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Big Lake Campground

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Big Lake Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (715) 542-3923

Address 6690 Co Rd P, Presque Isle, WI 54557, USA

Website http://www.dnr.wi.gov/

Hours Monday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Big Lake Campground Location & Map

WisconsinVilas CountyPresque IsleCounty Road P

Big Lake Campground About

Nestled amidst the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, Big Lake Campground in Presque Isle offers an authentic and refreshing outdoor experience for locals and visitors alike. This "go-to campground" provides a perfect blend of rustic charm and essential comforts, making it an ideal destination for those eager to immerse themselves in nature, hit the trails, or simply relax by the water. Known for its serene lake, abundant bird activity, and dappling light filtering through the trees, Big Lake Campground promises a tranquil escape from the everyday.

What sets Big Lake Campground apart is its genuine commitment to maintaining a clean and inviting environment, even within its rustic setting. Visitors consistently praise the "cleanest pit toilets" they've ever seen, a testament to the dedication of the staff, including the attentive campground host, Peter. While it embraces its natural surroundings, recent improvements like remodeled bathrooms demonstrate a continuous effort to enhance the guest experience. This balance of untouched natural beauty with well-cared-for facilities makes Big Lake Campground a highly recommended spot for a memorable Wisconsin camping adventure.

Whether you're a passionate mountain biker looking for direct access to renowned trails, a family seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, or simply someone yearning for a quiet escape amidst the beauty of Wisconsin's forests and lakes, Big Lake Campground provides the perfect setting. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, the views are stunning, and the welcoming atmosphere encourages repeat visits.

Big Lake Campground boasts an enviable location that is both deeply immersed in nature and strategically close to major recreational hubs in Wisconsin's Northwoods. You'll find this serene retreat at 6690 Co Rd P, Presque Isle, WI 54557, USA. This address places it firmly within Presque Isle, a charming community in Vilas County known for its pristine lakes and extensive trail systems.

The accessibility of the campground is a significant advantage, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. It is explicitly highlighted as the "go-to campground when visiting WinMan mountain biking trails," indicating its close proximity and convenient access to one of the region's premier mountain biking destinations. This means less travel time and more time on the trails for avid cyclists. Furthermore, it's also noted as being "close to the Vilas County bike trails," expanding the possibilities for cycling adventures right from your campsite.

Situated on the shores of Big Lake, the campground provides direct access to the water. This includes a convenient "boat launch" for those who wish to bring their watercraft, and a "beach with a small sandy shore" for swimming and lakeside enjoyment. This direct water access enhances the camping experience, offering opportunities for fishing, paddling, or simply relaxing by the lake.

Despite its rustic charm, the campground's location ensures that you are comfortably removed from urban noise while still being within a reasonable distance for any necessary supplies in the nearby towns of Presque Isle or Boulder Junction. The drive to the campground takes you through the scenic landscapes characteristic of Vilas County, setting the tone for a refreshing outdoor escape. This perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility makes Big Lake Campground an ideal base for exploring the diverse natural attractions of northern Wisconsin.

Big Lake Campground, while embracing a rustic ethos, provides essential services that significantly enhance the comfort and enjoyment of its guests, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience.

  • Campsites with Natural Ambiance: The campground offers beautiful campsites "full of trees, dappling light, lots of bird activity," providing a genuine immersion in nature. While details on specific hookups (e.g., electric, water, sewer) are not explicitly provided in the reviews, the focus is clearly on a more traditional, nature-oriented camping experience.

  • Immaculate Pit Toilets: A standout service highly praised by visitors are the "new pit toilets near the lakeside campsites." These are consistently described as the "cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen," which is a significant amenity for a rustic campground, ensuring hygiene and comfort.

  • Remodeled Bathrooms: Some of the "bathrooms are remodeled and nice addition," indicating a continuous effort to upgrade facilities and enhance the guest experience, providing more modern conveniences where available.

  • Boat Launch: For those who enjoy water activities, the campground features a convenient "boat launch" allowing easy access to Big Lake for boating, fishing, or paddling.

  • Sandy Beach Area: A "beach with a small sandy shore that's perfect for kids" is available, providing a safe and enjoyable area for swimming and lakeside recreation for families.

  • Dedicated Campground Host: The presence of a dedicated campground host, like Peter, who "takes great care in making sure everything is clean," is a crucial service. This personal attention to detail and maintenance contributes significantly to the positive guest experience.

  • Dog-Friendly Environment: The campground is "dog friendly," allowing visitors to bring their beloved canine companions along for the adventure. It's important to note that while dogs are welcome in the campground, "the Beach is not" dog-friendly, which helps maintain the cleanliness and safety of the swimming area.

These services collectively underscore Big Lake Campground's commitment to providing a clean, accessible, and enjoyable rustic camping experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods.

Big Lake Campground is characterized by several compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for campers seeking a blend of natural beauty and outdoor activity in Wisconsin.

  • Serene Lake Environment: The campground is set on Big Lake, which is described as "very serene." This peaceful lakeside setting is a major draw, offering beautiful views and a calming atmosphere that encourages relaxation. The presence of a "boat launch" allows for easy access to the water for various activities.

  • Direct Access to Premier Mountain Biking Trails: A significant highlight, especially for adventure seekers, is its status as a "go-to campground when visiting WinMan mountain biking trails" and its proximity to "Vilas County bike trails." This direct access makes it an ideal basecamp for avid mountain bikers looking to explore some of Wisconsin's top trail systems.

  • Beautiful, Treed Campsites: The campsites themselves are praised as "beautiful, full of trees, dappling light," creating an immersive natural ambiance. The shade and natural surroundings enhance the camping experience, making sites feel secluded and picturesque.

  • Abundant Bird Activity: For nature lovers and birdwatchers, the "lots of bird activity" mentioned by reviewers adds another layer of natural appeal, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife right from your campsite.

  • Exceptionally Clean Pit Toilets: Despite being a rustic campground, the "new pit toilets near the lakeside campsites are the cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen." This commitment to cleanliness in basic facilities is a significant highlight, greatly improving the comfort of campers.

  • Family-Friendly Sandy Beach: The presence of a "beach with a small sandy shore that's perfect for kids" provides a dedicated and safe area for families to enjoy swimming and playing by the lake, making it a good option for those with younger children.

  • Dedicated and Attentive Campground Host: The "shout out to Peter, the campground host, who takes great care in making sure everything is clean," underscores the personal touch and high level of maintenance at the campground. This dedicated care contributes significantly to the positive guest experience.

  • Dog-Friendly (with Beach Exception): The campground is "dog friendly," allowing campers to bring their furry companions along for their outdoor adventure, adding to the inclusive atmosphere. However, the clear delineation that "the Beach is not" dog-friendly helps manage expectations and maintain beach cleanliness.

Based on the provided customer reviews and information, there are no specific, publicly advertised "Promotions or Special Offers" for Big Lake Campground. As a rustic campground, potentially managed by a county or state entity, it's common for pricing to be straightforward and consistent, rather than relying on frequent promotional campaigns.

However, for those planning a visit, it's always advisable to:

  • Contact Directly for Information: The phone numbers provided, (715) 542-3923 and +1 715-542-3923, are the best resources for current information. Call them to inquire about rates, specific site availability, reservation policies, and any potential seasonal discounts or extended stay rates that might be available but not widely advertised.

  • Check for Off-Peak Season Opportunities: Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) often provides a more tranquil experience with potentially fewer visitors. While not a formal promotion, it can sometimes lead to greater availability and a more peaceful stay, and occasionally public campgrounds may have slightly adjusted rates during these times.

  • Explore Vilas County Parks Information: As Big Lake Campground is located in Vilas County, checking the official Vilas County Parks or Forestry and Parks Department website could provide more comprehensive information about pricing, reservations, and any broader county-wide promotions that might apply to their managed campgrounds.

The value of Big Lake Campground lies in its consistent quality, serene natural setting, and direct access to recreational activities, making it an excellent choice for a Northwoods camping experience at what is likely a standard public campground rate.

To plan your refreshing getaway at Big Lake Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: 6690 Co Rd P, Presque Isle, WI 54557, USA

Phone: (715) 542-3923

Mobile Phone: +1 715-542-3923

These direct contact numbers provide the most effective way to reach the campground management or the dedicated campground host, Peter, who is known for his excellent care of the facilities. Whether you have questions about site availability, specific amenities, the best way to access the nearby WinMan trails, or anything else regarding your stay, calling ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak camping seasons, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to this beautiful Northwoods retreat.

For Wisconsin locals, Big Lake Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a quintessential Northwoods experience that resonates deeply with the spirit of our state's outdoor enthusiasts. Its appeal for residents lies in its perfect balance of rustic charm, essential comforts, and unparalleled access to beloved local recreational opportunities.

Firstly, its status as the "go-to campground when visiting WinMan mountain biking trails" makes it an absolute must for Wisconsin's vibrant cycling community. Having direct access to such renowned trails right from your campsite is an immense convenience, allowing locals to maximize their time on two wheels without the hassle of extensive travel to trailheads. Beyond biking, the serene Big Lake itself provides a fantastic local resource for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the peaceful waters, appealing to a wide array of outdoor interests.

Secondly, the campground strikes a perfect balance between being "rustic" and offering well-maintained, clean facilities. The consistent praise for the "cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen" and the presence of "remodeled bathrooms" demonstrate a commitment to guest comfort that often exceeds expectations for a more natural camping environment. This means Wisconsin residents can enjoy the raw beauty of the Northwoods without sacrificing basic hygiene and convenience, making for a truly relaxing escape.

Moreover, the family-friendly aspects, such as the "beach with a small sandy shore that's perfect for kids," provide a safe and enjoyable space for local families to create lasting memories by the lake. And for those with furry family members, the "dog friendly" policy (with the understandable beach exception) means that beloved pets don't have to be left behind, enhancing the inclusive appeal for Wisconsin households. The dedication of the campground host, like Peter, who "takes great care in making sure everything is clean," further solidifies its suitability, as locals often appreciate the personal touch and pride taken in maintaining our state's natural treasures.

In conclusion, Big Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to authentic Wisconsin outdoor adventures, offering peace, cleanliness, and direct access to the activities that our residents cherish most. It’s a perfect local haven for mountain bikers, nature lovers, and families seeking a genuine Northwoods experience, promising a truly recommended and repeatable escape.

Customer Reviews

4.0
33 reviews
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Alexandra Salmon
Jun 02, 2025

This is our go-to campground when visiting WinMan mountain biking trails! The campsites are beautiful, full of trees, dappling light, lots of bird activity, and the lake itself is very serene. There's a boat launch as well as a beach with a small sandy shore that's perfect for kids. While the campground is rustic, the new pit toilets near the lakeside campsites are the cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen. I also want to give a shout out to Peter, the campground host, who takes great care in making sure everything is clean. Highly recommend Big Lake Campground!

A
Anna Zoromski-Linde
Aug 11, 2024

This is a more rustic campground. They recently took down a lot of trees which makes the site much more open than previously. Half the Bathrooms are remodeled and nice addition. Close to the Vilas County bike trails. Campground is dog friendly but the Beach is not.

M
Mary C
May 26, 2025

Quiet, clean, plenty of trees and the campsites are not too close together. A nice basic campground.

K
KelsBair
Jun 20, 2017

We loved this campground and are hoping to come back again! It was very clean and well kept. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful! We received a ton of informative papers and pamphlets which were great! The lake and area is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Highly recommended. We kayaked and saw great sights including loons, bald eagles, and caught a bunch of fish.

M
M Kopf
Jun 21, 2024

Great campground despite what the previous reviewer posted. The campground has NOT been clearcut and there is plenty of privacy between campsites. While there has been some activity with removing trees in a few areas, it appears that more conifers have been planted in their place. Very clean restrooms and nice (but small) boat ramp. About the only thing I would suggest is to clear paths from lakefront campsites to the lake itself. I'll be back again!