Clear Lake Campground: Your Northwoods Escape in Wisconsin

Natural Resources Department Introduce

The "Natural Resources Department" address and phone number provided—8282 Woodruff Rd, Woodruff, WI 54568, and (715) 356-3668—point directly to the Clear Lake Campground within the renowned Northern Highland-American Legion (NH-AL) State Forest. This location is not just an office; it is the Visitor Station for one of the most beloved and well-managed camping destinations in the entire Wisconsin Northwoods region. For locals across the Badger State, this campground represents the quintessential Up North experience, offering pristine wilderness with the comfort of modern facilities.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proudly manages this vast state forest, which spans over 225,000 acres across Vilas, Oneida, and Iron counties. Clear Lake Campground is a primary hub for recreation here, situated on the exceptionally clear, 846-acre Clear Lake. It is designed to be a family-friendly haven, perfectly balancing the desire for an authentic forest getaway with essential conveniences. When you call the number or visit the address, you are connecting directly with the staff and resources dedicated to making your camping trip in this stunning natural setting both memorable and seamless.

The commitment of the Wisconsin DNR to quality service and conservation makes this more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to over 900 lakes, hundreds of miles of trails, and some of the world's highest concentrations of nesting Bald Eagles.

### Location and Accessibility

Clear Lake Campground is ideally situated in the Southern portion of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, making it highly accessible from the popular vacation towns of Minocqua and Woodruff. The address, 8282 Woodruff Rd, is the site of the Clear Lake Visitor Station, where you can check in for your reservation and receive area information. The campground is nestled on the southwest corner of its namesake lake, offering easy access to the water.

The accessibility features at this DNR-managed site are a highlight, reflecting a commitment to ensuring the Northwoods experience is available to everyone:

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The main entry and Visitor Station are designed for easy access.
Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Designated parking spaces are clearly marked and maintained.
ADA Compliant Facilities: The facility includes a restroom building with flush toilets and showers that are ADA compliant.
ADA Campsite: At least one campsite (#800) is designated as Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant for easier use and maneuverability.

The campground is easily reached via paved roads (Campground Roads are paved) right off State Highway 47, offering smooth travel even for larger campers and RVs. Furthermore, the location provides direct access to a network of paved bike trails, which connect the campground to other areas of the forest and nearby communities.

### Services Offered

Clear Lake Campground is classified as a "Modern Campground" within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, offering a mix of rustic charm and essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Restrooms and Showers: Unlike many smaller, rustic campgrounds in the forest, Clear Lake features a building with flush toilets and clean, heated shower facilities, available for use by all registered campers.
Vault Toilets and Hand Pumps: For added convenience and to service sites further from the central facility, six vault toilet buildings and six hand pumps for drinking water are dispersed throughout the campground loops.
Sanitary Dump Station: A trailer dump station is provided on-site for the disposal of holding tank waste, along with a freshwater fill-up tower, a critical service for RV and trailer campers.
Firewood Sales: Firewood is sold on-site at the Visitor Station, ensuring campers can easily acquire safe, local wood to comply with rules preventing the spread of tree pests.
On-Site Parking: Each of the 101 available campsites includes its own dedicated parking spur for one vehicle, with separate parking lots available for boat trailers near the lake.
Recycling and Trash Disposal: Designated receptacles are provided for convenient and responsible waste management.
Campsite Furnishings: Every campsite is furnished with a sturdy picnic table and a steel fire ring with a grill grate for cooking and campfires.
On-Site Host: A dedicated campground host is typically present from mid-May through mid-October to assist campers with questions and ensure a pleasant stay.

### Features / Highlights

The unique attractions of Clear Lake Campground are deeply tied to its setting within one of Wisconsin’s largest and most beautiful state forests. It truly is a natural resource showcase.

Clear Lake Water Access: The campground is located on the shores of 846-acre Clear Lake, which lives up to its name with exceptionally clear water, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and viewing the lake bottom.
Sandy Swimming Beach: A large, sandy beach with a marked swimming area is a major draw, providing a safe and clean recreational space for families.
Boating and Fishing: The lake allows motorized boats and is popular for water skiing. It is known for excellent fishing, with a variety of species including Musky, Northern Pike, and Walleye. A boat landing and ample trailer parking are provided.
Paved Bike Trails: The campground offers direct access to the Clear Lake/Indian Mounds Paved Bike Trail, which connects to the extensive Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail system, offering hundreds of miles of smooth riding through the Northwoods.
Winter Camping: Clear Lake is one of the few campgrounds in the NH-AL State Forest that offers plowed campsites for winter camping, allowing hearty Wisconsin residents to enjoy the beauty of the forest year-round.
Walk-to/Tent-Only Sites: Several secluded, walk-to sites are available, offering a more rustic experience for those seeking privacy and true tent camping away from vehicles.
Naturalist Programs: During the summer, the State Forest often hosts naturalist programs, sometimes at the nearby Crystal Lake Visitor Station, offering educational and engaging evening activities for all ages.

### Contact Information

For general information or to contact the dedicated staff at this Wisconsin DNR location, please use the following details. Note that all campsite reservations must be made in advance through the state's official system.

Clear Lake Visitor Station / Natural Resources DepartmentAddress: 8282 Woodruff Rd, Woodruff, WI 54568, USAPhone: (715) 356-3668 (This number connects to the Clear Lake Visitor Station)Wisconsin DNR Camping Reservations:Reservations Phone: (888) 947-2757 (888-WI-PARKS)Online: dnr.wi.gov (Search for Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest)

### What is Worth Choosing

For Wisconsin residents, choosing Clear Lake Campground is choosing a piece of state heritage and a proven, high-quality outdoor experience. What makes it worth choosing is its status as a centrally located basecamp in the legendary Northwoods that provides the best of both worlds: rugged forest immersion and reliable, modern amenities.

The campground offers highly sought-after features, such as the only plowed winter camping sites in the forest, the rare combination of clean showers and flush toilets in a rustic setting, and direct connection to the expansive paved bike trail network. Crucially, the exceptionally clear waters of Clear Lake set it apart, making swimming and paddling a truly pristine experience. The combination of beautiful lakefront access, accessibility features for all users, and the peace of mind that comes with staying in a well-managed Wisconsin DNR property makes Clear Lake Campground the premier choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking for a truly authentic and high-quality Northwoods vacation.