North Trout Lake campground Introduce
For those in search of "camping near me" in the picturesque Northwoods of Wisconsin, North Trout Lake Campground in Boulder Junction offers a unique and appealing rustic experience. If you're browsing platforms under the category of "camping near me" and value natural beauty, outdoor activities like biking and swimming, and the charm of a non-reservable campground (though transitioning soon), North Trout Lake Campground is worth a closer look.
Environment: Red Pines, Lake Access, and Fewer Bugs
North Trout Lake Campground is described as "gorgeous" and "rustic," nestled within "a stand of massive red pines." This imagery evokes a sense of natural beauty and a classic Northwoods camping atmosphere. One of the significant environmental advantages highlighted is that "the grounds are open, high, windy and dry enough that the area seems to have fewer bugs than many nearby campgrounds." This can be a major draw for campers seeking a more comfortable outdoor experience, especially during peak seasons. Furthermore, Trout Lake itself boasts a "hard sand bottom here, making it great for swimming." Several campsites even offer "direct access to the beach," enhancing the lakeside experience. While there is a mention of a county highway nearby, with some noise audible throughout most of the campground, it's noted that it "isn’t bad overnight and can be gotten used to." For those searching "camping near me" who appreciate a beautiful lakeside setting with fewer insects, North Trout Lake Campground presents an attractive natural environment.
Services and Amenities: Rustic Charm with Essentials
While the campground leans towards a rustic feel, it does offer essential amenities. Reviews mention "clean sites and large," which is always a plus for a comfortable camping experience. The availability of "vault toilets" is noted, indicating basic restroom facilities. For firewood, one reviewer suggests that there were "fallen trees everywhere to burn," recommending bringing a saw and saving money on purchasing wood, although it's also mentioned that they do have "fire wood for sale." This suggests that while natural firewood might be readily available, purchasing it on-site is also an option. Additionally, there is a "nice walking trail" within the campground for those who enjoy exploring on foot. It's important to note the proximity of a "shooting range close by," which means campers might hear noise from it until it closes. While not a service, it's an environmental factor to be aware of. For those looking at "camping near me" who appreciate spacious and clean sites with basic amenities and access to trails and firewood, North Trout Lake Campground fits the bill.
Features and Activities: Biking, Swimming, and Lakeside Seclusion
North Trout Lake Campground shines in terms of its features and activity access. It offers "first-rate bike trail access," allowing campers to "bike as far as St. Germain or Manitowish Waters without leaving paved trails." This makes it an excellent base for cycling enthusiasts. The hard sand bottom of Trout Lake makes it ideal for swimming, and the direct beach access from several campsites is a significant feature for water lovers. Additionally, the campground has "many walk in sites" and "a number of walk-in sites within the property offer some seclusion from neighboring campers while providing gorgeous lake views." This caters to those seeking a bit more privacy and a closer connection to the lake. The fact that it's open late into the fall and reopens early in spring makes it a more versatile option for year-round outdoor enthusiasts compared to some other campgrounds in the region. If you're searching "camping near me" for a location that combines biking, swimming, and the option for more secluded lakeside camping, North Trout Lake Campground has a lot to offer.
Promotional Information and Unique Selling Points
One of the most unique aspects of North Trout Lake Campground, as of summer 2020, was that it was "one of the last remaining first-come first-served campgrounds operated by the Wisconsin DNR." The review highlighted that the "lack of reservable sites helps maintain the unique experience found here," and that you could "find an open site at this campground almost any weekend, even in the middle of summer." However, it also noted a significant upcoming change: "this and other remaining non-reservable campgrounds in the NHAL are moving onto the reservation system in 2022." Therefore, while the first-come, first-served aspect was a key feature, it's important for potential campers to be aware of the likely transition to a reservation system. The fact that "The Northern Highland American Legion State Forest staff does a stellar job managing the site and maintaining facilities" speaks to the quality of the campground's upkeep. Being "an all-around gem" and being open late into the fall and reopening early in spring further adds to its appeal. For locals browsing "camping near me," the combination of its natural beauty, bike trail access, swimming opportunities, and the previously non-reservable nature (now likely changed) made North Trout Lake Campground a highly desirable option.
Contact and Location Information
To inquire further or plan your visit (keeping in mind the potential shift to a reservation system), you can contact North Trout Lake Campground at (815) 307-9164 or mobile +1 815-307-9164. The campground is located at 4525-4599 Co Hwy M, Boulder Junction, WI 54512, USA. If you are searching within the "camping near me" category and are interested in the Boulder Junction area, this address will help you find this well-regarded campground.
In conclusion, for those seeking "camping near me" in Wisconsin's Northwoods, North Trout Lake Campground in Boulder Junction offers a "gorgeous rustic campground" experience. With its access to Trout Lake for swimming, first-rate bike trail access, the option for secluded walk-in sites with lake views, and a history of being a reliably available first-come, first-served location (though this may have changed to a reservation system since 2022), it's a compelling choice. The fewer bugs, clean and large sites, and the stellar management by the state forest staff further enhance its appeal as a Northwoods gem. Consider North Trout Lake Campground for your next camping adventure when searching for "camping near me."
North Trout Lake campground Photos










North Trout Lake campground Location
North Trout Lake campground
4525-4599 Co Hwy M, Boulder Junction, WI 54512, USA
North Trout Lake campground4525-4599 Co Hwy M
South Trout Lake Campground3678 Co Hwy M
Jag Lake Group Camp4125 Co Rd M
North Muskellunge Lake Group Campground9741 Big Muskellunge Lake Rd
Upper Gresham Lake State Forest Campground4-817
Camp Holiday Campground11475 Rudolph Lake Ln
Birchwood Campground5540 Lucas Ln
Firefly Lake Campground10269 County Hwy N
Starrett Lake CampgroundSayner
Crystal Lake Campground10145 County Rd N
Musky Lake CampgroundSayner
Razorback Lake Campground3696 Razorback Rd
Island Lake CampsiteBoulder Junction
North Trout Lake campground Reviews
Very nice camp ground, clean sites and large. Do not bother bringing wood or buying any, there was fallen trees everywhere to burn. Save your money and bring a saw. I wouldn't hesitate to come back. A few negatives are a shooting range close by so you will listen to that until it closes and it is close to a county highway, not terribly annoying or loud just something to be aware of. They have many walk in sites, fire wood for sale and vault toilets. A nice walking trail.
Oct 24, 2022 · Bryan KussA gorgeous rustic campground nestled in a stand of massive red pines offering first-rate bike trail access. Trout Lake has a hard sand bottom here, making it great for swimming. Several campsites have direct access to the beach.You can start here and bike as far as St. Germain or Manitowish Waters without leaving paved trails.A number of walk-in sites within the property offer some seclusion from neighboring campers while providing gorgeous lake views.You can hear noise of the county highway throughout most of the campground, but it isn’t bad overnight and can be gotten used to.The grounds are open, high, windy and dry enough that the area seems to have fewer bugs than many nearby campgrounds.The Northern Highland American Legion State Forest staff does a stellar job managing the site and maintaining facilities.As of summer 2020 this is one of the last remaining first-come first-served campgrounds operated by the Wisconsin DNR. The lack of reservable sites helps maintain the unique experience found here. You can find an open site at this campground almost any weekend, even in the middle of summer. Enjoy it while it lasts; this and other remaining non-reservable campgrounds in the NHAL are moving onto the reservation system in 2022.North Trout is also one of few campgrounds in its region that’s open late into the fall and reopens early in spring. An all-around gem.
Apr 03, 2021 · Greg KruegerIf you're looking for a place that's out in the woods but without having to fight through a trail and be an hour away from supplies this is the right campground for you. It will give you the feeling of being in the woods but with all the comforts you would want for an easy relaxing trip.There are power sites as well and firewood for sale on site. The sites themselves are pretty open so if you're looking for privacy I would suggest the walk in sites.I do not suggest the north trout lake boat launch, extremely shallow. Use the south but be very careful there are a lot of bars and humps that come out of no where. Additionally the fishing is very hard on this lake. The fish won't be where you expect them and they are extremely spot specific. Too far to any side of structure and you won't get anything. Walleye and small mouth are your best bet. Highly suggest a guide.Outstanding views over all and very peaceful minus the sound of traffic during the day. But that goes away at night.
Sep 13, 2018 · Blake EverydayVery clean and well kept sites, beach, rest rooms and grounds.. Beach is very nice and tons of room.Highway noice is loud ro very loud at times. It was logged recently and they didn't clean up the typical logging mess. I can see it out in the forest but not in a Camp Ground. The back looked like a tornado went through.Rest rooms rooms were very clean and didn't smell.Only strike it had was to allow logging in the camp, and or clean up the mess it made! Otherwise it would have received a 5!!!
Aug 06, 2022 · Brian StewartNice campground on the lake. There was more traffic noise from Road M than I expected, but still was peaceful. Terrific access to the trail system and we also found great hiking on the forest roads. There was a camper parked in the host site, but no one was there during the 5 days we visited. Our fire pit has not been cleaned before we arrived. At $20/night plus Wisconsin forest pass, it was pricey for no electricity, but we still would return if we are ever in the area again.
Oct 03, 2022 · Deana Lehman
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