Moose Lake

Star4.37
73 reviews
PO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,411 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Chequamegon National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Moose 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

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Provider
(715) 634-4821 OR (715) 264-2511
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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 73 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA

Moose Lake

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open and popular in summer with swimming/boating, but higher mosquitoes and weekend crowds noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Early fall highlighted as better time: cooler, fewer bugs and beautiful forest colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from late May; spring access limited and conditions variable (mud, cool temps).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for winter; not rated for winter activities.

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.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit.

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.
HikingThe campground provides access to miles of hiking trails within the Chequamegon National Forest.
FishingFishing 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.
SwimmingSwimming is supported at the sandy beach, though some reviews describe the beach as overgrown or littered.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible from the campground, offering opportunities for outdoor exercise.
BoatingThe campground features a boat ramp for easy lake access, supporting activities such as kayaking and canoeing.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of elk, eagles, loons, and other animals.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes 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.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Moose Lake

Reviews

4.4
73 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
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 73 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 73 reviews

Common 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 73 reviews

Pro 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 73 reviews

Seasonal 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 73 reviews

Camper 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)...
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Based on 73 reviews

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 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, but no further accessibility features were noted in reviews.
Based on 73 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressed pet-friendly features or policies.
Based on 73 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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