Connors Lake State Campground, Loretta, WI

For many Wisconsinites, the call of the Northwoods is an irresistible siren, luring them to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature. Camping in Wisconsin offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in diverse landscapes, from dense forests to pristine lakeshores. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast with a fully equipped RV or a family looking for a memorable tent camping experience, finding the right campground is key to a successful adventure.

Tucked away within the expansive Flambeau River State Forest, Connors Lake State Campground provides a quintessential Wisconsin camping experience. It’s known for its rustic charm, quiet atmosphere, and accessibility to a beautiful lake, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more traditional and serene outdoor escape. Unlike heavily commercialized campgrounds, Connors Lake State Campground offers a genuine back-to-nature feel, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the tranquility of Wisconsin's magnificent forests. This campground is a gem for those who prioritize peace, natural beauty, and well-maintained basic amenities over extensive frills.

Campgrounds like Connors Lake State Campground are vital to Wisconsin's outdoor recreation scene. They serve as gateways to endless adventures, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife viewing. This particular campground is often praised for its spacious sites and excellent fire pits, which are essential for those beloved campfire meals and evening storytelling sessions. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, friends can gather, and individuals can find solitude amidst the whispering pines.

Connors Lake State Campground is located at 2927n Co Hwy M, Loretta, WI 54896, USA. This address places it deep within the scenic Flambeau River State Forest, a vast wilderness area spanning Sawyer, Price, and Rusk counties in northern Wisconsin. Loretta is a small, unincorporated community, adding to the remote and peaceful ambiance of the campground.

Despite its secluded feel, the campground is accessible, primarily via County Highway M. For those traveling from larger Wisconsin cities, the drive into this area is part of the experience, winding through picturesque forests and past charming small towns. Hayward, a popular tourist destination in Sawyer County, is approximately an hour's drive away, offering additional amenities, supplies, and attractions. Phillips, another nearby town, is also within a reasonable driving distance.

The accessibility of Connors Lake State Campground makes it a feasible destination for weekend trips or longer vacations for residents across Wisconsin. Its location within a state forest means visitors benefit from well-maintained roads leading to the campground, ensuring a relatively smooth journey for both cars and RVs. While it offers a sense of being "away from it all," essential services are not too far, providing a perfect balance for a true Northwoods camping adventure. The proximity to the Flambeau River and various other lakes further enhances its appeal, offering diverse opportunities for water-based activities.

Connors Lake State Campground, as a rustic state campground, focuses on providing essential services that enhance the outdoor experience while maintaining the natural feel of the forest. Based on public information and traveler reviews, here are the services you can expect:

Campsites: The campground offers 29 individual campsites, including two ADA-designated accessible sites. These sites are suitable for both tent camping and RV/trailer camping (back-in only, with varying maximum lengths).
Electric Hookups: While the majority of sites are non-electric, there are four sites (7, 9, 10, and 11) that provide electric service (typically 50 amps), catering to those who require power for their RVs or medical devices.
Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals and outdoor activities.
Fire Rings with Grills: A notable feature, praised by campers, are the wonderful fire pits with heavy-duty, adjustable, flip-back grills. This makes cooking over an open fire much easier and more enjoyable.
Vault Toilets: The campground provides clean vault toilet buildings. Reviews indicate these are well-maintained and are often described as "almost as good as flushies," which is a significant plus for rustic camping.
Hand Pump Water: Drinking water is available via hand pumps, offering a traditional camping water source. It's advisable to bring your own water or be prepared to pump.
Garbage and Recycling Station: Designated areas for waste disposal are provided, promoting cleanliness and responsible waste management within the campground.
Boat Access: There is boat access to Connors Lake directly from the campground, facilitating easy launch for kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats. There's also a developed boat landing with a paved ramp a few miles north of the campground.
Swimming Area: A designated swimming area is accessible from the campground, allowing for refreshing dips in Connors Lake. Note that one review suggests a better beach area is about 6 minutes away on the same lake.

Connors Lake State Campground stands out due to several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal for campers:

Rustic and Quiet Ambiance: The campground is consistently described as "nice and quiet," offering a peaceful escape from noise and crowds. Its rustic nature appeals to those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.
Secluded Sites: Some sites, particularly 1-4, are noted for being "farther away and more secluded from the other sites," providing enhanced privacy for campers. Even other sites are generally "spacious and well-shaded with level parking spurs, and spaced comfortably apart."
Excellent Fire Pits and Grills: The "wonderful fire pits" with "heavy duty grills that flip back off the fire and have adjustable height" are a significant highlight, making campfire cooking a joy.
Access to Connors Lake: The campground is situated on the shores of Connors Lake, a 410-acre lake known for its clear waters and excellent fishing (Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye).
Nature Trail: A 0.3-mile nature trail is accessible from the campground, offering a short, immersive walk through the forest.
Proximity to Flambeau River State Forest Activities: Being within the state forest provides access to a wealth of activities, including extensive wooded hiking trails, ATV and snowmobile trails (seasonal), hunting, and diverse fishing opportunities. The Flambeau River itself is popular for canoeing and kayaking, with sections suitable for both novice and advanced paddlers.
Beautiful Forest Setting: The campground is nestled in a mixed hardwood and pine forest, offering ample shade and a picturesque backdrop for camping.
ADA Accessible Facilities: The inclusion of ADA-designated campsites and accessible vault toilets ensures the campground is welcoming to a wider range of visitors.

As a state-run campground within the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) system, Connors Lake State Campground does not typically offer promotional codes or special offers in the same way private campgrounds might. Pricing is generally standardized by the state.

However, visitors should be aware of the following regarding fees and potential savings:

Vehicle Admission Sticker: A Wisconsin State Parks and Forest vehicle admission sticker is required for all motor vehicles stopping in state forest campgrounds and day-use areas. This can be purchased as a daily pass or an annual sticker. Purchasing an annual sticker can be cost-effective for frequent visitors to Wisconsin State Parks and Forests.
Reservations: Campsites at Connors Lake State Campground are reservable up to 11 months in advance online or by phone. While there isn't a discount for booking, making reservations, especially during peak season, ensures you secure a spot. Same-day reservations can sometimes be made without a reservation fee, but availability is not guaranteed.
Firewood: Firewood is not available for purchase directly at the campground. Campers must purchase firewood from vendors within 10 miles of the campground or bring DATCP (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) certified firewood. This is a common regulation in Wisconsin to prevent the spread of invasive species.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, reservation policies, and any specific state-level programs that might indirectly offer savings (e.g., senior discounts for state park passes), it is always best to check the Wisconsin DNR website or contact the campground directly.

For reservations, inquiries, or additional information about Connors Lake State Campground, you can contact them using the following details:

Address: 2927n Co Hwy M, Loretta, WI 54896, USA

Phone: (715) 332-5271

Mobile Phone: +1 715-332-5271 (This is likely the same number or leads to the same contact point for the Flambeau River State Forest Headquarters which manages the campground.)

For Wisconsin locals, Connors Lake State Campground is an outstanding choice for an authentic and accessible Northwoods camping experience. Its location within the Flambeau River State Forest means direct access to hundreds of acres of pristine natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and an extensive network of trails and waterways. This makes it ideal for anyone looking to engage in classic Wisconsin outdoor pursuits, from quiet fishing on Connors Lake to adventurous paddling on the Flambeau River, or exploring hiking and ATV trails.

The campground’s rustic yet well-maintained nature, characterized by clean vault toilets, thoughtful fire pits with grills, and spacious sites, caters perfectly to those who appreciate a genuine camping experience without needing all the bells and whistles of a private resort. The peace and quiet frequently highlighted by visitors offer a much-needed respite from daily life, allowing for true relaxation and reconnection with nature. Despite the "voracious mosquitoes" noted in reviews, this is a common Northwoods reality, easily managed with proper preparation and good bug spray, which is a small price to pay for such a beautiful setting. For families, couples, or solo adventurers, Connors Lake State Campground provides a fantastic and quintessential Wisconsin camping getaway that is both rejuvenating and deeply connected to the state’s natural heritage. It's a place to embrace the wild beauty of Wisconsin and create cherished outdoor memories.