Namekagon Lake Recreation Area

4.41

38 reviews

Namekagon Lake Recreation Area, Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest, Wisconsin, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Wisconsin

Quick Facts

1,300 ft

Price

$9 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,300 ft

Price

$9 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Namekagon Lake Recreation Area

$9.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Individual campsite fees are $18 per night and $9 with an Interagency Senior or Access Pass. Boat landing and picnic area use has a $5 day pass or...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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

715-634-4821sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 38 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslake

Some mention

cell service

"The campground has a mix of positive and negative reviews. Many users appreciate the clean facilities, beautiful lake views, and opportunities for recreation. However, some express dissatisfaction with the lack of privacy and rustic experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Namekagon Lake Recreation Area, Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest, Wisconsin, USA

Namekagon Lake Recreation Area

Namekagon Lake Recreation Area, Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest, Wisconsin, USA

Driving directionsFrom Cable, WI, drive east on County Rt. M 10.9 miles to County Rt. D. Turn left onto Rt. D and go north 5.7 miles to campground sign (Forest Rt. 209). Turn left onto Rt. 209 and go 0.3 miles to campground.

Roads are paved with good access. Directions specify using County Rt. M and Rt. D, followed by a short drive on Forest Rt. 209. The area is reachable by most vehicles.

Nearby places

Cable (13 miles/20 minutes), Hayward (20 miles/30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and ice are available in Cable, approximately 13 miles away. Firewood is available onsite.

Best Time to Camp at Namekagon Lake Recreation Area

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Wisconsin's northwoods throughout the year. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow, creating a hushed wonderland best admired during day visits. As spring awakens the forest in May, camping season begins in earnest, with wildflowers dotting the forest floor and migrating birds filling the air with song. Summer brings those perfect camping days – warm sunshine filtering through the canopy, cool lake breezes, and star-filled nights around the campfire. Early fall paints the hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, offering spectacular hiking and photography opportunities before the first frost signals winter's return.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WI

Open May–Sept with swimming, boating, fishing and peak recreational opportunities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Noted seasonal transformation and fall color potential, but open only into early Sept.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens just before May fishing opener; cooler early-season temps and fewer amenities available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed after Sept 4 until late May; winter camping not available onsite.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Open season (May to September) constitutes the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground opens the Thursday before the May fishing opener (first Saturday in May) and closes on September 4.
Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories mentioned.

About Namekagon Lake Recreation Area

Nestled along the pristine shores of 3,227-acre Namekagon Lake, this beloved family campground offers an authentic northwoods escape where the legendary Namekagon River begins its journey. Towering hardwoods and ancient hemlocks create a natural cathedral around well-appointed campsites, each featuring sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, and convenient vault toilets. Beyond the camping area, discover a vibrant day-use zone complete with a inviting sandy beach perfect for afternoon swims, a covered picnic shelter for family reunions, a peaceful fishing pier extending into crystal-clear waters, a smooth boat launch for aquatic adventures, and even a basketball court for friendly competition under the forest canopy.

The campground provides options for RV and tent camping, with some sites tailored for group use.

Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records await discovery, this pristine landscape has long served as a gathering place for those seeking connection with Wisconsin's untamed beauty and the headwaters of the storied Namekagon River system.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Wisconsin's northwoods throughout the year. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow, creating a hushed wonderland best admired during day visits. As spring awakens the forest in May, camping season begins in earnest, with wildflowers dotting the forest floor and migrating birds filling the air with song. Summer brings those perfect camping days – warm sunshine filtering through the canopy, cool lake breezes, and star-filled nights around the campfire. Early fall paints the hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, offering spectacular hiking and photography opportunities before the first frost signals winter's return.

ElevationPerched at 1,300 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys the refreshing climate of Wisconsin's northern highlands. This elevation brings cooler summer nights perfect for sleeping, crisp morning air that invigorates early risers, and occasionally dramatic weather changes that remind visitors of nature's dynamic presence in this elevated forest ecosystem.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where majestic hardwoods mingle with evergreen hemlocks, creating a diverse forest tapestry that changes with every season. The expansive Namekagon Lake dominates the landscape, its 3,227 acres of pristine water reflecting clouds by day and stars by night. Wildlife enthusiasts treasure morning encounters with majestic elk grazing in nearby meadows, while patient observers might spot bald eagles soaring overhead or hear the haunting call of loons echoing across the water at dusk. This remarkable ecosystem showcases the raw beauty of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at its finest.

Geological RegionSet within the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the campground occupies a special place where ancient geological forces carved out the basin that now cradles Namekagon Lake. This unique location marks the birthplace of the Namekagon River, surrounded by a mature forest ecosystem dominated by stately hardwoods and shade-giving hemlocks that have stood sentinel over these waters for generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

24 hours operation, no defined check-in time.

Check-out

24 hours operation, no defined check-out time.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features two loops, North and South, forming a figure-eight configuration. Campsites in the North Loop are closer together, while the South Loop offers more rustic, tent-friendly sites.

Reservation Platforms1-877-444-6777 for reservations.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible, but details on site numbers are unspecified. The campground tends to fill up during weekends.

Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy mentioned.

AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets and generally level campsites are available. However, detailed descriptions of additional accessibility features are unspecified.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, accommodating RVs from 25 to 45+ feet.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by loop. "Campsites in the North Loop are closer together...privacy is fair to poor." The South Loop provides "slightly more rustic sites well suited for tent campers" (Authoritative content and user reviews).

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesSites in the south loop are reportedly more rustic and better suited for tent campers. Camper reviews suggest avoiding crowded areas for a quieter experience.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A broad range of recreational activities is available, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking. The proximity to the Namekagon Trail and other scenic trails makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and water sports.

HikingThe Namekagon Trail is a one-mile loop accessible from the campground, ideal for beginners. Nearby trails include the Rock Lake National Recreation Trail, CAMBA Mountain Bike Trails, and the North Country National Scenic Trail.

FishingThe 3,227-acre Namekagon Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for musky, walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish. A fishing pier is located near the day-use area.

SwimmingA sandy swimming beach is available at the day-use area. Some user reviews mention the lake bottom can be mucky in spots.

BikingThe campground is close to the CAMBA Mountain Bike Trails, which feature over 300 miles of marked and described trails. Road biking on forest backroads is also popular.

BoatingBoating opportunities include motorized and non-motorized activities. A boat ramp is provided at the day-use area. Canoeing and kayaking on the Namekagon River are also available.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as elk, eagles, loons, and deer are often seen. The surrounding forest provides ample opportunity for nature observation.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal bugs such as mosquitoes. Limited cell service with spotty Verizon coverage. Visitors are advised to plan for these conditions.

Active AlertsNo current warnings or advisories mentioned.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but must adhere to local fire regulations. Firewood must not be brought from outside a 25-mile radius unless certified.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesHayward, 20 miles away, provides hospitals, police, and other emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling dumpsters are provided on-site.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Namekagon Lake with direct access to the water for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Camp HostNo information on campground hosts is provided.

Weather at Namekagon Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.4

38 reviews

Recommended

Namekagon Lake Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has a mix of positive and negative reviews. Many users appreciate the clean facilities, beautiful lake views, and opportunities for recreation. However, some express dissatisfaction with the lack of privacy and rustic experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

"Vault toilets are immaculate," "Beautiful views from our site looking out on the lake," and "Very nice campground."

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Privacy is limited in some areas, particularly the North Loop. Cell service is poor or non-existent. Some users mention high noise levels during busy weekends.

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray for mosquitoes. Book months in advance for holiday weekends. Ice is available at a nearby resort. Verizon users may find limited reception at the fishing dock.

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during weekends and holidays; weekdays are quieter. It is open from May 25 to September 4, with warmer temperatures and more recreational opportunities available during the...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

"What a surprise to have electricity at all sites." (Carolyn LeCroy), "If you are looking for a more remote experience and real forest and quiet, this is not the place." (Jim Huwe), "Great if your...

Based on 38 reviews