Connors Lake State Campground

For Wisconsinites seeking a genuine escape into the tranquility of the Northwoods, Connors Lake State Campground offers an idyllic retreat. Nestled within the expansive Flambeau River State Forest near Loretta, this campground embodies the rustic charm and natural beauty that makes Wisconsin a premier outdoor destination. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, offering a quiet and serene environment far from the clamor of city life.

Connors Lake State Campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere and well-spaced, spacious campsites. It’s designed to provide a more traditional camping experience, focusing on immersion in the natural surroundings rather than extensive modern amenities. Visitors consistently praise the quality of the fire pits and the surprisingly well-maintained vault toilets, indicating a commitment to comfort even in a rustic setting. This dedication to providing a clean and functional environment, coupled with the breathtaking natural landscape, makes it a favored spot for those who truly appreciate the outdoors.

Part of the larger Flambeau River State Forest, which spans over 90,000 acres, Connors Lake Campground benefits from being within a vast wilderness area. The forest is celebrated for its excellent backcountry opportunities, including miles of hiking, ATV, and snowmobile trails, along with prime hunting and fishing grounds. Connors Lake itself is a clear, inviting body of water, perfect for a variety of water-based activities. For locals, this campground represents an accessible gateway to the extensive recreational offerings of one of Wisconsin's most cherished state forests.

Connors Lake State Campground is located in a beautifully wooded area near Loretta, Wisconsin, deep within the Flambeau River State Forest. The address is:

2927N Co Hwy M, Loretta, WI 54896, USA

Loretta is a small community in Sawyer County, in the northwestern part of Wisconsin. Access to the campground is typically via well-maintained county highways, ensuring a relatively smooth drive even for larger RVs. The nearest towns for supplies and services include Winter (approximately 19 miles away), Phillips (about 21 miles away), and Park Falls (around 25 miles away). These towns offer groceries, gas, restaurants, and other necessities, so campers can stock up before heading into the forest.

The campground's location on the shore of Connors Lake provides direct water access. While the immediate beach area by the campground might be small, a larger, better-quality swimming beach on the same lake is typically just a short drive (about 6 minutes) away at the Connors Lake picnic area. The campground roads are generally paved, and most campsites feature level parking spurs, making it an excellent choice for both tent and RV/trailer camping, with back-in only sites whose maximum length varies.

Connors Lake State Campground focuses on providing essential, well-maintained services for a comfortable rustic camping experience, emphasizing functionality and natural integration.

• Campsites: The campground offers a total of 29 sites, accommodating both tents and RV/trailer camping. Each site typically includes a parking spur, a tent area, a picnic table, and a heavy-duty fire ring with an adjustable, flip-back grill, which is a highly appreciated feature. Sites 7, 9, 10, and 11 have electric service (50 amps available), while the remaining 26 sites are non-electric. All sites are reservable.
• Vault Toilets: Two vault toilet buildings are available. Reviews consistently highlight their cleanliness and a quality that makes them "almost as good as flushies," indicating a finished building structure.
• Hand Pump Water: Drinking water is available via hand pumps throughout the campground, providing convenient access to potable water. An electric well also provides drinking water.
• Garbage and Recycling Station: Designated stations are available for garbage and recycling, encouraging campers to maintain the cleanliness of the forest.
• Campground Host: A campground host is often present (e.g., at site #10), offering assistance and ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Reservations: All 29 sites are reservable, allowing campers to plan their trip in advance. Reservations can be made online through the Wisconsin DNR system (wisconsin.goingtocamp.com) or by phone. Bookings can be made up to 11 months in advance.
• Vehicle Admission Sticker: A Wisconsin State Parks vehicle admission sticker is required for any motor vehicles entering the campground area.

Connors Lake State Campground, nestled within the vast Flambeau River State Forest, offers a multitude of natural features and recreational highlights for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Connors Lake Access: The campground provides direct boat access to Connors Lake, a 410-acre lake known for its clear waters and excellent fishing. The lake has a maximum depth of 82 feet and a bottom composed of 75% sand, 20% gravel, and 5% muck.
• Fishing: The lake is abundant with walleye and panfish, and also common for smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass are also present, making it a prime spot for anglers.
• Designated Swimming Area: A designated swimming area is accessible from the campground, providing a safe spot for a refreshing dip. A larger, sandier swimming beach is located 2.5 miles north on County Highway M, then west on County Highway W, at the Connors Lake picnic area.
• Boating: The clear waters of Connors Lake are ideal for boating, with a developed boat landing featuring a paved ramp, trailer parking, and a launch pier available at the picnic area.
• Nature Trail: A 0.3-mile nature trail is accessible directly from the campground, offering a short, immersive walk through the mixed hardwood and pine forest.
• Spacious & Secluded Sites: Many campsites are spacious and well-shaded, with comfortable spacing between them, particularly sites 1-4, which are noted as being farther away and more secluded, capable of fitting multiple large tents.
• Flambeau River State Forest Exploration: Campers have access to the extensive recreational opportunities of the surrounding Flambeau River State Forest, including over 60 miles of maintained hunter/walking trails, 38 miles of ATV trails (open May 15 to Nov 15), and 55 miles of snowmobile trails in winter.
• Paddling on Flambeau River: The Flambeau River, considered one of the finest river trips in the Midwest, flows through the forest, offering paddling opportunities for all skill levels. The North Fork is ideal for novices, while the South Fork provides more challenging rapids for advanced paddlers.
• Wildlife Viewing and Hunting: The diverse forest habitat is home to various wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bear, ruffed grouse, and waterfowl, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and hunting (in designated areas).

For reservations and detailed information about Connors Lake State Campground, you should contact the Flambeau River State Forest, as it is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Address: 2927N Co Hwy M, Loretta, WI 54896, USA (Campground location)

Flambeau River State Forest Headquarters: W1613 County Highway W, Winter, WI 54896

Phone: (715) 332-5271 (This number is for the Flambeau River State Forest main office and is also often used for campground inquiries.)

Mobile Phone: +1 715-332-5271 (Same number for mobile convenience.)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official online platform:

Website: wisconsin.goingtocamp.com (Search for "Flambeau River State Forest" or "Connors Lake Campground")

General Wisconsin DNR Customer Service: 1-888-947-2757 (for camping reservations and general inquiries)

The campground typically operates from the Thursday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday after Labor Day.

Connors Lake State Campground is an outstanding destination perfectly suited for locals throughout Wisconsin, particularly those yearning for an authentic and peaceful Northwoods camping experience. Its location deep within the Flambeau River State Forest offers an immediate immersion into a vast, unblemished natural landscape, providing a true escape from urban life that is highly valued by Wisconsinites.

For families and individuals who appreciate rustic camping but still desire clean and functional amenities, Connors Lake delivers. The commendation for its well-maintained vault toilets and excellent fire pits demonstrates a commitment to visitor comfort even in a less developed setting. The spacious, often secluded campsites provide ample room and privacy, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy their surroundings without feeling crowded. This sense of peace and quiet, coupled with the sounds of nature, is a significant draw for locals seeking rejuvenation.

The direct access to Connors Lake itself is a major highlight, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Furthermore, being part of the Flambeau River State Forest opens up a world of additional recreational pursuits, including extensive hiking, biking, ATV, and snowmobile trails, as well as prime hunting and paddling opportunities on the renowned Flambeau River. This diversity of activities ensures that every type of outdoor enthusiast can find something to love. While insect repellent is a must, as noted by fellow campers, it's a small price to pay for the unparalleled natural beauty and tranquility offered here. Connors Lake State Campground truly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's outdoor heritage, providing a pristine and engaging environment that will undoubtedly draw locals back again and again.

Connors Lake State Campground

2927n Co Hwy M, Loretta, WI 54896, USA