Moose Lake
4.3946 reviewsPO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open annually from M...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open annually from M...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMoose Lake
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for standard non-electric sites is $15 during both peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Additional costs may apply for...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(715) 634-4821 OR (715) 264-2511
What Campers Say
4.39
Recommended
Based on 46 reviews
37 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietpeacefulcleanlake
Some mention
mosquitoes
"User reviews highlight the campground's serene, secluded, and rustic atmosphere. Privacy, clean vault toilets, and spacious campsites were frequently praised. Complaints centered on water safety, mosquitoes, and the condition of the beach."
Fees & Passes at Moose Lake
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit.
Cancellation: Changes to reservations incur a $10 change fee unless dates from the original reservation are extend...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Chequamegon National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Moose Lake
Each season paints Moose Lake in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with warm days perfect for swimming and paddling, though the lush forest also welcomes its share of mosquitoes—wise campers come prepared with insect repellent. As autumn approaches, the surrounding maple and aspen forests burst into a spectacular display of golds and crimsons, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers alike. The cooler temperatures and crisp air make fall camping particularly magical, with morning mists rising off the lake creating ethereal scenes.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23 - September 1. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open annually from May 23 to September 1 (reservable) and September 2 to October 13 (first-come, first-served).
About Moose Lake
Tucked away in the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest, Moose Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where 15 thoughtfully spaced campsites line the shores of pristine Moose Lake. This hidden gem has earned a devoted following among those seeking true wilderness solitude, with visitors often describing their stays as transformative experiences. The rustic charm and peaceful ambiance create the perfect backdrop for families looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Moose Lake Campground caters to tent and RV campers, offering single-family sites with basic amenities in a rustic, secluded environment.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Moose Lake in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with warm days perfect for swimming and paddling, though the lush forest also welcomes its share of mosquitoes—wise campers come prepared with insect repellent. As autumn approaches, the surrounding maple and aspen forests burst into a spectacular display of golds and crimsons, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers alike. The cooler temperatures and crisp air make fall camping particularly magical, with morning mists rising off the lake creating ethereal scenes.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the haunting call of loons echoing across 1,670 acres of crystal-clear water, surrounded by a tapestry of towering pines, graceful spruces, and whispering aspens. This diverse forest ecosystem, punctuated by stands of jack pine and fragrant balsam, creates a sanctuary for remarkable wildlife encounters. Lucky visitors might glimpse majestic elk grazing at dawn, watch eagles soar overhead, or even spot the campground's namesake—moose—wading through shallow bays with their young. The magical chorus of loons at night and the possibility of encountering baby moose have become legendary among repeat visitors.
Geological RegionMoose Lake Campground sits within the vast 845,000-acre Chequamegon National Forest, a remarkable patchwork of ecosystems that showcases northern Wisconsin's natural diversity. The centerpiece is Moose Lake itself, a sprawling 1,670-acre jewel carved by ancient glaciers and now cradled by rolling hills. The surrounding landscape weaves together mature hardwood forests of maple and aspen with evergreen stands of pine, spruce, and balsam, while carefully managed jack pine plantations provide crucial habitat for native species. This varied terrain creates countless microclimates and habitats that support the region's abundant wildlife.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are large enough for travel trailers or RVs, with some sites suited for tents. Reviews mention that site 3 offers the best view of the lake, while site 2 is small and better suited for tents.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is noted for its privacy, with most sites being well-spaced and semi-secluded.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpt for sites with direct lake access, such as sites 2, 3, and 4 for views and convenience. Bring bug spray and water due to local hazards.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit per site is not specified.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are well-spaced, offering privacy. Parking aprons are grass and gravel, and roads within the campground are not paved. "Sites are large enough for travel trailer or RV, a few are uneven for tents."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually from May 23 to September 1 (reservable) and September 2 to October 13 (first-come, first-served).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (website, app, contact center).
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during the off-peak season from September 2 to October 13. "First come, first served sites may be available."
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 change fee unless dates from the original reservation are extended or shortened. Cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeit of the first night's use fee if canceled less than a day prior to check-in. No-shows result in a $20 fee and forfeit of the first night’s fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Moose Lake Campground offers a variety of activities centered around its natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The lake is popular for its clear water and fishing opportunities for musky, walleye, bass, and panfish. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of elk, eagles, and loons noted by campers.
Hiking
The campground provides access to miles of hiking trails within the Chequamegon National Forest.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Moose Lake, with musky, walleye, bass, and panfish frequently caught. Some reviews mention less-than-ideal fishing conditions, such as small walleye and few perch.Swimming
Swimming is supported at the sandy beach, though some reviews describe the beach as overgrown or littered.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible from the campground, offering opportunities for outdoor exercise.Boating
The campground features a boat ramp for easy lake access, supporting activities such as kayaking and canoeing.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of elk, eagles, loons, and other animals.Beach activities
Beach activities are supported, though the beach's condition has received mixed reviews, with some mentioning overgrowth and litter.Winter Activities
No winter activities are explicitly mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports at Moose Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated, but several reviews praise the campground's peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are persistent, especially in summer. "Bring bug spray during the mid-summer/fall months for mosquitoes." The water pump is marked with warnings about toxic levels of manganese, making it unsuitable for infants or individuals over 50. "The water at this campground is contaminated," one user noted.
Weather at Moose Lake
-11
°F
Dec 8
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include Hayward Area Memorial Hospital (approximately 28 miles away) and Hayward Police Department.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 1
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Moose Lake, which spans 1,670 acres, is available from the campground. Many sites are right on the water or offer paths leading to the lake.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include issues with the well water, mosquitoes, and limited activities beyond fishing and relaxing. "The water pump was shut off or broken," and "Bring your own water," are recurrent themes.
Host"The rangers are very nice."
Campground Map
PO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA
Driving directionsFrom Hayward, Wisconsin, drive east on State Highway 77 about 28 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 174 and continue about a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 176. After about 5 miles turn right again and drive less than 2 miles to the campground.
Roads into the campground are gravel and not paved. "It was a 7-mile gravel road trip to the campground. It was worth the drive; however, we did break both clearance marker lights on our trailer because of flying gravel."Nearby places
Hayward, WI (~28 miles / ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Clam Lake Groceries (~10 miles away) is available for food, supplies, and diesel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
46 reviews
Moose Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene, secluded, and rustic atmosphere. Privacy, clean vault toilets, and spacious campsites were frequently praised. Complaints centered on water safety, mosquitoes, and the condition of the beach.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the solitude, clean facilities, large and private campsites, and proximity to the lake. Many noted the peaceful and quiet environment as a major draw.
Based on 46 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the presence of mosquitoes, the unsafe water from the hand pump due to toxic manganese levels, and the condition of the beach, which some described as overgrown and littered.
Based on 46 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing bug spray, portable water due to the unsafe well water, and firewood as it is not sold on-site. Many suggest visiting in the fall for cooler weather and fewer mosquitoes.
Based on 46 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention high mosquito activity, while early fall is highlighted as a better time to visit due to cooler weather and fewer bugs. Summer also brings more crowds on weekends.
Based on 46 reviewsCamper Quotes
"If you're looking for rustic and isolated, this is it." - r k (2021) "Site 3 has the best view of the lake." - Judy Galvanek (2021) "The water at this campground is contaminated." - SAMUEL B (2023)...
Based on 46 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 3 is praised for its excellent lake views and privacy. Site 2 is better suited for tents due to its small size. Site 4 is noted for its spaciousness and direct path to the water.
Based on 46 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are accessible, but no further accessibility features were noted in reviews.
Based on 46 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressed pet-friendly features or policies.
Based on 46 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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