Lac Vieux Desert Recreation Area
4.368 reviews1247 E. Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521
Quick Facts
1,620 ftPrice
$7.5 - $15/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
31 campsites
Season
Open season runs fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
1,620 ftPrice
$7.5 - $15/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
31 campsites
Season
Open season runs fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsLac Vieux Desert Recreation Area
$7.50 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsite fee is $15 per day. A reduced rate of $7.50 applies when using an Interagency Access or Senior Pass. The pass discount applies...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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$15.00
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USFS
Provider715-479-2827sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov
What Campers Say
4.36
Recommended
Based on 8 reviews
22 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanbeach
"User reviews generally describe the campground as quiet, simple, and clean with a mix of rustic and slightly developed experiences depending on the loop. The presence of neighboring cabins affects privacy in some areas."
Fees & Passes at Lac Vieux Desert Recreation Area
$7.5 - $15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay allowed is 14 days.
Cancellation: There are no refunds if you leave early. It is recommended to pay for no more than 2-3 days at a tim...
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Eagle River-Florence Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Lac Vieux Desert Recreation Area
Experience the dramatic beauty of Wisconsin's changing seasons at Lac Vieux Desert. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and evening campfires, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, and spring awakens the wilderness with fresh growth and migrating birds. Each season offers its own unique charm, though summer and early fall provide the most comfortable camping conditions.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
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
- Peak Season: Peak season aligns with late spring and summer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season runs from May 2 through October 15.
About Lac Vieux Desert Recreation Area
Nestled along the pristine western shoreline of Lac Vieux Desert Lake, this intimate 31-site campground offers a perfect blend of wilderness tranquility and outdoor adventure. The sprawling 4,017-acre lake beckons anglers and water enthusiasts alike, while rustic amenities including hand-pump potable water and vault toilets ensure a comfortable yet authentic camping experience that connects you with nature.
This campground supports tent camping and caters to both individual and combined site usage. RV camping is possible though limited by site size restrictions.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with Native American heritage at Lac Vieux Desert, where the Chippewa (Ojibwa) people cultivated the lake's islands for generations. The evocative name, meaning either 'Lake of the Desert' or 'old clearing,' speaks to the area's deep cultural roots and the enduring connection between the land and its original inhabitants. This sacred waterway continues to honor its past while welcoming modern adventurers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Wisconsin's changing seasons at Lac Vieux Desert. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and evening campfires, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, and spring awakens the wilderness with fresh growth and migrating birds. Each season offers its own unique charm, though summer and early fall provide the most comfortable camping conditions.
ElevationPerched at 1,620 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys crisp, clean air and comfortable temperatures throughout the camping season, offering a refreshing escape from summer heat while providing stunning elevated views of the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover the birthplace of the mighty Wisconsin River, where crystal-clear waters begin their journey at this spectacular headwater lake. The campground's prime location offers breathtaking vistas across Lac Vieux Desert's expansive waters, framed by dense northern forests that have sheltered the native Chippewa (Ojibwa) people for countless generations. This pristine natural sanctuary invites you to witness sunrises reflecting off calm waters and eagles soaring overhead.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the protected splendor of the Nicolet National Forest, where Lac Vieux Desert serves as a magnificent natural boundary between Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This remarkable 4,017-acre lake marks the Wisconsin River's dramatic beginning, creating a unique ecosystem where northern forests meet vast waters in an ancient geological tapestry that has captivated visitors for centuries.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has no wheelchair-friendly toilets, and accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate RVs/trailers up to 35 feet at some sites and up to 40 feet at others. Paved parking aprons are available.
Sites PrivacySome user reviews note that the northern loop is less private due to visible neighboring cabins and homes, while the southern loop offers a slightly more secluded experience.
Total Campsites31 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Sites are wooded and fairly easy to back into," according to one user. Southern loop sites provide a rustic experience not found in the northern loop.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates up to 8 guests.
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single loop with 31 asphalt back-in sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from May 2 through October 15.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available; all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 31 sites are walk-up only, and no reservations can be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyThere are no refunds if you leave early. It is recommended to pay for no more than 2-3 days at a time.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A range of outdoor activities is available, including fishing, boating, picnicking, and scenic drives. The lake is noted for its musky, walleye, bass, and northern pike fishing.
Fishing
The lake is popular for fishing musky, northern pike, walleye, and bass. User reviews emphasize its suitability for walleye fishing, especially before the 4th of July.Swimming
A swimming beach is located near the campground. User reviews mention it as a nice feature for families.Boating
Boating activities include motorized and non-motorized options. However, user reviews note that the boat ramp is shallow and unsuitable for large or heavy boats.Beach activities
The campground has a swimming beach and picnic area within walking distance.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is available during the winter months.Water Sports
The campground supports a variety of water sports, including power boating, sailing, and water skiing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are provided at each of the 31 campsites.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential shallow boat launches and unmaintained conditions may hinder large or heavy boats. "The forest service are useless and out to lunch," according to one user review.
Weather at Lac Vieux Desert Recreation Area
9
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District, located at 1247 E. Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521. Phone: 715-479-2827.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season aligns with late spring and summer months.
Trash and recyclingThere is no information available about on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the west shore of Lac Vieux Desert Lake, which spans 2,853 acres and is ideal for fishing and boating.
Common complaintsComplaints include neighboring cabins visible from the northern loop, lack of refunds for early departure, and shallow boat launch facilities.
HostOffice hours for the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District are Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Campground Map
1247 E. Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521
Driving directionsFrom Land O'Lake, WI on County Rt. B, take US Rt. 45/State Rt. 32 south 2.1 miles to County Rt. E. Turn left on Rt. E and go east 2.8 miles to West Shore Rd. (Forest Rt. 2205). Turn left onto West Shore Rd. and go 1.3 miles to campground entrance on the right.
Road access is paved and leads to the campground entrance via County Road E and West Shore Road (Forest Road 2205).Nearby places
Eagle River (16 miles), Land O'Lake (2.8 miles on County Road E), Upper Peninsula of Michigan (shared border).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained from Land O'Lake, located approximately 2.8 miles away, which offers amenities like ice, food, and bait for fishing.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
8 reviews
Lac Vieux Desert Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe the campground as quiet, simple, and clean with a mix of rustic and slightly developed experiences depending on the loop. The presence of neighboring cabins affects privacy in some areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include flat tent pads, good fishing opportunities for musky and walleye, and a swimming beach. Reviews also praise the campground’s cleanliness.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include the shallow boat ramp that can accommodate only small boats and issues with refund policies for early departures.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend paying for only 2-3 days at a time due to the no-refund policy. Fishing is noted to be best before the 4th of July.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fishing and overall camping experiences are most favorable in late spring through early summer. One user emphasized that fishing quality diminishes after July 4th.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Quiet, simple camping." - Joanne Schultz. "This is one of - if not the only - campground in the Chequamegon Nicolet with actual designated flat tent pads framed by wood." - Greg Krueger. "You can...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites in the northern loop are less private due to visible neighboring cabins, while the southern loop offers more rustic experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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