Plum Lake Campground: A Serene Escape in Wisconsin's Northern Highland American Legion State Forest

Plum Lake Campground, Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Introduce

For those of us in Wisconsin who cherish the great outdoors, the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest is a crown jewel, offering countless opportunities to connect with nature. Within this vast wilderness lies Plum Lake Campground, a destination that promises stunning lake views and a profound sense of tranquility. While some campgrounds cater to boisterous family fun, Plum Lake Campground, from the perspective of local users, appears to be an ideal retreat for those seeking a quiet, serene, and nature-focused experience. It's a place where the sounds of the lake and the distant waterfall provide the soundtrack to your escape, perfect for adult campers and those who value a peaceful environment. Let's delve into what makes Plum Lake Campground a unique option for your next Wisconsin adventure.

Plum Lake Campground is nestled within the sprawling Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, an immense expanse of over 236,000 acres of state-owned land in Vilas, Oneida, and Iron Counties. This forest is one of Wisconsin's most significant natural assets, celebrated for its vast pine and hardwood forests, pristine lakes, and extensive network of recreational trails. The forest itself plays a crucial role in conservation, protecting critical ecosystems and providing vital habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Plum Lake, at the heart of this campground, is one of the many sparkling bodies of water that define the region. The forest's commitment to preserving its natural state ensures that visitors to Plum Lake Campground are truly immersed in an authentic Northwoods experience, far from the distractions of urban life. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the water is clear, and the natural beauty is simply breathtaking, making it a highly valued resource for Wisconsin residents.

Plum Lake Campground is located at 9090 Plum Lake Campsite Rd, Sayner, WI 54560, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods, a region beloved by locals for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. For Wisconsin residents, reaching Sayner is generally a straightforward drive, utilizing the state's well-maintained highway system. From major population centers, the journey will typically involve scenic routes that lead deep into the forested landscapes of Vilas County.

Once you arrive in the Sayner area, access to the campground is clearly marked, guiding you to Plum Lake Campsite Road. The campground's location within the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest ensures immediate access to the forest's vast trail systems and numerous lakes. While the campground is designed to offer a sense of remoteness and natural immersion, it is still reasonably accessible, allowing campers to easily bring in their gear and set up camp. Its placement on Plum Lake itself means that campers have direct access to the water for various activities. This blend of natural seclusion with practical accessibility makes Plum Lake Campground an appealing option for those seeking a tranquil retreat in the Northwoods.

Plum Lake Campground, consistent with its location within a state forest, offers a range of services that cater to a more traditional and nature-focused camping experience.

Campsites with Views: The campground offers sites that, despite some concerns about density, can provide "nice views of the lake," allowing campers to enjoy the scenic beauty directly from their spot.
Water Access: Campers can hear a "small waterfall from the distant," and there's a "small beach" area for relaxation and water entry. The lake provides opportunities for launching a kayak or engaging in waterboarding.
Biking Trails: The area boasts "what looks to be new trails" suitable for bike riding, offering an excellent way to explore the surrounding forest.
Restroom Facilities: While not explicitly detailed, state forest campgrounds typically offer basic restroom facilities, often vault toilets, which are maintained by the park service.
Potable Water: Access to potable water sources is usually available within state forest campgrounds, though it may be via central spigots rather than individual site hookups.
Boat Launch: Given its lakefront location, there are likely facilities for launching small watercraft like kayaks and paddleboards directly from or very near the campground.

Plum Lake Campground within the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest offers several distinctive features and highlights that define the camping experience.

Serene Lakeside Views: A significant highlight is the opportunity for "nice views of the lake" directly from some campsites. This visual appeal contributes significantly to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Natural Soundscape: The ability to "hear the small waterfall from the distant" adds a unique and soothing element to the campground's ambiance, reinforcing the natural immersion.
Direct Water Access for Paddling: With a "small beach" and the ability to "launch a kayak or go waterboarding," the campground is ideal for non-motorized water activities, catering to those who enjoy quiet recreation on the lake.
New Biking Trails: The presence of "what looks to be new trails in the area" suggests an enhanced experience for cyclists, offering fresh routes to explore the state forest's extensive terrain.
Emphasis on Quiet Enjoyment: While interpreted by some as overly strict, the rigorous enforcement of "silent" behavior by camp hosts and game wardens indicates a strong commitment to maintaining a quiet, peaceful environment. This feature is a highlight for campers who prioritize tranquility over lively campground atmospheres, making it suitable for those who "expect to be silent the entire time" and prefer "no laughing, kids playing, music etc."
Adult and Dog-Specific Suitability: Based on camper feedback, the campground appears best suited for "old and crotchety" individuals who prefer extreme quiet, and possibly for dogs that are exceptionally quiet. This suggests an environment where active children or vocal pets might struggle to meet behavioral expectations.

For inquiries or to plan your visit to Plum Lake Campground, Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, please use the following contact information. As this is a state forest campground, it is best to contact the relevant Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office.

Address: 9090 Plum Lake Campsite Rd, Sayner, WI 54560, USA

Phone: (715) 524-3923 (This number is likely for a DNR service center or the park office that oversees the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 715-524-3923

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations (if available), current rules and regulations, fire bans, or specific details about the campground, it is highly recommended to visit the official Wisconsin DNR website for the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest or call the listed phone number. This ensures you receive direct information from the managing authority.

In conclusion, Plum Lake Campground within the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest in Sayner, WI, offers a very specific and unique camping experience that is particularly suitable for certain segments of our local Wisconsin community. While some feedback points to concerns about site density and very strict noise enforcement, this rigorous adherence to quiet hours and peaceful conduct can be a significant advantage for those who prioritize absolute tranquility. For Wisconsin locals seeking an adult-oriented retreat where the sounds of nature, like the distant waterfall and the gentle lapping of lake water, are the primary ambiance, Plum Lake Campground is an ideal choice.

It is perfectly suited for campers who enjoy solo reflection, quiet reading, peaceful paddling on the lake, or exploring the new biking trails without the distractions of loud neighbors or boisterous activities. Its beautiful lake views and natural setting provide a serene backdrop for those looking to genuinely disconnect and recharge. For seasoned campers who appreciate the value of undisturbed peace and are comfortable with a more private, less social camping environment, Plum Lake offers a rare and valuable opportunity to experience the pristine quiet of Wisconsin's Northwoods. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves deep quiet and natural beauty, then Plum Lake Campground is waiting to welcome you for a truly peaceful escape.

Plum Lake Campground, Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Photos

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Plum Lake Campground, Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Location

Plum Lake Campground, Northern Highland American Legion State Forest

Wisconsin Vilas County Sayner Plum Lake Campsite Road

9090 Plum Lake Campsite Rd, Sayner, WI 54560, USA

Plum Lake Campground, Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Reviews

One of things I can't stand about camping nowadays is the lack of privacy in your spot.I understand that the park service needs to make money. But theyve crammed in so many sites into one area you no longer have any privacy whatsoever. You walk two feet and you're in someone else's spot.With that said the spot we had had nice views of the lake. You could hear the small waterfall from the distant. There's a small beach and you can launch a kayak or go waterboarding. If you want to go bike riding they have what looks to be new trails in the area.
Jun 29, 2025 · Who Dis
Not recommended for children or dogs.If you make any noise above a whisper the camp host and game warden will ask you to leave.Dogs barked a few times between 5-7pm while setting up camp due to construction noise and dogs barking across the lake. Silent all night.Next day we were gone from 9-1:30pm with the dogs. Game warden waited for us to return driving us out of the campsite.Unless you are old and crotchety I’d find somewhere else. Expect to be silent the entire time. No laughing, kids playing, music etc.
May 30, 2025 · Mo McCauley
A superb state forest campground on a clear water lake with a hard sand bottom. Towering pines stand over well-kept campsites. The state forest staff and hosts maintain clean facilities.Plum Lake Campground is just a quarter mile from the paved bike trail network linking Sayner and Boulder Junction. Avid cyclists will find lengthy rides in either direction without needing to leave paved trails.A sizable fishing pier is just a stone’s throw from the campground, though takes a moderate hike or short drive to reach as there isn’t a trail bridging the small creek between the campground and pier; this would be a welcome addition. You can still reach the pier quickly on foot with a short walk through shallow water.The campground unfortunately has a relatively short open season, spanning approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day each summer. Outside of these dates the entrance gate is closed, though several other nearby campgrounds in the same state forest remain open.
Aug 04, 2021 · Greg Krueger
Not super private but you can get a site right on water. Very chill, mellow lake. Sites are well maintained and the vault toilets are immaculate for vault toilets. Surrounded by tons of trails and is only a mile from the Sayner Pub if you need a place to wait out some surprise rain.
Aug 28, 2022 · Jon Wilcox
Plum Lake Campground is one of the units in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. This particular campground has 18 sites of which 3 are listed as tent only. You can’t put a camper larger than 35 feet and that’s only in a couple of sites here. The campground does take reservations and those are done through the Wisconsin DNR website. Several sites are located in the lake and a few are on the stream which drains from the lake. This is a primitive campground. Toilets are well maintained outhouses. One for each sex. Water is provided by a hand operated pump located by the beach area. The campground is nicely wooded and there is adequate space between sites. Resch sure has a fire pit and picnic table. The trees prevent solar recharging but you can run a generator between 10:00-17:00 if you need to. You can get a special permit to run a generator after hours for medical reasons at the Ranger office at the Crystal Lake Campground station. Overall it was a nice experience and I would recommend it if your looking for an off the beaten path campground.
Jul 12, 2020 · Keith Bereswill