fishing, and quiet boating. Water is calm, bugs are largely gone, and day-use crowds are lower than midsummer. Deer hunting activity increases in late October through November on surrounding National Forest lands.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Peak northern hardwood color and crisp weather make fall a highlight season.

Planning Tips

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

About Kathryn Lake Recreation Area

Kathryn Lake Recreation Area sits within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at 1,535 feet elevation, offering day-use access to a 62-acre lake. The campground closed in 2015 and shows limited maintenance, but a boat landing and accessible fishing pier remain open. An adjacent town park provides well-maintained facilities.

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.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the clearest benefits: crisp, comfortable weather with daytime highs often 45–60°F and nights 30–40°F. Peak northern hardwood color makes the lake particularly scenic for photography, shore fishing, and quiet boating. Water is calm, bugs are largely gone, and day-use crowds are lower than midsummer. Deer hunting activity increases in late October through November on surrounding National Forest lands.

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 SceneryThe 62-acre lake occupies glacier-carved terrain typical of Wisconsin's Northwoods, surrounded by mixed pine and northern hardwoods. Fall brings peak color from the hardwood canopy. The shoreline varies between sandy boat launch areas and rockier sections. At 1,535 feet, the rolling, water-rich landscape reflects the ancient ice sheets that shaped the region's numerous lakes and kettle ponds.

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.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of Kathryn Lake.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground lacks mentions of lodge-style accommodations or other lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

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

Restrooms are not available at this site. Water Potable water is not available at this site. Picnic tables are available at this site.

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

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

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned in the source materials.

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.

Cell CoverageThere is no data provided on cell phone reception quality or coverage.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers targeting walleye, pike, or bass can still launch at the accessible boat landing and fish the 62-acre lake from the pier. Fall is the sweet spot: no bugs, smaller crowds, and peak hardwood color around the shoreline.

Skip if

Overnight camping isn't possible here. No toilets, no potable water, no reservations, and no campground to speak of since 2015. Anyone planning to sleep here will need to find somewhere else entirely.

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