Boot Lake Campground Introduce
For Wisconsinites seeking a genuine Northwoods escape, steeped in natural beauty and tranquility, Boot Lake Campground in Townsend offers an idyllic camping experience. Situated within the sprawling Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this campground provides direct access to the scenic 263-acre Boot Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful coves. It's a destination where you can truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors, whether you prefer relaxing by the water, embarking on an adventure, or simply enjoying the quietude of nature.
Boot Lake Campground is designed to cater to a variety of campers, from those who prefer traditional tent camping to RV and trailer enthusiasts. With 36 campsites, including a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options, it provides flexibility for planning your trip. The campground's setting, amidst a blend of hardwoods and pines, offers ample shade, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere even on sunny Wisconsin days.
The centerpiece of the experience is undoubtedly Boot Lake itself. Praised by visitors for its "amazing beach and lake," it offers a fantastic swimming area with clear water, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Beyond swimming, the lake is a hub of activity. Anglers will appreciate the opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, bass, musky, and panfish. For those who enjoy paddling, kayaking, and canoeing are popular ways to explore the serene waters and discover peaceful coves that larger boats can't easily reach. Motorized boating, tubing, and jet-skiing are also enjoyed during designated wake hours, offering something for every water sport enthusiast.
While the campground is a fantastic base for lakeside fun, it's important for prospective campers to note some operational aspects. As some reviews mention, bathrooms (vault toilets) are provided and are maintained by the Forest Service. However, expectations for cleanliness should align with typical vault toilet facilities. Also, fire rings are provided at each site, although some may be taller. There are no direct electric hookups at any of the 34 sites, and drinking water is available via hand pumps. While pets are allowed in the campground area, they are not permitted on the swimming beach, a detail important for those traveling with their "fur babies."
Despite these minor considerations, the overwhelming sentiment from visitors points to Boot Lake Campground as a "beautiful place" where you can frequently spot wildlife like loons, eagles, and other birds. The sense of peace and the abundance of recreational opportunities truly make it a standout choice for those looking to connect with Wisconsin's natural splendor.
Boot Lake Campground is idyllically situated at Camp Rd, Townsend, WI 54175, USA. This address places it firmly within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a vast expanse of pristine wilderness in northeastern Wisconsin. The specific location on the north end of Boot Lake ensures campers have direct and easy access to the lake's recreational offerings.
Townsend, Wisconsin, while a smaller community, serves as a gateway to this beautiful region. The campground is approximately 5.6 miles south of the intersection of Highway 32 and County Road T in Townsend, making it accessible via well-maintained paved roads. This ease of access is a significant advantage for campers traveling with RVs or trailers, as it minimizes the challenges of navigating rough terrain.
Despite its seemingly remote setting, Boot Lake Campground is within a reasonable driving distance of essential services. The nearby communities of Townsend and Lakewood (6 and 9 miles away, respectively) offer restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and other supplies. Wabeno, about 10 miles away, provides additional amenities. This means campers can stock up on necessities before arriving or easily replenish supplies during their stay without venturing too far from their natural retreat.
Beyond the immediate area, the campground's location in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest opens up a world of outdoor activities. The Jones Spring Non-Motorized Area is nearby, accessible via a trail from the campground, offering opportunities for hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing in winter. The Wolf River, known for its excellent trout fishing, as well as opportunities for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, is also within reach. For those who enjoy scenic drives, the Cathedral Pines Trail is approximately four miles away and is a must-see. The accessibility to these diverse natural attractions makes Boot Lake Campground an excellent base for exploring the rich outdoor landscape of Northern Wisconsin.
The combination of a secluded lakeside environment, straightforward road access, and proximity to both essential services and extensive recreational opportunities makes the location of Boot Lake Campground highly desirable for Wisconsin locals seeking an authentic outdoor adventure.
- Campsites: Boot Lake Campground offers 34 campsites suitable for both tents and RVs/trailers (back-in only). These include a mix of reservable sites (21) and first-come, first-served sites (13).
- Non-Electric Sites: All campsites are non-electric, promoting a more rustic and traditional camping experience.
- Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires (note: some fire rings may be tall).
- Paved Roads & Spurs: The campground features paved roads and paved campsite spurs, facilitating easy navigation and setup for vehicles.
- Vault Toilets: Accessible vault toilets are provided for restroom facilities throughout the campground.
- Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via hand pumps within the campground area.
- Swimming Beach: A beautiful sandy swimming beach on Boot Lake is available for campers and day-use visitors.
- Boat Landing with Dock: A public boat landing with a paved ramp, launch pier, and parking area is located within the campground, offering easy access to Boot Lake for motorized and non-motorized boats.
- Picnic Area: A shaded picnic area with tables is available near the swim beach and boat landing.
- Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site, providing assistance and overseeing campground operations.
- Garbage & Recycling: Facilities for garbage and recycling disposal are provided.
- Day Use Area: A day-use area, including the beach, picnic area, and boat landing, is accessible for a $5 daily fee (waived for registered campers).
- Crystal-Clear Boot Lake Access: Direct access to a beautiful, clear 263-acre lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating.
- Scenic Northwoods Setting: Nestled within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, offering a tranquil environment with abundant hardwoods and pines for shade.
- Variety of Water Activities: Ideal for fishing (walleye, pike, bass, musky, panfish), swimming, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and jet-skiing (during wake hours).
- Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe loons, eagles, and other birds daily, enhancing the natural experience.
- Designated Swimming Beach: A "great beach with an amazing swim area" provides a safe and enjoyable spot for water recreation.
- Pet-Friendly (Campground Only): Pets are welcome in the campground area, though not on the swimming beach, allowing companions to join the adventure.
- Proximity to Hiking Trails: Connects to the Jones Spring Non-Motorized Area trails for hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing.
- Authentic Camping Experience: Non-electric sites and vault toilets contribute to a more traditional, rustic camping feel.
- Camp Host On-Site: Provides a sense of security and assistance for campers.
- Accessible Paved Roads: Ensures easy navigation for all vehicle types, including larger RVs and trailers.
Address: Camp Rd, Townsend, WI 54175, USA
Phone: (715) 276-6333
Mobile Phone: +1 715-276-6333
For Wisconsinites, Boot Lake Campground in Townsend represents an ideal outdoor getaway, perfectly aligning with the state's love for natural recreation and peaceful retreats. This campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to experiencing the authentic beauty and tranquility of the Northwoods, making it exceptionally suitable for local adventurers.
Firstly, the prime location on the clear waters of Boot Lake is a significant draw. Wisconsin locals cherish their lakes, and having direct access to a beautiful, clean lake for swimming, fishing, and paddling is a huge advantage. Whether it's a family looking for a safe swim area, an angler hoping to reel in a walleye, or a kayaker seeking peaceful coves, Boot Lake offers it all right at your campsite. This accessibility means less travel time and more quality time immersed in the activities that define a true Wisconsin summer.
Secondly, the authentic camping experience, with non-electric sites and vault toilets, appeals to those who truly want to disconnect and embrace nature. While modern amenities are often sought, many Wisconsinites appreciate the simplicity and rustic charm of traditional camping. Boot Lake Campground provides a setting where families can bond around a campfire, enjoy the sounds of wildlife, and gaze at starry nights without the distractions of excessive technology, fostering genuine outdoor memories.
Lastly, the natural surroundings within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offer endless opportunities for exploration beyond the lake. Locals can enjoy extensive hiking trails, observe diverse wildlife, and in colder months, even engage in cross-country skiing. This year-round appeal, combined with the convenience of relatively easy road access and nearby towns for supplies, makes Boot Lake Campground a practical and highly desirable choice. It’s a place where Wisconsin families and individuals can return year after year, building traditions and deepening their connection with the state's magnificent natural heritage.
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Boot Lake Campground Reviews
This is an amazing beach and lake. The boat launch is a bit difficult due to the angle needed to back down. And parkingin that area is limited. But the lake is a beautiful place. The water is clear in most areas. Loons, eagles, and other birds seen daily while visiting. Fishing was ok. Lots of tubers, jetskiers during wake hours. The kayaking was very peaceful and it was around 4 miles to go all the way around. Peaceful coves in some areas that boats can't get to easily. Great beach with an amazing swim area. No dogs allowed which was disappointing but understood. Picnic tables and afternoon shade. Great place for the $5 a day pass. There is also a campground located on the lake.
Aug 03, 2024 · Tonia MiskeBeen going here for 4 years now. Great sites…The bathrooms need to be cleaned more and make sure you get a site that the fire ring isn’t a tall one cause other wise no use to have a campfire. See in pics
Aug 14, 2023 · Pacman1745This is a great place to go camping. The beach and lake are nicely set up with a lot of sandy beach along the shore, but a grassy area in the back area. There is convenient access to a hiking trail (I posted a picture of the map showing the trails) from the campsite. The Cathedral of the Pines is also just a short car drive from the campsite. If you want a quiet sanctuary style walk, this is the place to go and the tree's are absolutely amazing. Nearby Townsend provides access to a few items should something be forgotten at home, but overall this campground is smack dab in the middle of the forest with just the sounds of nature and fellow campers at night. I've posted some additional pictures of one campsite that we use regularly. I'll add some more pictures of other sites next time we are up there. Signal is spotty at best for just about every network, but a better signal can be had near the lake. So if you want to connect with the outside world while camping, go somewhere else. If you want to disconnect and really get away from it all then this is a great place to be.Update: July of 2019 saw a large number of trees uprooted and down throughout the campground which forced this campground to temporarily close. This is due to one storm that spawned straight line winds and several tornadoes. Boot Lake campground is closed for all of 2019. 2020 is still up in the air. Speaking with some rangers in the area, their hope is to have this campground cleared and open no later than mid 2020. So if you want to book in January online, it is likely that you will not be able to. I walked through the area in August and there is a LOT to clean up. So mid 2020 actually sounds reasonable. However, the beach and boat landing are still open and accessible, only the campground is closed.This obviously has a low priority compared with all the cleanup required for the surrounding communities. Many residents are still in cleanup mode six weeks after the storm. We will see how 2020 plays out. There are other campgrounds available that were not affected by the storm.
Jul 28, 2017 · Jason RoseI got the privilege of helping the forest service clean this campground, it was a great experience. This place is beautiful.
May 03, 2018 · Brianna C.Site Host was friendly and kept everything clean, always love the sites, was on site 16, though a lot of wind off the lake.
Sep 24, 2023 · Brad Schumann
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