Picnic Point Campground

For those in Wisconsin seeking a true immersion in nature, where the sounds of the city fade into the rustle of leaves and the lapping of water, Picnic Point Campground in Chelsea, WI, offers an authentic and unforgettable experience. Nestled within the expansive Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this charming, tent-only campground is a beloved destination for campers who appreciate rustic beauty and direct access to the great outdoors. With its unique waterfront sites and shaded, open lawn areas, Picnic Point Campground provides a picturesque setting for your next adventure, whether it's a quiet family retreat or a group gathering under the vast Wisconsin sky. It's a place where the simplicity of camping is celebrated, allowing you to truly disconnect and reconnect with the natural world around you.

Picnic Point Campground is located in Chelsea, WI 54451, USA, situated directly on the beautiful Mondeaux Flowage within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This prime location places it in the heart of Northern Wisconsin's renowned wilderness, a region celebrated for its pristine lakes, dense forests, and abundant recreational opportunities. For Wisconsin residents, its accessibility makes it a viable destination for both weekend getaways and longer vacations. While the drive from cities like Milwaukee can be over four hours, as attested by loyal campers, the scenic journey through Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes is part of the appeal, preparing visitors for the serene environment that awaits. The campground is reachable via well-maintained forest roads, ensuring a relatively smooth approach for vehicles. It's important to note that the access road is not maintained for snow removal during the winter months, although the campground remains open year-round for those prepared for a more rugged experience.

The location offers direct access to the Mondeaux Flowage, a 411-acre body of water perfect for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. While the flowage is motorized, it's generally shallow and not conducive to high-speed water sports, making it ideal for a peaceful aquatic experience. The campground's proximity to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is another significant draw, offering direct access for campers who wish to explore this historic pathway. Furthermore, essential services like garbage and recycling are available at the nearby West Point Campground, approximately one mile away, and drinking water can be sourced from a glacial spring or West Point Campground, a short drive north. This strategic placement ensures that while you feel secluded, essential needs are still within a reasonable distance, balancing rustic charm with practical considerations. The closest towns for more extensive supplies and services are Rib Lake (about 14 miles away) and Medford (around 21 miles away).

Picnic Point Campground, despite its rustic nature, provides several essential services and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for tent campers. It's designed to offer a back-to-basics experience while still catering to fundamental needs.

• Tent-Only Walk-In Sites: All four sites are designated for tent camping. While described as "walk-in," the distance from the parking area to the campsites is extremely short, making it convenient to transport gear.
• Waterfront Sites: All four campsites are beautifully situated directly on the Mondeaux Flowage, offering stunning views and easy access to the water.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals, games, and outdoor activities.
• Fire Rings: Every site includes a fire ring, perfect for enjoying campfires, cooking, and gathering around a warm glow under the stars.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides well-maintained vault toilets for guest convenience, offering a basic but essential amenity.
• Drinking Water Access (Off-Site): While the on-site water pump is permanently closed, potable water is readily available at the nearby glacial spring on Forest Road 1563/Park Road or at West Point Campground, both a short drive away. Campers are advised to grab water on their way in.
• Garbage and Recycling Services (Off-Site): For environmental responsibility, garbage and recycling disposal facilities are located at West Point Campground, approximately one mile north of Picnic Point. Campers are encouraged to pack out what they pack in.

The unique features and highlights of Picnic Point Campground truly emphasize its appeal as a serene and natural escape in Wisconsin. These aspects contribute to the campground's distinctive character and make it a favorite among those who value a simpler, more immersive camping experience.

• Picturesque and Shaded Setting: The campground boasts a beautiful, shaded environment with tall trees, predominantly red pines, birch, and huge white pines, offering ample natural shade and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Spacious, Open Lawn Layout: Unlike some campgrounds with dense vegetation between sites, Picnic Point features an open lawn under towering trees, creating a spacious feel while still providing individual areas for each campsite.
• Year-Round Operation: Picnic Point Campground is the only national forest campground in its region that stays open year-round, offering opportunities for winter camping (though access roads are not maintained for snow removal during this time).
• Direct Access to Mondeaux Flowage: With all sites being waterfront, campers have immediate access to the 411-acre Mondeaux Flowage for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and enjoying the water. A boat launch with a gravel ramp is conveniently located next to campsite #1.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail Access: The campground provides direct access to the renowned Ice Age National Scenic Trail, making it an excellent base for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
• Group Reservation Option: The entire campground, comprising all four sites, can be reserved as one group site with a few days' notice, accommodating up to 35 people. This is ideal for large families or groups of friends seeking a private camping experience. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis if the group site is not reserved.
• Abundant Wildlife and Natural Beauty: The location within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ensures ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and experiencing the untouched beauty of Wisconsin's Northwoods.

For detailed information regarding reservations, current conditions, or any specific inquiries about Picnic Point Campground, it's best to contact the relevant administrative office, as the campground itself does not have a direct phone line for guest inquiries.

Address: Chelsea, WI 54451, USA (within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest)

For general inquiries about Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest campgrounds, you can typically reach the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District Office. While a direct phone number for Picnic Point Campground isn't provided as it's a rustic site, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Headquarters or Ranger Districts can offer the most up-to-date information.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Headquarters Offices:

500 Hanson Lake Road, Rhinelander, WI 54501

Phone: 715-362-1300 (General Forest Information)

For reservations, especially for group bookings, it is recommended to visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

Picnic Point Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Wisconsin locals who truly value an authentic, rustic camping experience and the unparalleled beauty of the Northwoods. For many, the ability to escape the urban sprawl and immerse themselves in nature, even if it requires a four-hour drive from places like Milwaukee, is precisely the appeal. This campground offers a genuine disconnect from the everyday, providing a peaceful haven where the primary amenities are the stunning natural surroundings: tall, shady trees, the serene Mondeaux Flowage, and the open expanse of the forest. The "tent-only walk-in" nature of the sites, though convenient from the parking area, reinforces the focus on traditional camping, appealing to those who prefer pitching a tent over RV hookups.

The direct access to the Mondeaux Flowage for fishing, paddling, and leisurely boating, along with the immediate entry to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, caters perfectly to the active outdoor enthusiast. Wisconsin residents who enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring their state's extensive trail systems will find Picnic Point an ideal base camp. Furthermore, the option to reserve the entire campground for a group makes it an excellent choice for family reunions, friend gatherings, or local outdoor clubs looking for a private and immersive experience in a breathtaking setting. While it might lack some of the modern conveniences found at other campgrounds, such as on-site potable water or garbage service, the willingness of locals to embrace these minor inconveniences, knowing that water and disposal are available a short drive away, speaks to their desire for a truly wild and untamed camping adventure. The fact that it's open year-round also offers unique opportunities for locals to experience the Northwoods across all seasons, from summer relaxation to peaceful winter escapes, making Picnic Point Campground a beloved and repeat destination for many Wisconsin residents seeking solace and adventure in their own beautiful state.

Picnic Point Campground

Chelsea, WI 54451, USA