Sailor Lake

4.05

34 reviews

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 1170 4TH AVE SOUTH, PARK FALLS, WI 54552, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,460 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,460 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Sailor Lake

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $15 to $30 depending on the season and type of site. Walk-in sites are $15. Peak season rates apply from May 23 to September 1. An $8...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

715-762-2461

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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 34 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleanlake

Some mention

dusty

"Overall, Sailor Lake Campground receives mixed reviews with its rustic charm being appreciated by many, while others noted issues such as hard ground for tent camping, mosquitoes, and the rude camp host. It is praised for its seclusion, good fishing, and well-maintained facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 1170 4TH AVE SOUTH, PARK FALLS, WI 54552, USA

Sailor Lake

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 1170 4TH AVE SOUTH, PARK FALLS, WI 54552, USA

Driving directionsFrom Fifield, follow State Highway 70 east for about 7 miles and turn right (south) on Forest Road 139 and continue for 3 miles.

Accessible via paved State Highway 70 and gravel Forest Road 139. Road in is gravel and reported as very dusty by users.

Nearby places

11 miles southeast of Fifield.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Fifield, WI, approximately 11 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Sailor Lake

Experience the full spectrum of Wisconsin's seasons in this northern wonderland. Summer brings perfect camping weather with moderate temperatures ideal for swimming and hiking, while autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a brilliant tapestry of gold and crimson. Spring arrives with refreshing rains that awaken the forest floor, though early season campers should pack extra layers for cool evenings. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen paradise, with frigid temperatures that appeal to the hardiest of cold-weather adventurers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer with good hiking/fishing but higher mosquito and horse fly activity reported.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage and quieter off‑peak visits are highlighted; scenic fall colors implied.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Late‑spring opening (May 23) limits early spring access; typical spring bugs and wetness possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Oct 13 despite nearby snowmobile activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 01, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 13. Peak season ends September 1.

About Sailor Lake

Escape to the pristine northwestern shores of Sailor Lake, where this rustic campground invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering hardwoods or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a secluded wilderness sanctuary. This back-to-basics camping experience offers no hookups, encouraging a truly authentic outdoor adventure where the only sounds you'll hear are lapping waves and rustling leaves.

Sailor Lake Campground caters to tent and RV campers. "Perfect place to tent camp, kayak, and ATV," highlighted one reviewer. Walk-in tent sites are available for those seeking additional privacy.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time while exploring the rich heritage surrounding this woodland retreat. The nearby town of Fifield serves as your gateway to Wisconsin's fascinating logging history, featuring a meticulously reconstructed logging dam that tells the story of the area's timber boom days. History enthusiasts will discover moving war memorials and historic sites that honor the region's past, offering meaningful day trips between your lakeside adventures.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Wisconsin's seasons in this northern wonderland. Summer brings perfect camping weather with moderate temperatures ideal for swimming and hiking, while autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a brilliant tapestry of gold and crimson. Spring arrives with refreshing rains that awaken the forest floor, though early season campers should pack extra layers for cool evenings. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen paradise, with frigid temperatures that appeal to the hardiest of cold-weather adventurers.

ElevationPerched at 1,460 feet above sea level, this elevated campground offers crisp, clean air and a refreshing mountain-like atmosphere that provides natural relief from summer heat and stunning vistas across the surrounding wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a magnificent mixed hardwood forest, the campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. Sailor Lake's crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding canopy of oak, maple, and birch, creating picture-perfect reflections at sunrise and sunset. Secluded wooded areas provide intimate camping spots where privacy and tranquility reign supreme, while the shoreline beckons with opportunities for quiet contemplation or active water recreation.

Geological RegionThis enchanting campground sits within Wisconsin's mixed hardwood forest ecosystem at 1,460 feet elevation, where ancient geological forces have created a diverse landscape of rolling hills, pristine lakes, and fertile soils that support a spectacular array of native trees including majestic oaks, sugar maples, and paper birches.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in time not provided.

Check-out

Official check-out time not provided.

Stay Limit

Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Groups

Group camping information is not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops with waterfront and interior sites. Parking spurs are grass or gravel.

Reservation PlatformsReservations through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, even during peak season.

Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies prior to arrival. Late cancellation fees include forfeiting the first night's fee, plus the $10 cancellation fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly covered in the provided information.

Site SizeSites vary in size with parking spurs that are either grass or gravel. Several walk-in tent sites are noted for good privacy and proximity to nature.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some secluded by trees while others are waterfront. "Quite rustic, some sites offer ample surrounding vegetation and spacing for good privacy," stated a reviewer.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a mallet when tent camping due to hard ground. Sites closer to the lake offer better views.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sailor Lake Campground offers a range of recreational activities, especially suitable for off-road enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers. "Access to the trails is key. Very well maintained," says one reviewer. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle adventures. Winter recreation includes snowmobiling.

HikingDirect access to the 70-mile Flambeau Trail System is a highlight. Trails feature rolling terrain, tree-lined corridors, wooden bridges, and vistas overlooking bogs and lakes. Difficulty levels are not specified.

FishingSailor Lake is popular for fishing with healthy populations of panfish and northern pike. However, there is no dock at the campsite; boats can be parked by the shore.

BoatingThe campground is adjacent to Sailor Lake, and a boat ramp is located a mile south at the Sailor Lake Picnic Area. "No docks in the campsite but you can park your boat by shore," says a reviewer.

Wildlife viewingThe campground's natural setting offers opportunities to view wildlife, although specific animals or viewing areas are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoads reported as dusty. Horse flies and mosquitoes noted during summer. Dense vegetation may limit visibility.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings provided at each site. Firewood must be sourced locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced but not specified.

Emergency ServicesMedford-Park Falls Ranger District, 1170 4th Ave South, Park Falls, WI.

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters for trash disposal are available, ensuring campers can dispose of waste conveniently.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Sailor Lake with access to a boat landing one mile south.

Camp HostCampground host is present but received mixed reviews for behavior.

Weather at Sailor Lake

Reviews

4.1

34 reviews

Satisfactory

Sailor Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Sailor Lake Campground receives mixed reviews with its rustic charm being appreciated by many, while others noted issues such as hard ground for tent camping, mosquitoes, and the rude camp host. It is praised for its seclusion, good fishing, and well-maintained facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the quiet and rustic nature of the campground, access to trails, and ATV-friendly setup. "We always loving coming back to Sailor Lake Campground!" one reviewer exclaimed. Many...

Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include hard ground for tent stakes, no designated swimming area, and the lack of electricity or dump stations. "Swarming with horse flies," and "camp host is rude," were specific...

Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a mallet for tent stakes due to hard ground, and air mattresses for rocky surfaces. Buying local firewood is recommended. Reviewers also suggest arriving without reservations during low-use...

Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees higher mosquito activity and horse flies, while winter activities like snowmobiling are a highlight. Off-peak seasons are noted for fewer visitors and better privacy.

Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "We always loving coming back to Sailor Lake Campground!" 2. "Perfect place to tent camp, kayak, and ATV." 3. "Some sites offer ample surrounding vegetation and spacing for good privacy." 4....

Based on 34 reviews