Willow Reservoir Campsite 5

For those of us in Wisconsin who truly cherish the raw beauty and peaceful solitude of the Northwoods, Willow Reservoir Campsite 5 offers an exceptional, albeit rustic, experience. Tucked away within the expansive Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area near Hazelhurst, this specific campsite provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, far from the typical campground crowds. If you're looking for a spot where the sounds of loons lull you to sleep and bald eagles are your frequent visitors, this is a destination that perfectly embodies the wild heart of Wisconsin.

Willow Reservoir Campsite 5 is known for its distinctly natural setting. While it might present a few quirks due to its hillside placement – a picnic table that needs shoring and a fire ring a bit down the hill – these are minor considerations for campers who prioritize an authentic wilderness feel. The site offers fine, flat spots for at least two tents, making it suitable for small groups or families seeking a more secluded experience. Its primary allure lies in its immediate connection to the Willow Reservoir, where the sound of waterfowl creates a natural symphony.

This campsite is not about manicured lawns or extensive amenities; it's about the undisturbed beauty of Wisconsin's ecosystem. The gravelly beach at the site transforms into nice sand towards the southeast point when water levels are low, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy the water. What truly makes this campsite special for Wisconsin locals is the abundance of wildlife. The consistent presence of loons, ducks, geese, and especially the resident bald eagle, provides unparalleled opportunities for nature observation. It's a place where the wild beauty of Wisconsin is on full display, making it an ideal choice for those who want to truly unplug and embrace the great outdoors.

Willow Reservoir Campsite 5 is located in Hazelhurst, WI 54531, USA. This places it within the vast and largely undeveloped Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, a jewel in Wisconsin's public lands system, renowned for its wild character and extensive undeveloped shoreline.

Access to Willow Reservoir Campsite 5, like many remote campsites within the Willow Flowage, can be a bit more adventurous than typical drive-up campgrounds. While it is generally accessible by truck, as indicated by a user query, it's essential to understand the nature of these "semi-primitive" sites. They often involve navigating unpaved forest roads and potentially require some preparation. The "cheater hack" mentioned in a review – paddling to an isthmus and then walking back to a sandy boat launch for supplies – suggests that direct vehicle access to the campsite itself might be limited or require careful navigation.

For Wisconsin residents traveling from more populated areas, Hazelhurst serves as a northern Wisconsin hub. From cities like Madison or Milwaukee, the drive will involve heading north on major highways, eventually transitioning to county roads and then likely unpaved forest service roads within the Willow Flowage area. While the drive can be several hours, the journey itself is part of the experience, leading you deeper into the serene Northwoods. It's advisable for visitors to consult detailed maps from the Wisconsin DNR for the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, as GPS signals can be unreliable in remote locations, and specific directions to individual campsites might be crucial. The remote nature ensures the "isolated" feel that many campers seek, but also means preparedness is key.

Willow Reservoir Campsite 5, as a rustic campsite within the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, provides basic yet essential services that cater to campers seeking a truly natural and self-sufficient outdoor experience. The focus here is on minimal impact and environmental preservation.

• Non-Electric Campsite: This campsite is entirely non-electric, promoting a traditional, off-grid camping experience. Campers should be prepared with their own power sources if needed, or embrace the simple pleasures of natural light and campfires.

• Outdoor Toilet (Vault Toilet): Each campsite within the Willow Flowage typically includes an outdoor toilet, usually a vault toilet. These are basic but necessary facilities for waste disposal.

• Fire Ring with Cooking Grill: A metal fire ring, often equipped with a cooking grill, is provided at the campsite, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking. Campers are permitted to gather dead and downed wood from upland areas for fires, but larger driftwood is protected.

• Picnic Table: A picnic table is a standard amenity at the site, though its placement on a hillside at Campsite 5 might require some creative shoring to ensure stability, as noted by a reviewer.

• Drinking Water (Seasonal and Self-Reliance): While potable water is available seasonally at Sandy Landing (another area within the Willow Flowage), campers at remote sites like Campsite 5 are generally advised to purchase water locally or filter/boil flowage water to make it potable. This emphasizes a degree of self-reliance.

• No Garbage Facilities: Following "carry-in and carry-out" guidelines is crucial, as no garbage facilities are provided. Campers are responsible for removing all their waste, promoting a Leave No Trace ethic.

• Daily DNR Patrols: Wisconsin DNR staff patrol sites daily to collect occupancy information and inspect sites, ensuring compliance with regulations and the overall upkeep of the area.

Willow Reservoir Campsite 5, while rustic, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a truly unique and desirable destination for campers who appreciate raw nature and tranquility.

• Lakefront Location with Wildlife: A major draw is its direct placement on the Willow Reservoir, providing stunning views and an immersive experience with local wildlife. The constant presence of loons, ducks, geese, and particularly the majestic bald eagle, as noted by a reviewer, offers unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. Sleeping to the sounds of loons is a signature Northwoods experience here.

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: The campsite is part of the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, known for its "truly wild flavor" and "undeveloped shoreline." This translates to a high degree of solitude and quiet, making it an ideal escape from crowded environments. "Relatively low usage" across these sites enhances the peaceful experience.

• Unique Terrain: The site's partial hillside location, while requiring some adjustment for the picnic table and fire ring, also adds to its unique character. It offers fine, flat spots for tents, and the slight elevation can provide interesting vantage points of the lake.

• Natural Beach Access: While initially gravelly, the ability to find "nice sand" by going "southeast to the point" when water levels are low provides a pleasant spot for swimming or enjoying the shoreline, adding to the recreational value.

• "Cheater Hack" for Supply Runs: The local knowledge shared by a reviewer about paddling to an isthmus and accessing a trail back to a sandy boat launch for supplies highlights a unique, adventurous way to manage logistics, adding to the authentic wilderness feel and appealing to resourceful campers.

• Undeveloped Shoreline and Islands: The broader Willow Flowage area boasts 73 miles of undeveloped shoreline and 106 islands, offering extensive opportunities for exploration by paddle, providing a true sense of wilderness.

• Managed for Wild Character: The property is managed by the Wisconsin DNR to maintain its wild, scenic appearance, with emphasis on protecting wildlife and maintaining forest diversity. This ensures a consistently pristine environment for visitors.

For inquiries regarding Willow Reservoir Campsite 5 or the broader Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, direct phone contact for individual campsites is not typically available as they are rustic and part of a larger state forest system. However, you can contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which manages this area.

Address: Hazelhurst, WI 54531, USA (This is the general area, the exact location is within the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area managed by the DNR.)

Wisconsin DNR Customer Service Center:

For general questions or to purchase passes: 1-888-936-7463 (7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily)

For reservation questions (if applicable, for this type of site it's generally first-come, first-served or reservation through a specific DNR system): 888-305-0398 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily)

It's highly recommended to consult the official Wisconsin DNR website for the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area before your trip. This will provide the most up-to-date information on camping regulations, site availability (as some remote sites might be first-come, first-served, while others may be reservable), any fire restrictions, and important guidelines for camping in a semi-primitive area, such as bear awareness and carry-in/carry-out policies. The remote nature of this campsite means that local phone reception might be unreliable, so planning and obtaining information in advance is crucial.

Willow Reservoir Campsite 5 is exceptionally well-suited for Wisconsin locals, particularly those who have a deep appreciation for the state's wild, untamed beauty and who seek a truly immersive outdoor experience. For Wisconsinites, this campsite offers a genuine taste of the Northwoods that is often hard to find in more developed areas.

The rustic nature of the site, with its non-electric setup and basic amenities, resonates with those who prefer traditional camping and a break from modern conveniences. It's a place where you're encouraged to be self-sufficient, bringing your own water (or treating lake water) and practicing responsible waste management through carry-in/carry-out. This aligns with the values of many Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize environmental stewardship.

The unique features of Campsite 5, such as its hillside layout and the slightly challenging fire ring placement, are not deterrents but rather part of its character, appealing to resourceful campers who enjoy a bit of an adventure. More importantly, the abundant wildlife – from the nightly serenade of loons to the regular sightings of bald eagles – provides an unparalleled connection to Wisconsin's natural heritage, something deeply cherished by locals. This campsite offers an "almost Canada" feel, as one description of the Willow Flowage suggests, providing a truly wild and isolated experience without crossing state lines.

Furthermore, the insider tip about the "cheater hack" for supply replenishment speaks to the kind of local knowledge and adventurous spirit that many Wisconsinites possess. It highlights the unique opportunities for exploration that come with camping in such a wild area. For anyone in Wisconsin looking to escape the ordinary, find solitude, and truly immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the pristine Northwoods, Willow Reservoir Campsite 5 offers an unforgettable and authentically Wisconsin experience.

Willow Reservoir Campsite 5

Hazelhurst, WI 54531, USA