Beaver Lake Campground

For those of us in Wisconsin who cherish the quiet beauty of our state's northern forests, Beaver Lake Campground offers an ideal retreat. Nestled within the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Marengo, this campground provides a serene and rustic experience, perfect for disconnecting from daily life and immersing ourselves in nature. As one enthusiastic backpacker noted, it's a "must stop" for those on the North Country National Scenic Trail, praising its "absolutely luxurious" vault toilets and "gucci campsites" equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. The peaceful ambiance, complemented by the "serene" Beaver Lake and the "woodpeckers providing the soundtrack," truly makes it a special place.

Beaver Lake Campground is part of the larger Beaver Lake Recreation Area, which is known for its tranquil atmosphere and connection to diverse outdoor activities. This small, secluded, and family-friendly campground sits on the shores of its namesake—a 35-acre seepage lake that reaches a maximum depth of 10 feet. It's a popular spot for trout, panfish, and largemouth bass fishing, drawing anglers from across the state. While some sites offer waterfront views, it's important to note, as one family review mentioned, that "most of the sites at this campground are not on the water at all," and direct swimming access can be limited from individual sites. However, a boat landing is conveniently located a half-mile away on Forest Road 198 for those wanting to get out on the water.

Despite its rustic charm, Beaver Lake Campground provides essential amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. Visitors consistently commend the cleanliness of the vault toilets, which are often described as surprisingly nice for a rustic campground. The overall sense of being truly "in the woods," combined with these basic yet well-maintained facilities, makes it a preferred destination for those of us who appreciate genuine outdoor experiences without sacrificing basic comforts.

Beaver Lake Campground is remotely yet accessibly located at 61324 Forest Rd 198, Marengo, WI 54855, USA, approximately 15 miles west of Mellen, Wisconsin, within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This puts it squarely in northern Wisconsin, a region renowned for its pristine forests, numerous lakes, and abundant wildlife.

To reach the campground, travelers will typically navigate through well-maintained forest roads. From Mellen, the drive westward on appropriate county and forest roads will guide you to Forest Road 198, leading directly to the Beaver Lake Recreation Area. While the location offers a sense of seclusion, it's not overly difficult to reach, making it a viable option for a weekend trip or a longer vacation from various parts of Wisconsin.

For those interested in exploring on foot, a significant highlight is the campground's direct connection via a spur trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). This 4,800-mile long-distance hiking trail spans eight states, and the segment near Beaver Lake is part of the 31 miles that wind across the north end of the Great Divide Ranger District. This accessibility to a major trail system is a huge draw for hikers and backpackers, offering endless opportunities for exploration directly from your campsite.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides well-maintained and surprisingly clean vault toilets. Customer reviews specifically highlight their cleanliness and quality, making them a comfortable amenity even without flush capabilities.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water during their stay.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the 10 campsites is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals, games, and gear organization.
• Fire Rings: Every campsite includes a fire ring with a grill grate, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Tent Pads: Campsites are designed with designated tent pads, offering a level and clear area for setting up tents.
• Parking Spurs: Each campsite has a parking spur, accommodating vehicles, wheeled camping units, and trailers, with a maximum capacity of 4 vehicles per site.
• Dumpster: A significant convenience, especially for backpackers, is the presence of a dumpster, allowing campers to easily lighten their load and dispose of waste responsibly.
• Reservations: While some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, 6 of the 10 campsites can be reserved in advance, which is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.
• Fee Envelope Tube: Camping fees ($15/night as of recent information) are payable via a fee envelope tube at the site, offering a simple and convenient payment method.

• Secluded and Serene Atmosphere: Beaver Lake Campground is celebrated for its quiet and peaceful environment, providing a true escape from noise and crowds. The soothing sounds of nature, like woodpeckers, contribute to this tranquil setting.
• Access to Beaver Lake: The campground is located on the shores of Beaver Lake, a 35-acre trout, panfish, and largemouth bass lake. While direct swimming access from sites is limited, a boat launch is just half a mile away, allowing for boating (smaller motorboats, canoes, kayaks are suitable) and fishing.
• North Country National Scenic Trail Access: A spur trail directly connects the campground to the NCT, making it an ideal base for avid hikers and backpackers to explore miles of scenic trails through the national forest.
• Abundant Wildlife: The surrounding Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Visitors often report sightings of loons on the lake, frogs, and other forest creatures, enhancing the wilderness experience.
• Beautiful Forest Setting: The campground is surrounded by mature trees, providing ample shade and a true immersion in Wisconsin's northern forest landscape.
• Dog-Friendly: Beaver Lake Campground is a dog-friendly recreation area. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept leashed at all times within the campground.
• Proximity to Natural Attractions: The Beaver Lake Recreation Area is near popular local sightseeing spots such as St. Peter's Dome and Morgan Falls, offering additional opportunities for day trips and exploration.
• Rustic Charm with Key Conveniences: While generally rustic, the campground offers essential amenities like clean vault toilets, potable water, and a dumpster, striking a balance between a wilderness feel and basic comfort.
• Affordable Camping: With a low nightly fee (around $15-$25), Beaver Lake Campground offers an affordable way to enjoy a high-quality outdoor experience in a national forest setting.

Beaver Lake Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Address: 61324 Forest Rd 198, Marengo, WI 54855, USA

Phone: (715) 634-4821

Mobile Phone: +1 715-634-4821

For more detailed information, including current conditions, alerts, and potential reservation systems, it's best to contact the local Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Ranger District Office or visit their official website.

Reservations for certain sites can typically be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

For those of us living in Wisconsin, Beaver Lake Campground offers an authentic and accessible Northwoods experience that truly allows for a deep connection with our state's natural heritage. Its location within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, while feeling secluded, is still within a manageable driving distance for many, making it a viable option for weekend escapes or longer, more immersive vacations without the need for extensive travel.

What makes Beaver Lake Campground particularly appealing to local Wisconsinites is its unique blend of rustic charm and essential comforts. We appreciate the "luxurious" vault toilets and the availability of drinking water and fire rings, which enhance the camping experience without detracting from the wilderness feel. The generous campsite spacing and the "serene" atmosphere, with woodpeckers providing a natural soundtrack, ensure a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, fulfilling that desire for quiet solitude that many of us seek in our outdoor adventures.

The direct connection to the North Country National Scenic Trail is a significant draw for our local hiking community, offering unparalleled opportunities for exploration right from the campsite. For anglers, the well-stocked Beaver Lake provides excellent fishing for trout and other species, a quintessential Wisconsin pastime. And for families, the ability to bring well-behaved dogs adds to the inclusive and welcoming environment, creating memories for every member of the family.

While the campground is generally rustic and not all sites are directly on the water, the nearby boat landing and the overall immersion in the forest environment more than compensate. Beaver Lake Campground truly provides an affordable, high-quality, and deeply satisfying outdoor experience that embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's Northwoods. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simple pleasures of camping in our beautiful state.

Beaver Lake Campground

61324 Forest Rd 198, Marengo, WI 54855, USA