Stevens Lake Campground

For Minnesotans who dream of peaceful mornings by the water, the thrill of a good catch, or the quiet solitude of a Northwoods forest, Stevens Lake Campground presents an ideal destination. While listed with a Sandstone, MN address, it's important for local users to note that the primary Stevens Lake Campground that aligns with publicly available detailed information and reviews is managed by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, located in Wisconsin, very close to the Minnesota border. This particular campground offers a serene, fishing-oriented experience that draws visitors from across the region, including our very own Minnesota.

Stevens Lake Campground is a publicly owned site, known for its focus on fishing and its beautiful natural setting. It provides a more rustic, yet comfortable, camping experience, making it perfect for those who prioritize outdoor activities and a deep connection with nature. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Stevens Lake Campground, highlighting its location, the services it offers, its unique features, and why it remains a highly suitable choice for local Minnesotans seeking a quality outdoor adventure just across the state line.

Stevens Lake Campground, while sometimes geographically associated with the broader Sandstone, MN region in general searches due to proximity, is specifically located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Its address is often listed as near Florence, WI 54121, but it is very accessible from Eastern Minnesota. From the north intersection of Highway 139 and Highway 70 (which can be reached by traveling west on Highway 70 from areas like Spooner, WI, or connecting from Minnesota highways), one drives west 3 miles on Highway 70 to Forest Road 2424. A left turn (south) onto FR 2424 and a drive of 3.3 miles leads directly to the campground entrance.

This location offers a genuinely secluded feel, nestled within a mixed stand of aspen and sugar maple trees. Despite its serene remoteness, access is generally good via well-maintained forest roads. For Minnesotans, this means a manageable drive into a truly wild and picturesque area, offering a quick escape from urban life. The proximity to the state border makes it a viable and appealing option for those in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and other eastern Minnesota communities looking for quality public land camping in the Northwoods. The 300-acre Stevens Lake is the centerpiece, ensuring immediate access to water recreation.

Stevens Lake Campground, as managed by the U.S. Forest Service (within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest), provides essential amenities for a comfortable, yet primitive, camping experience:

• Campsites: There are 6 individual campsites available. These sites are designed to accommodate both tents and trailers, with varying lengths for RVs (25-40 feet depending on the site).
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining and activities.
• Fire Rings: Every site includes a fire ring for campfires, perfect for cooking or enjoying the ambiance of a crackling fire. (Note: Some sources indicate "No campfire allowed" in a general description, but specific USFS information for this campground confirms fire rings are provided and typically allow fires unless there's a specific fire ban. Always check local fire restrictions upon arrival or by contacting the forest service.)
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available on-site, offering basic but functional restroom facilities.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is accessible via a hand pump, ensuring campers have a source of fresh water during their stay.
• Boat Launch: The campground features a boat launch, providing easy access to Stevens Lake for fishing and non-motorized boating activities.
• Publicly Owned: As a U.S. Forest Service campground, it is publicly owned and managed, often implying reasonable fees and a commitment to conservation.

It is important for campers to be aware that this is generally a non-electric campground, meaning no electric, water, or sewer hookups are available at individual sites, consistent with a more rustic, national forest camping experience.

Stevens Lake Campground offers several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination, especially for those interested in fishing and a quiet, natural retreat:

• Excellent Fishing Lake: The 300-acre Stevens Lake is renowned for its "moderately good" fishing, particularly for walleye, northern pike, and panfish. This makes it a prime spot for anglers looking to cast a line and enjoy a successful day on the water.
• Scenic Lake Views: Five of the six campsites offer "scenic views of the lake," allowing campers to wake up to picturesque vistas and enjoy the beauty of the water from their site. One reviewer described it as "Beautiful Peaceful by the Lake Campground" with "quintessential WI" (Wisconsin) views, even mentioning "misty fog and raining leaves" contributing to a "mystic lake" atmosphere.
• Secluded and Peaceful Environment: The campground is noted for its tranquil setting, offering an escape from crowded areas. Reviews often highlight the "Beautiful Peaceful" nature of the area, providing a truly relaxing camping experience.
• Popular for Fall Hunters: Beyond fishing, the campground is also a popular base for fall hunters, leveraging its forested surroundings and proximity to wildlife.
• Mixed Forest Setting: Located within a mixed stand of aspen and sugar maple, the campground is surrounded by rich natural beauty, particularly vibrant during the fall foliage season.
• Boat Launch Access: The on-site boat launch provides easy access for kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats, enhancing the water-based recreational opportunities.
• Hand Pump Water: The availability of "free water... via a hand pump" adds to the rustic charm and self-sufficiency of the camping experience.

Stevens Lake Campground is managed by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a part of the U.S. Forest Service. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations, availability, fees, or specific campground regulations, it is best to contact the managing ranger district or utilize the national reservation system.

Address: 64118 Badger Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA (Note: While this address is provided, general public data consistently associates Stevens Lake Campground with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. It's possible the Sandstone address is a broader geographic locator or a regional office.)

Primary Contact for Stevens Lake Recreation Area / Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest:

Eagle River-Florence Ranger District

Address: 1247 E. Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521 OR 5638 Forestry Drive, Florence, WI 54121

Phone: (715) 479-2827 or (715) 528-4464 (numbers vary slightly by source, best to try both or the main forest office)

Official Website: It is highly recommended to visit the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/cnnf) and Recreation.gov (recreation.gov) to check for campsite availability and make reservations, especially since it's a popular spot.

For Minnesotans, Stevens Lake Campground, despite its location just across the state line in Wisconsin, represents an accessible and highly appealing option for a genuine Northwoods camping experience. We cherish our lakes and forests, and this campground delivers on that promise with its beautiful lakeside setting and a strong focus on fishing – a beloved pastime for many in our state. The drive from much of Eastern Minnesota is manageable, making it a perfect destination for a weekend escape or a longer, more immersive outdoor adventure without venturing too far from home.

The campground's suitability for locals lies in its combination of tranquility and specific recreational opportunities. Anglers will appreciate the "moderately good" fishing for walleye, northern pike, and panfish, providing a rewarding experience. The small number of campsites (only 6) suggests a less crowded environment, allowing for a more private and peaceful retreat, something highly valued by those seeking to truly relax in nature. Even without extensive modern amenities, the clean vault toilets, potable water hand pump, and fire rings provide the essentials for a comfortable and authentic camping trip.

Moreover, choosing a publicly owned campground like Stevens Lake allows Minnesotans to enjoy and support the broader network of national forests that contribute to the environmental health and recreational opportunities of our region. It's a chance to experience the beauty of the shared Northwoods ecosystem, whether you're casting a line, enjoying a campfire, or simply taking in the scenic lake views. For anyone in Minnesota looking for a serene, fishing-focused, and genuinely natural camping escape, Stevens Lake Campground offers a quintessential Northwoods experience that’s worth the short journey.

Stevens Lake Campground

64118 Badger Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA