Laura Lake Campground

For Wisconsin residents seeking an authentic escape into the state's pristine northern wilderness, Laura Lake Campground near Armstrong Creek offers an ideal retreat. This is not your typical bustling resort campground; instead, it provides a "nice camping spot to get away from civilization," where the emphasis is on reconnecting with nature in its purest form. If your ideal getaway involves quiet nights under a sky full of stars, serene lakes, and a chance to truly unplug, Laura Lake Campground is a destination that embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's Northwoods.

Nestled within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Laura Lake Campground is designed for those who appreciate rustic charm and a minimalist approach to camping. While it lacks modern amenities like electrical hookups and showers, it compensates with unparalleled natural beauty, including access to three distinct bodies of water and a truly dark night sky. For locals, it's an opportunity to experience a profound sense of tranquility and witness abundant wildlife, all within the diverse and stunning landscapes that make Wisconsin so special.

Laura Lake Campground is strategically located at 9161-9139 Laura Lake Rd #121, Armstrong Creek, WI 54103, USA. This places it deep within the scenic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin, a region renowned for its dense forests, numerous lakes, and abundant wildlife. For Wisconsin residents, reaching the campground involves a journey into a more secluded part of the state, away from major urban centers, which contributes significantly to its "get away from civilization" appeal.

The closest town, Armstrong Creek, offers essential services for campers, including opportunities for fuel, food, and some incidentals. While it's a small community, its presence ensures that basic needs can be met within a reasonable driving distance from the campground. The roads leading to Laura Lake Campground are generally accessible, though campers should be prepared for a more rural drive as they approach the location.

This location is particularly appealing for those seeking a tranquil and less developed camping experience. Its position within the National Forest means campers are surrounded by vast natural landscapes, perfect for exploration. For Wisconsin locals, it represents a convenient gateway to the unique beauty of the Northwoods, offering a true escape without the need for extensive out-of-state travel. The relative remoteness ensures a quiet environment, making it an ideal spot for star-gazing and wildlife observation, far from urban light and noise pollution.

Laura Lake Campground, characteristic of a rustic National Forest campground, focuses on providing essential services that enhance the natural camping experience rather than offering extensive modern amenities. It caters to campers who are largely self-sufficient and embrace the simplicity of the outdoors.

• Campsites: The campground offers 41 individual campsites suitable for both tent camping and RVs/trailers (back-in only, with most accommodating up to 30 feet or longer). Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, providing the basics for outdoor living.

• Non-Electric Sites: A key feature is the absence of electrical hookups at any of the sites. Campers are advised to bring their own power solutions such as battery packs and solar chargers, maintaining a truly off-grid experience.

• Water Access: Potable drinking water is available via hand pumps, providing a reliable source of fresh water within the campground loops.

• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are provided in each loop, offering essential restroom facilities, consistent with a rustic camping environment.

• No Showers: It's important to note that the campground does not have shower facilities. Campers who desire showers should plan to bring portable showers or utilize facilities outside the campground if available nearby.

• Trash and Recycling: Garbage bins and a recycling area are available within the campground, encouraging responsible waste disposal and adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles.

• First-Come, First-Served & Reservations: A mix of sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips or planned getaways.

• Firewood: While not a direct service, local firewood is often available for purchase near the campground in Armstrong Creek, crucial for campfires.

Laura Lake Campground boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Wisconsin.

• Multi-Lake Access: A standout feature is its direct proximity to three distinct bodies of water: Laura Lake (110 acres), Gordon Lake (50 acres), and a smaller Bog Lake. This provides diverse aquatic experiences:

  • Gordon Lake: Features a sandy beach perfect for swimming and a paved boat landing. It's ideal for non-motorized and electric-motor only boats.

  • Laura Lake: Has a gravel boat landing and is also restricted to electric motors, making it excellent for quiet paddling, fishing, and nature observation. It's a known Loon nesting site.

  • Bog Lake: Accessible via a wooden bridge, allowing for the launch of small, non-motorized boats into a unique bog ecosystem.

• Exceptional Dark Skies: "The nights are quiet and some might say pitch black as thousands of stars are overhead." This offers an incredible opportunity for stargazing, far away from urban light pollution, a rare and cherished experience for many campers.

• Extensive Trail System: The campground provides access to a network of trails:

  • Laura Lake Hiking Trail: A scenic 2.25-mile loop around Laura Lake, passing through diverse forest types (hardwoods, hemlocks, balsams), perfect for leisurely walks and wildlife viewing.

  • Biking Trail: A 6.5-mile trail, primarily a grass and leaf-covered logging road. While described as soft terrain and not suited for single-track enthusiasts or families with young children due to its difficulty, it's "best suited for a horse and hiking trail," offering a challenging workout for experienced riders or an alternative hiking path.

• Abundant Wildlife: Visitors consistently report seeing "lots of wildlife," which is a major draw for nature photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone who enjoys observing animals in their natural habitat. The undeveloped shorelines and forest provide excellent habitats.

• Private and Woodsy Campsites: Sites are described as "private enough, woodsy enough," offering a secluded feel amidst towering pines and young oak trees. This ensures a sense of personal space and immersion in the forest environment.

• Good Fishing Opportunities: Both Laura and Gordon Lakes offer good fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, panfish, and more, providing a rewarding experience for anglers.

For those interested in planning a trip to Laura Lake Campground or seeking further information, here are the direct contact details:

Address: 9161-9139 Laura Lake Rd #121, Armstrong Creek, WI 54103, USA

Phone: (715) 362-3100

Mobile Phone: +1 715-362-3100

Given that Laura Lake Campground is part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the provided phone numbers will likely connect you to the local ranger district office. This office can provide the most current and accurate information regarding campsite availability (both first-come, first-served and reservable sites via Recreation.gov), any seasonal closures, fire restrictions, specific amenities, and guidelines for your stay. It's always advisable to call ahead, especially during peak camping seasons, to ensure a smooth and well-prepared visit to this rustic Northern Wisconsin gem.

For Wisconsin residents, Laura Lake Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching camping experience, particularly for those who cherish the state's natural beauty and seek a genuine escape from the daily grind. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects that resonate with the Wisconsin outdoor ethos.

Firstly, its "get away from civilization" ambiance is a significant draw. In a state with many popular and sometimes crowded recreational areas, Laura Lake provides a truly peaceful and quiet retreat. For those living in Wisconsin's more populated southern regions, a trip to Armstrong Creek offers a profound sense of disconnection, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Northwoods without leaving their home state.

Secondly, the rustic nature of the campground, without electrical hookups or showers, encourages a more traditional and self-reliant camping style. This appeals to many Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the challenge and simplicity of going back to basics. It's an opportunity to truly rough it, rely on solar chargers and portable showers, and appreciate the essentials of nature, all while being surrounded by the comforts of familiar Wisconsin forests.

The access to three distinct lakes – Laura, Gordon, and Bog Lake – provides diverse recreational opportunities right at their doorstep. Whether it’s swimming at Gordon Lake's sandy beach, quiet paddling and fishing on the electric-motor-only Laura Lake, or exploring the unique ecosystem of Bog Lake, there's a water-based activity for every preference. This multi-lake access, combined with the extensive hiking and biking trails (though challenging), ensures there's always something to do for active locals.

Finally, the sheer natural beauty and the "pitch black" nights teeming with stars offer an unparalleled sensory experience. For many Wisconsinites, this kind of unspoiled wilderness, teeming with wildlife, is why they love their state. Laura Lake Campground provides direct access to these cherished features, making it an ideal destination for creating lasting memories, practicing outdoor skills, and truly experiencing the wild heart of Northern Wisconsin.

Laura Lake Campground

9161-9139 Laura Lake Rd #121, Armstrong Creek, WI 54103, USA