Pine Lake Recreation Area

Star4.33
6 reviews
Latitude: 45.6868, Longitude: -88.9901
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,580 ft

Price

$7.5 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open from May 2 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Pine Lake Recreation Area
$7.50 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsite fee is $15, or $7.50 with the use of an Interagency pass (access or senior). There is also a $5 recreational use fee for the boat...
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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

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Provider
715-276-6333sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 6 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswaterfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, spacious sites, and clean facilities, though some note the lack of vegetation between sites for privacy and the overgrown beach area."

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Campground Map

Latitude: 45.6868, Longitude: -88.9901

Pine Lake Recreation Area

Latitude: 45.6868, Longitude: -88.9901

Driving directionsFrom the intersection of Highway 32 and FR 2186 just south of Hiles, drive west on FR 2186 for 0.5 mile to FR 2185. Turn left onto FR 2185 and drive 1.3 miles to the campground entrance.
Access is via paved roads, which are noted to be in good condition. Seasonal access may be limited due to weather, as the campground is not open year-round.
Nearby places
Hiles (approx. 2 miles), Lakewood (approx. 15 miles), Crandon (approx. 18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping essentials, and fuel can be obtained in nearby towns like Hiles, Lakewood, and Crandon.

Best Time to Camp at Pine Lake Recreation Area

From the warm embrace of summer sunshine to the crisp, invigorating air of autumn, Pine Lake Recreation Area transforms with the seasons. Summer visitors bask in ideal conditions for swimming, boating, and hiking, while fall adventurers witness a spectacular display of changing leaves reflected in the lake's mirror-like surface. The campground welcomes guests from May through October, offering five months of outdoor splendor as temperatures transition from spring's renewal to autumn's golden finale.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; ideal for swimming, boating and beach activities though some vegetation on beach noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Crisp autumn air and forest scenery through Oct 15; good for quiet visits and fishing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 2; late spring offers boating/fishing but weather can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 2–Oct 15; winter camping not supported though lake sees ice fishing.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open from May 2 to October 15. Seasonal access may vary based on weather conditions.

About Pine Lake Recreation Area

Nestled along the pristine western shores of Pine Lake, this intimate 12-site campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience. Pine Lake Recreation Area invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wilderness across 1,667 acres of sparkling water and dense forest. Each wooded campsite comes equipped with essential amenities including fire rings for evening gatherings, picnic tables for outdoor dining, and access to fresh well water via hand pump. The campground maintains its rustic charm with vault toilets and a convenient paved boat launch that opens up endless possibilities for water adventures.
Pine Lake offers a rustic camping experience with 12 wooded campsites suitable for tents and small trailers. All sites are first-come, first-served, and there are no RV-specific facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 consecutive days

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Pine Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, motorized and non-motorized boating, and picnicking. A sandy beach is available for swimming and snorkeling, though user reviews indicate the swimming area may have significant lake vegetation.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Pine Lake, which is home to northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and panfish. Ice fishing is also supported during the winter season.
SwimmingThe campground features a sandy beach for swimming and snorkeling. However, user reviews note that the lake bottom is overgrown with vegetation, and swimmers may need to go far out to find deeper water.
BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed. There is a paved boat landing and dock for access. Canoeing, kayaking, and waterskiing are also popular activities.
Beach activitiesThe sandy beach area can be used for swimming, snorkeling, and general relaxation. User reviews mention that the beach condition could be improved.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsA reviewer mentioned that the lake bottom near the swimming area contains weeds and shallow water, which may deter some swimmers. Wildlife like northern pike and other fish are abundant.

Weather at Pine Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.3
6 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pine Lake Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, spacious sites, and clean facilities, though some note the lack of vegetation between sites for privacy and the overgrown beach area.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the clear, good-tasting water from the hand pump, the friendly and visible on-site hosts, and the clean vault toilets. Many also like the spacious campsites and the lack of need...
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Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention that the beach area is overgrown with lake vegetation, making swimming less enjoyable. Additionally, the lack of dense vegetation between sites is noted as a drawback for privacy.
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Early arrivals are recommended due to the first-come, first-served policy. Campers are advised to bring water shoes for swimming due to the lake's vegetation.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the stormy and colder months, the campground rarely fills to capacity, with seven of twelve sites occupied on an August weekend. Ice fishing is a popular activity in the winter, supported by...
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Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground has one hand pump; its water was clear and good tasting." "Vault toilets were clean, common areas were mowed and well maintained." "The lake bottom at the beach is in dire need of...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are highlighted as the best or worst in the user reviews.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no further details about accessibility features are provided.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or information specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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