Perch Lake Recreation Area

3.63

26 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,260 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,260 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Perch Lake Recreation Area

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for staying at Perch Lake Campground is $15. This fee does not include discounts, taxes, or additional charges and applies uniformly...

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

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What Campers Say

3.63

Mixed Reviews

Based on 26 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanwater

Some mention

cell service

"Campers generally praise Perch Lake Campground for its quiet, well-maintained environment and its rustic charm. It is described as an affordable and peaceful retreat with a family-friendly atmosphere. However, its limited facilities and lack of a proper swim area are noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Perch Lake Recreation Area

46.4044, -91.2697

Driving directionsLocated approximately 5.5 miles north of Drummond on Forest Road 223 (Delta Drummond Road). From Drummond, drive north 5.5 miles on FR223 to reach the campground entrances.

The campground is accessed via Delta Drummond Road, which is a forest road. Road conditions are not explicitly mentioned, although the area is described as less visited and thus likely to have low traffic.

Nearby places

Drummond (5.5 miles, ~10 minutes)

Namekagon Lake (~11 miles, ~20 minutes).

Nearby supplies

The closest supplies, including groceries and firewood, are likely in Drummond (5.5 miles away). Reviewers indicated that stores are approximately 7-8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Perch Lake Recreation Area

From late May's awakening wildflowers through early October's spectacular fall foliage, Perch Lake Campground welcomes visitors to experience the rhythms of the northern forest. Summer days bring comfortable temperatures perfect for swimming and hiking, while cool evenings invite cozy gatherings around the campfire. The campground has earned a devoted following among those who cherish its profound quietude and unspoiled rustic character. Peak season visitors enjoy reliably pleasant weather with predominantly dry conditions, making it ideal for both tent camping enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat from modern life's constant connectivity.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season in summer; most reviews are summer and praise rustic charm and quiet.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open into early October with 'spectacular fall foliage' noted in overview.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from late May (limited late-spring access); wildflowers noted but shorter window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; seasonal May–Oct operation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 01, 2025. First-come, first-served season: September 02, 2025 - October 13, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally between May 23, 2025, and October 13, 2025, although exact dates are subject to slight variance annually.

About Perch Lake Recreation Area

Tucked away in Wisconsin's northwoods, Perch Lake Campground beckons families and nature lovers to its intimate collection of 16 campsites thoughtfully arranged in two loops that embrace the serene waters of Perch Lake. This hidden gem offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where the pace slows down and the forest whispers replace the urban hum. Here, generations gather around crackling campfires, children discover the magic of catching their first fish, and the simple pleasure of a morning paddle across mirror-still water becomes the day's greatest adventure.

Perch Lake Campground accommodates a mix of tent and RV campers, though the facilities lean towards a more rustic camping experience. There are no group or luxury camping options available.

Weather and SeasonsFrom late May's awakening wildflowers through early October's spectacular fall foliage, Perch Lake Campground welcomes visitors to experience the rhythms of the northern forest. Summer days bring comfortable temperatures perfect for swimming and hiking, while cool evenings invite cozy gatherings around the campfire. The campground has earned a devoted following among those who cherish its profound quietude and unspoiled rustic character. Peak season visitors enjoy reliably pleasant weather with predominantly dry conditions, making it ideal for both tent camping enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat from modern life's constant connectivity.

ElevationPerched at the gentle elevations characteristic of Northern Wisconsin's rolling forest landscape, the campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness immersion. The terrain provides just enough variation to create interesting vistas and diverse ecosystems while remaining comfortable for campers of all ages and abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering hemlocks, sugar maples, and white pines that filter the sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's crown jewel, Perch Lake, sparkles through the trees, its waters teeming with feisty trout, abundant panfish, and impressive largemouth bass that make every cast an adventure. Morning mists rise from the lake's surface while loons call across the water, and the surrounding forest comes alive with birdsong, creating an ever-changing natural symphony that defines the authentic northwoods experience.

Geological RegionPerch Lake Campground sits within the vast expanse of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where ancient glaciers carved a landscape of pristine lakes and rolling hills now blanketed in magnificent northern hardwood forests. This ecological treasure trove showcases Wisconsin's wilderness at its finest, with dense stands of hemlock groves, towering pines, and diverse hardwoods creating a complex tapestry of habitats. The surrounding forest offers endless opportunities for exploration, from hidden waterfalls to wildlife-rich wetlands, all connected by a network of trails that reveal the subtle beauty of this remarkable northern ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

First-come, first-served
no specific check-in hours noted.

Check-out

Sites must be vacated by noon on the day following an arrival date if unoccupied.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is up to 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each occupancy site allows up to 8 persons and one vehicle. Additional vehicles or towed units may be allowed up to three, space permitting.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this facility.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of two loops. The North Loop includes 10 sites and amenities such as a toilet building, water, and a boat launch. The South Loop has 6 sites and is quieter.

Reservation PlatformsNot reservable; first-come, first-served only.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a walk-up availability basis. There is no guarantee of site availability upon arrival.

Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are noted, such as ADA-compliant sites or pathways.

Site SizeSome campsites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, but many sites are more suited for smaller setups or tent camping.

PrivacySites are described as private and wooded, with no open field sites. "A special quiet and beautiful well-kept campground," emphasizes a user.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites near the lake for proximity to fishing and boat launch access. Bring firewood harvested within 10 miles, drinking water (if preferred), and supplies.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to a variety of outdoor activities aimed at nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Boating is supported by the presence of a boat ramp, and the lake is frequented by fishers due to its trout, panfish, and largemouth bass. While swimming is possible, the lake's shoreline has vegetation, making it less ideal. "The shoreline at Perch Lake isn’t great for swimming due to some vegetation...but is swimmable nonetheless," says a reviewer.

HikingTrails are located directly across the road from the campground, providing opportunities for hiking within the nearby wilderness. "Trails suitable for hiking can be found directly across the road," according to a review.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with trout, panfish, and largemouth bass available. "The lake is excellent for bluegill," says one review.

SwimmingThe lake is swimmable but not ideal due to shore vegetation. "The description mentions a swim area. There is no swim area," highlights one user.

BoatingA developed boat ramp provides access to the 72-acre lake, making it suitable for non-motorized and small boating activities.

Wildlife viewingThe area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, as it is situated in a wooded and natural environment.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited cell service was noted by reviewers. Water quality in the lake is swimmable but includes vegetation that may deter some swimmers.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within fire rings provided at each site. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent invasive species spread.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned, although reviewers describe the campground as quiet and peaceful.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely located in Drummond (~5.5 miles away). Specific emergency services such as hospitals or ranger stations were not mentioned in the source materials.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific mention of trash collection facilities is provided; campers are advised to bring enough supplies as stores are 7-8 miles away.

Water FeaturesThe campground surrounds Perch Lake, a 72-acre lake known for fishing and boating. Swimming opportunities exist but are not ideal due to vegetative growth.

Camp HostUSFS staff and volunteers manage the campground. Reviewers praise the well-maintained facilities and emphasize thanking staff for their work.

Weather at Perch Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

3.6

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Perch Lake Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Campers generally praise Perch Lake Campground for its quiet, well-maintained environment and its rustic charm. It is described as an affordable and peaceful retreat with a family-friendly atmosphere. However, its limited facilities and lack of a proper swim area are noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews often mention the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities, the quiet and private atmosphere, and the availability of potable water from hand pumps. "Perhaps the nicest part...

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users express disappointment about the lack of a true swim area despite descriptions mentioning one. Limited access to supplies and the absence of advanced facilities like electrical hookups are...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing adequate supplies, as stores are 7-8 miles away. Visitors also suggest visiting the Lake Owen Picnic Grounds for a better beach experience.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most reviews are from the summer season, when the campground is more accessible. The rustic charm and privacy are appreciated during peak camping months.

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A special quiet and beautiful well-kept campground." - Rick Ziehme. "Perch Lake is a lower-cost alternative to this region’s flagship Two Lakes Campground." - Greg Krueger. "Nice quiet campgrounds....

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are minimal, but it is noted that some sites are close to the lake and offer better views, while others are more wooded and private.

Based on 26 reviews