Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest
4.5042 reviewsNorthern Highland - American Legion State Forest
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
505 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
505 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsNorthern Highland - American Legion State Forest
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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$0.00
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Going To Camp
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.50
Recommended
Based on 42 reviews
394 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleanspaciouswater
"Visitor reviews praise the large, quiet Northwoods setting, clear sandy lakes and family‑friendly beaches, and well‑spaced campsites. Reviews consistently note a mix of rustic and developed campgrounds—Clear Lake and some lakefront loops are more developed while many sites are primitive with vault toilets and hand‑pump water."
Best Time to Camp at Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest
Summer brings the forest to life with families splashing in lake waters and paddlers exploring quiet coves, though you'll want to pack your bug spray as mosquitoes and biting flies stake their claim near water and in shaded campsites. For those seeking tranquility, late September offers a magical transformation—the crowds thin dramatically, the insects retreat, and cooler nights create perfect conditions for campfires and some of the clearest stargazing you'll find anywhere in the Midwest.
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)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
About Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest
Nestled in Wisconsin's Northwoods, Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest unfolds across a stunning landscape of rolling glacial hills, crystal-clear lakes, and dense mixed forests. Whether you're seeking a lakefront retreat with modern amenities or a secluded wooded hideaway with just the essentials, you'll find your perfect basecamp among the forest's diverse campground options—from rustic hand-pump sites to loops with electric hookups and restrooms.
A mix of rustic/primitive campgrounds and a smaller number of more developed campground loops; includes tent and RV sites across different campgrounds.
Historical SignificanceThe forest is designated Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest; reviewers note memorials and a patriotic theme in parts of the area (specific historical details not provided in sources).
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the forest to life with families splashing in lake waters and paddlers exploring quiet coves, though you'll want to pack your bug spray as mosquitoes and biting flies stake their claim near water and in shaded campsites. For those seeking tranquility, late September offers a magical transformation—the crowds thin dramatically, the insects retreat, and cooler nights create perfect conditions for campfires and some of the clearest stargazing you'll find anywhere in the Midwest.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the sight of sunlight dancing across pristine, sandy-bottom lakes like North Trout, Clear, Starrett, and Musky—each one inviting you to dive into their crystal waters from welcoming sandy beaches. The forest itself is a tapestry of towering pines and hardwoods, interwoven with peaceful wetlands where wildlife thrives. Trails wind along former logging roads and snowmobile routes, offering gentle, accessible walks perfect for families and casual hikers rather than grueling climbs. When darkness falls, step outside your tent to discover why visitors rave about the inky night skies—far from city lights, the Milky Way stretches overhead in spectacular fashion, making this a stargazer's paradise.
Geological RegionNorthern Highland / Northwoods — rolling glacial terrain with mixed hardwood–pine forests, lakes and wetlands
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Campsite details
Total Campsites505 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Classic Northwoods recreation across a large network of lakes and trails: swimming and sandy beaches, paddling and small‑boat use, fishing, biking and walking on former logging roads and multiuse corridors.
Hiking
Extensive trail network including old logging roads and snowmobile corridors; trails tend to be wide and relatively easy rather than steep or technical.Fishing
Good freshwater fishing on many clear, sandy‑bottom lakes (users report bluegill, perch, bass and general good fishing from shore and small piers).Swimming
Multiple campgrounds sit on clear lakes with sandy, shallow, family‑friendly beaches ideal for swimming and young children.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are Reviewers report enforcement of quiet hours (one account notes enforcement by law enforcement late evening); visitors should follow posted quiet‑hour rules at each campground.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal heavy mosquitoes and biting insects near water and in woods; many waterfront pads are sloped and can be uneven, making setup difficult for some tents/RVs; cell coverage is variable in the Northwoods and may be weak in interior loops.
Weather at Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest
-7
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 9.7 mph
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Good to know
Common complaintsMany campgrounds are primitive with no site hookups (no electric/water/sewer at numerous sites); waterfront pads can be sloped and less level; insect pressure can be high near water (reported in campground guides); some visitors report strict enforcement of quiet/generator rules. There are mixed comments regarding pet access.
Campground Map
Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest
Nearby supplies
Reviewers report a Walmart and other small‑town shops within driving distance of some NHAL campgrounds (exact locations/distances not specified)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
42 reviews
Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitor reviews praise the large, quiet Northwoods setting, clear sandy lakes and family‑friendly beaches, and well‑spaced campsites. Reviews consistently note a mix of rustic and developed campgrounds—Clear Lake and some lakefront loops are more developed while many sites are primitive with vault toilets and hand‑pump water.
Review Summaries
Based on 42 reviews
What Campers Love
Clear, sandy‑bottom lakes and beaches; spacious, wooded and private campsites; extensive, easy trail system; family‑friendly swimming and paddling; clean facilities where running water is provided;...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
• **Lack of hookups / primitive nature:** Some TripAdvisor reviewers explicitly note that there is **no electricity, water, or sewer at sites** in many NHAL campgrounds, which some RV users may view...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reserve early for in‑demand lakefront sites (North Trout, Clear Lake, Musky); consider interior wooded sites for flatter, more level camping; bring insect repellent/bug protection and plan to...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
“sites are spaced out and have enough cover between them to feel private.”; “Perfect place to star gaze and see the Northern Lights. Bucket list #7: See the Aurora Borealis. Check!”; “Clear lake...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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