Carrol Lake Campground

For Wisconsin residents, the call of the Northwoods is an irresistible invitation to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature. Among the many serene escapes our state offers, Carrol Lake Campground in Woodruff, WI, stands out as a true testament to the rustic charm and natural beauty that define a quintessential Wisconsin camping experience. Nestled within the expansive Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, this campground promises an authentic outdoor adventure, complete with stunning lake views and a peaceful atmosphere.

This article will delve into what makes Carrol Lake Campground a highly recommended destination for your next Wisconsin camping trip. We’ll explore its unique lakeside features, essential amenities, and why it's consistently praised by fellow Wisconsinites as an "excellent camping" spot perfect for those seeking tranquility and direct access to nature.

Carrol Lake Campground is a beloved rustic campground located on the south shore of Carrol Lake, a picturesque 352-acre lake in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. It is a smaller, quieter campground, characteristic of the traditional rustic style found in the NHAL State Forest, which means wider spacing between sites compared to more modern campgrounds. Visitors consistently rate it as "excellent camping," highlighting the kindness and helpfulness of the hosts. A standout feature, as noted by past campers, is the incredible spaciousness of the sites, particularly the walk-in tent sites, which offer "a gorgeous view of the lake and our very own private access to go for a dip in the lake!" The lake itself is known for its clarity and curious small fish that "will swim right up to you," adding to the unique charm of swimming here. Beyond personal lake access, the campground boasts a small swimming beach, a picnic area, and a boat landing with a paved ramp. Carrol Lake is popular for both paddling and fishing, with a channel connecting it to Madeline Lake for further exploration. With 19 non-electric campsites, including 12 for RVs/trailers and 7 walk-in tent-only sites, Carrol Lake Campground provides a back-to-basics yet incredibly scenic camping experience. The campground is praised for being "very clean" and "well taken care of," with exceptionally clean bathrooms, underscoring the diligent efforts of the camp hosts.

Carrol Lake Campground is conveniently located on Townline Rd, Woodruff, WI 54568, USA, within the sprawling and beautiful Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. This prime location places it in the heart of Wisconsin's famous Northwoods region, offering both a sense of secluded natural beauty and relatively easy access to nearby communities. The campground lies on the south shore of Carrol Lake, ensuring direct lake access and scenic views for many sites.

Accessibility to Carrol Lake Campground is straightforward via well-maintained roads within the state forest. It is situated between the popular Northwoods communities of Woodruff and St. Germain, with Minocqua also only a few minutes away by car. These nearby towns provide all the essential services campers might need, including groceries, sporting goods, souvenir shops, restaurants, and pubs. For those who enjoy biking, Highway J, which the campground is on, features bike lanes that connect directly to St. Germain and Woodruff, making it easy to cycle to town. While the campground offers a feeling of being immersed in nature, its proximity to these vibrant communities ensures that campers are never too far from modern conveniences. This balance makes Carrol Lake Campground an ideal and accessible choice for Wisconsinites seeking a rustic yet convenient camping destination.

• Non-Electric Campsites: The campground features 19 non-electric campsites, providing a truly rustic camping experience. Generators are allowed to run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained accessible vault toilets are available throughout the campground. Reviews specifically highlight that the bathrooms were "exceptionally clean."
• Hand Pump Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is accessible via hand pumps located at various points within the campground (e.g., near site 642, and two total pumps).
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
• Swimming Beach: A small, nice swimming beach area is available within the campground for refreshing dips in Carrol Lake. Site 117 sits above this area and offers great lake views.
• Accessible Fishing Pier: An ADA-accessible fishing pier is located at the west end of the campground, providing easy access for anglers of all abilities.
• Boat Landing: A public boat landing with a paved ramp, launch pier, and paved trailer parking area is located at the west end of the campground, offering easy lake access for boats.
• Trash and Recycling Dumpsters: Separate dumpsters for trash and recycling are available, promoting responsible waste disposal.
• On-Site Campground Host: A friendly and helpful campground host is on-site (Site #104), readily available to assist campers and ensure a pleasant stay.
• Reservable Sites: All 19 campsites at Carrol Lake Campground are reservable, allowing campers to plan their trips up to 11 months in advance. Reservations are required before occupying a site.

• Private Lake Access from Sites: A standout feature, particularly for walk-in tent sites (e.g., 101, 102, 103, 118, 119), is the "very own private access to go for a dip in the lake," offering an intimate waterfront experience.
• Gorgeous Lake Views: Many sites, especially walk-in and some RV sites (e.g., 117, 112, 105-107, 109), offer "gorgeous view of the lake" or "partial views," enhancing the natural ambiance.
• Spacious Campsites: Campers praise the "very spacious site" layout, providing ample room and separation from neighbors for a more secluded experience.
• Excellent Lake for Fishing and Paddling: Carrol Lake (352 acres) is known for its "good fishing" of Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. It also connects to Madeline Lake, expanding paddling opportunities.
• Great Tree Coverage: Sites offer "great tree coverage for shade and hammocks," ideal for relaxation and protection from the elements.
• Cleanliness and Upkeep: Reviewers consistently commend the "exceptionally clean" bathrooms and overall "very well kept" nature of the campground, reflecting dedicated maintenance.
• Friendly and Helpful Host: The presence of a "very kind and helpful" camp host significantly contributes to a positive and welcoming camping experience.
• Accessible Amenities: The ADA-accessible fishing pier and vault toilets ensure that the campground is welcoming to a broader range of visitors.
• Direct Access to Hiking and Biking: The campground is near several excellent hiking opportunities and connected to paved bike lanes on Highway J, which go to St. Germain and Woodruff, offering active recreation options.
• Wildlife Encounters: The presence of "curious small fish" swimming up to you in the lake adds a unique natural interaction.

As a public campground managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Carrol Lake Campground operates on a standard fee structure rather than offering traditional "promotions" or "special offers." The nightly rates are set by the state and vary based on residency (Wisconsin resident vs. non-resident). Currently, the rate is $16/night for Wisconsin residents and $21/night for non-residents. A Wisconsin State Park & Forest Vehicle Admission Sticker (daily or annual) is also required for vehicle entry and camping.

All campsites at Carrol Lake Campground are reservable and reservations are required before occupying a site. This ensures a spot, especially during peak seasons. Reservations can be made on the day of arrival or up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR website or by calling 1-888-947-2757. While there aren't typically discounts beyond the resident rate, this reservation system allows campers to plan their trips well in advance and secure their desired site. It is advisable to book early, as this popular rustic campground fills up quickly, especially the coveted walk-in lakeside sites.

Carrol Lake Campground is located at:

Townline Rd, Woodruff, WI 54568, USA

For reservations and general information regarding Wisconsin State Parks and Forests, including Carrol Lake Campground, you can utilize the statewide reservation system and contact numbers:

Statewide Reservations Phone: 1-888-947-2757

For direct inquiries about Carrol Lake Campground or the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest:

Phone: (715) 356-3668

Mobile Phone: +1 715-356-3668

It's always a good idea to contact the campground or the DNR directly for the most current information regarding campsite availability, specific regulations, or any alerts before planning your visit.

For Wisconsin residents, Carrol Lake Campground is an absolute gem, embodying the very essence of a quintessential Northwoods camping experience. Its rustic charm, combined with the stunning natural beauty of Carrol Lake and the surrounding Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, makes it an ideal retreat for those looking to genuinely disconnect and immerse themselves in the outdoors. Locals will particularly appreciate the spacious and private campsites, especially the walk-in sites that offer exclusive lake access and breathtaking views – a rare find that creates truly unforgettable moments, like swimming with curious small fish. The commitment to cleanliness, from the "exceptionally clean" vault toilets to the overall well-maintained grounds, ensures a comfortable experience despite the rustic setting. The friendly and helpful camp host further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making every visitor feel at home.

Beyond the campground itself, its strategic location near Woodruff, Minocqua, and St. Germain means that while you're enjoying the tranquility of nature, essential amenities and a plethora of additional recreational opportunities are just a short drive or bike ride away. For those who love fishing, paddling, hiking, or simply relaxing in the shade of towering pines, Carrol Lake offers it all. It’s a place that perfectly balances seclusion with accessibility, promising a peaceful, scenic, and truly refreshing getaway that will have any Wisconsinite planning their "definitely back" trip before they even leave.