Luna Lake - North Shore campsites

Hello, Wisconsin adventurers who appreciate the road less traveled! If your ideal camping trip involves a serene, non-motorized lake, a peaceful atmosphere, and a true connection with nature, then the Luna Lake - North Shore campsites near Long Lake, Wisconsin, are calling your name. Tucked away within the magnificent Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this spot offers a wonderfully rustic and affordable outdoor experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's Northwoods.

For many Wisconsinites, the allure of finding a quiet, undeveloped campsite is a powerful one. Luna Lake - North Shore caters precisely to this desire, providing a stripped-down yet incredibly rewarding camping experience. Here, you won't find bustling crowds or noisy motorboats; instead, you'll discover the calm beauty of a lake where only human-powered vessels glide across the water. It's a place designed for those who want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and truly immerse themselves in the natural environment.

While some might be accustomed to campgrounds with extensive amenities, Luna Lake - North Shore campsites embrace a more minimalist approach. This focus allows for an incredibly budget-friendly rate, making a tranquil lakeside getaway accessible to more local users. The journey to these sites is part of the adventure, requiring a short hike, which helps preserve their peaceful character and ensures a more dedicated connection with the wilderness.

In this article, we'll guide you through what makes the Luna Lake - North Shore campsites a unique and appealing option for Wisconsin campers. We'll cover its specific location and how to access these walk-in sites, detail the essential services and features provided, and offer important contact information. Our aim is to give you a clear and engaging overview, helping you decide if this truly rustic and beautiful spot is the perfect setting for your next Wisconsin outdoor escape.

The Luna Lake - North Shore campsites are located off National Forest Rd 2140, near Long Lake, WI 54542, USA. These sites are part of the larger Luna-White Deer Lake Recreation Area, nestled within the sprawling Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. This area is celebrated for its deep-woods setting, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, offering an authentic Northwoods experience.

A key aspect of the North Shore campsites at Luna Lake is their accessibility, which leans towards a more adventurous, walk-in style of camping. As detailed in reviews, access is achieved "by taking trail around Luna Lake." Campers are advised to "Park for the trail at the White Deer Beach," suggesting that these are not drive-up sites. This means you should "Only bring items you can hike in with," preparing for a short trek with your gear to reach your designated campsite. This walk-in nature contributes significantly to the peaceful and secluded atmosphere of these specific sites.

The Luna-White Deer Lake Recreation Area itself is located about 19-20 miles east of Eagle River, WI. While the main campground (Luna-White Deer Campground) has paved roads and can accommodate RVs of various lengths, the North Shore campsites specifically refer to more primitive, walk-in access sites. The overall area is easily accessible from major state highways, making it a manageable drive for Wisconsin residents from various parts of the state. However, once you arrive near the White Deer Beach parking area, be prepared to carry your gear to these North Shore sites. The surrounding area offers a "four-mile trail with great vistas circles the two lakes," enhancing the hiking opportunities before or after you set up camp. This combination of drive-in access to the recreation area and walk-in access to these specific North Shore sites offers a layered approach to enjoying the wilderness.

The Luna Lake - North Shore campsites offer a truly rustic camping experience, focusing on essential amenities that support a minimalist approach to outdoor living. It's important to note these are not sites with extensive facilities, but rather offer the basics for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay.

• Rustic Campsites: These are primitive, non-electric campsites. You should expect a natural, undeveloped setting for your tent.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring: A fire ring is present at each site, allowing for safe campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Pit Toilets: "Well-built pit toilets" (also known as vault toilets) are available and "easily accessible" from the campsites, providing basic sanitation facilities.
• No Motors on Lake: Luna Lake is a non-motorized lake. This means that only canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other human-powered boats are permitted, ensuring a peaceful water experience.
• Drinking Water: While the North Shore specific review doesn't explicitly state it, the broader Luna-White Deer Lake Recreation Area typically provides drinking water, often from electric wells or hand pumps. Campers should confirm this with the Forest Service or be prepared to bring their own water.
• Boat Accessible (Non-Motorized): The lake is accessible for non-motorized boats directly from the sites or nearby landings, making it ideal for paddlers.
• Affordable Rate: Camping at these sites costs only "$5 a night," making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for a lakeside experience.

Campers should be prepared for a truly self-sufficient experience, bringing all necessary supplies, especially water, and adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

• Incredibly Affordable: At just "$5 a night," these campsites offer an exceptionally budget-friendly way to enjoy a beautiful lakeside camping experience in Wisconsin.
• Non-Motorized Lake Access: The primary highlight is Luna Lake itself, which is a non-motorized lake. This guarantees a "calm and peaceful" water environment, perfect for silent sports like kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, free from the noise of powerboats.
• Rustic and Secluded Charm: These sites provide a truly rustic and remote feel. As "walk-in" sites accessed by a trail, they offer a greater sense of solitude and immersion in nature, ideal for "escap and reconnect with nature."
• Essential Amenities Provided: Despite their rustic nature, each site includes fundamental conveniences like a "fireplace and picnic bench," ensuring comfortable basic camping. The "pit toilets" are noted as "awesome facility," indicating they are well-maintained.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the area is surrounded by stunning Northwoods scenery, offering opportunities to "hear the eerie call of loons at night and see lots of wildlife by day."
• Fishing Opportunities: Luna Lake (64 acres) is known for panfish and largemouth bass, providing good opportunities for anglers using non-motorized boats or from the shore. White Deer Lake (62 acres) also has rainbow trout.
• Hiking Trails: The Luna-White Deer Trail, a popular 4-mile, double-loop trail, circles both lakes and is easily accessible from the area, offering excellent hiking opportunities.
• Designated Walk-In Sites: For tent campers, sites like "24-29 by the lake" or "site 36 for a nice, private, secluded place to set up" are highlighted as excellent options, confirming dedicated tent-friendly spots.

Address: National Forest Rd 2140, Long Lake, WI 54542, USA

As the Luna Lake - North Shore campsites are part of the Luna-White Deer Lake Recreation Area, which is managed by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the primary contact for inquiries would be the local U.S. Forest Service office.

A general contact number for the Eagle River Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which manages this area, is: (715) 479-2827.

It is highly recommended to call this number or visit the official Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website (often linked through recreation.gov for reservations) for the most current information regarding site availability, trail conditions, any fees or self-registration procedures, and specific details about accessing the walk-in North Shore campsites. Given the rustic nature, it's always best to confirm current operational status and any specific guidelines before your visit.

For Wisconsin residents, the Luna Lake - North Shore campsites offer a uniquely suitable and deeply rewarding camping experience, particularly for those who cherish genuine peace, natural beauty, and a rustic outdoor adventure. This location embodies many of the qualities that make Wisconsin's Northwoods so beloved.

Firstly, the affordability of only "$5 a night" makes this an incredibly accessible option for nearly any local. In an era where camping fees can add up, Luna Lake - North Shore provides an exceptional value for a lakeside wilderness experience, allowing more Wisconsinites to enjoy their state's natural treasures without breaking the bank.

The "no motors" restriction on Luna Lake is a significant draw for a specific type of local camper. For those who seek tranquility, the absence of noisy motorboats ensures a "calm and peaceful" environment, ideal for quiet contemplation, birdwatching (including the iconic loons), and enjoying the gentle sounds of nature. This makes it perfect for paddlers – kayakers, canoeists, and stand-up paddleboarders – who want to explore pristine waters without interruption.

The walk-in access, while requiring a bit more effort, contributes immensely to the secluded charm of these sites. For locals who appreciate a more "primitive" or "rustic" camping style, the short hike from the parking area ensures that only those truly seeking this type of immersion make it to the North Shore sites. This naturally fosters a quieter atmosphere and a deeper connection to the surrounding "deep-woods setting."

Despite the rustic nature, the provision of essential amenities like "fireplace and picnic bench" at each site, along with "well-built pit toilets" that are considered "awesome," means that campers have the basics for a comfortable stay without compromising the wilderness feel. This balance is often exactly what Wisconsin campers look for – a blend of nature's untouched beauty with just enough comfort.

Moreover, the extensive hiking opportunities around Luna and White Deer Lakes, combined with excellent fishing, provide ample recreation for a multi-day escape. For any Wisconsin resident dreaming of a quiet, back-to-basics camping trip where they can truly "reconnect with nature," listen to loons, and paddle on serene waters, the Luna Lake - North Shore campsites offer an idyllic and truly authentic Upper Midwest experience that is hard to beat.

Luna Lake - North Shore campsites

National Forest Rd 2140, Long Lake, WI 54542, USA