How much does camping cost at Sailor Lake?

Camping fees at Sailor Lake range from $15-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sailor Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Sailor Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sailor Lake before I book?

Yes! Sailor Lake has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sailor Lake?

Sailor Lake is open May 01 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sailor Lake?

Sailor Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Sailor Lake have?

Sailor Lake has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sailor Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Sailor Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sailor Lake?

Sailor Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sailor Lake?

Popular activities at Sailor Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sailor Lake

3.73

34 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Wisconsin

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST Official Website

Get Directions

Sailor Lake

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-136786: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; WALK TO: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

715-762-2461

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

11 miles southeast of Fifield.

Weather at Sailor Lake

Best Time to Camp at Sailor Lake

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at Sailor Lake — crisp days, dramatic sugar maple and birch color, and quieter campsites after the summer rush. Expect daytime highs typically in the 45–60°F range in September and early October with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s; this makes hiking, wildlife viewing and shoreline photography especially pleasant. Boating and fishing remain very productive through early October, and crowds drop significantly after Labor Day, giving you a true back-to Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as the best window: sugar maples show and fishing remains productive into October.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 13. Peak season ends September 1.

About Sailor Lake

Sailor Lake sits in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Fifield, Wisconsin, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites in the northern Wisconsin foothills with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and ATV trail access.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at Sailor Lake — crisp days, dramatic sugar maple and birch color, and quieter campsites after the summer rush. Expect daytime highs typically in the 45–60°F range in September and early October with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s; this makes hiking, wildlife viewing and shoreline photography especially pleasant. Boating and fishing remain very productive through early October, and crowds drop significantly after Labor Day, giving you a true back-to Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1460 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads through mixed hardwood forest thick with oak, sugar maple, and paper birch. Sailor Lake forms the centerpiece, its shoreline accessible from several campsites. Interior sites sit under dense canopy with good understory screening. Waterfront sites trade privacy for lake access. The terrain is rolling, the ground rocky in places. Fall color peaks in late September when the maples turn.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or cabins are available at Sailor Lake Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations through Recreation.gov.

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.

Best CampsitesSite 007 offers solid privacy but no lake view. Waterfront sites are generally preferred despite less screening. Walk-in tent sites provide the most seclusion and proximity to the forest floor.

Need help booking Sailor Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Sailor Lake Campground provides rustic camping amenities and is described as quiet and secluded. The campground includes picnic tables and campfire rings at each site, a central water pump with potable water, and well-maintained vault toilets. "Each campsite has its own picnic table and fire ring," noted one reviewer. Another reviewer mentioned, "There is a central water pump house with fresh water and multiple bathrooms throughout the campground." However, there are no electrical hookups, dump stations, or Wi-Fi available. Firewood may not be brought into the campground due to invasive species concerns, emphasizing buying locally.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsSailor Lake Campground uses vault toilets, and flush toilets are not available.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Sailor Lake

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From Booking Sources

3.7

34 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Sailor Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 34 reviews.

Site 007Loved
Site 007 was scenic but not on the lake.
Site 005Mentioned
Site 005 was described as uninviting.
Site 002Mentioned
Site 002 had rocky ground making tent camping uncomfortable.

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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed.

Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mentioned pet-related experiences.

Based on 34 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want quiet, private sites with lake access and ATV-friendly trails in northern Wisconsin's national forest.

Skip if

You need electric hookups or can't tolerate dusty roads and seasonal horse flies.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Twin Lakes sits in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Park Falls, Wisconsin, offering small-scale tent and RV camping in the Northwoods foothills. Managed by the Forest Service, the campground draws visitors for its secluded sites, quiet atmosphere, and access to fishing, paddling, and fall color viewing. Reviewers highlight cleanliness and lake scenery, though mosquitoes can be heavy and water access varies by site.

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Emily Lake Recreation Area is a small, budget-friendly campground in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Park Falls, Wisconsin. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this quiet foothills site offers direct lake access for fishing and boating, with spacious, private campsites surrounded by scenic forest. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and good fishing, though mosquitoes can be heavy and some areas are swampy.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

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Wabasso Lake Recreation Area sits on 49 acres of lake habitat within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, accessible only by foot or paddle. The campground has five primitive sites at $5 per night. It's quiet, affordable, and genuinely remote, but mosquitoes in summer can be brutal.

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Flambeau River State Forest

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Flambeau River State Forest spreads across thousands of acres in northern Wisconsin, anchored by the Flambeau River and its tributaries. The forest holds 95 campsites, two waterfalls (Little Falls and Slough Gundy), and a reintroduced elk herd. Campers come for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a setting that feels remote even on summer weekends.

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Stevens Lake Campground sits in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest foothills, offering direct access to a quiet northern Wisconsin lake known for fishing and loon sightings. This small, primitive site features vault toilets and a mix of tent, RV, and walk-in options. Visitors come for shoreline fishing, calm-water boating, and fall color viewing when crowds thin and wildlife activity peaks.

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Campgrounds

Chequamegon-Nicolet NF

Sailor Lake

About Chequamegon-Nicolet NF

Context for the broader area surrounding Sailor Lake, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/?cid=STELPRD3791205"><img alt="Campsite photo with a camper and chairs set up." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd628634.png" style="width: 518px; height: 291px;"/></a></p> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:500px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/cnnf/recreation/camping-cabins"><img alt="Camping button with an illustration of a tent." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd576367.png" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;"/></a></td> <td><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/cnnf/recreation/hiking"><img alt="Explore trails are found across the forest. Click to check conditions." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd576370.png" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;"/></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/?cid=STELPRDB5110152"><img alt="Button with an illustration of a map for maps and publications." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd576371.png" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;"/></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/?cid=STELPRDB5130790"><img alt="Button with an illustration of a pass for the passes and permits page." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd576372.png" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;"/></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Unplug and reconnect to the largest expanse of public lands under one ownership in northern Wisconsin. Explore the more than 1.5 million acres of water and woodlands year- round motorized trail riding, water and land-based sports and the solitude of quiet campgrounds. </p> <h3>Top Spring Recreation Areas</h3> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:500px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27959">Ed's Lake Trail</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27853">Valhalla Recreation Area</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27827">Wintergreen Trail</a></li> </ul> </td> <td> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27759">Rock Lake Trail</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27751">Mukwonago Trail</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27859">Anvil Lake Recreation Area</a></li> </ul> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>To view recreation features on the map below ...</p> <p>Zoom in on the map to the area that you want to visit and then select the specific site you want to visit such as a campground, cross-country ski area, etc. Once selected, you can click on the individual sites recreation page to learn more about that area.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/?cid=FSEPRD640106">2019 Recreation Fee Proposal</a></p>