Cunard Lake Campground, Lake Tomahawk, WI

For Wisconsin residents seeking a truly tranquil and unspoiled camping experience, Cunard Lake Campground in Lake Tomahawk offers a rare and highly coveted retreat. Nestled within the vast Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, this campground stands out as one of the few designated "generator-free" zones in Wisconsin. This unique feature ensures an exceptionally quiet and peaceful environment, where the sounds of nature replace the hum of machinery, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Northwoods.

Cunard Lake Campground is an ideal destination for those who prioritize peace, natural beauty, and a back-to-basics approach to outdoor recreation. It caters to individuals, couples, and families who appreciate clear lake water, sandy bottoms, and the opportunity to experience "camping in the woods" with a high degree of privacy. For locals looking for a genuine escape from the noise and demands of everyday life, this campground promises a refreshing and deeply relaxing getaway, fostering a stronger connection with Wisconsin’s magnificent natural landscapes.

Cunard Lake Campground is conveniently located at 7868-7956 Lake Cunard Campgrove Rd, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539, USA. This address places it directly within the sprawling Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, a prominent and ecologically significant area in northern Wisconsin. Despite its secluded feel, the campground is relatively easy to find. While Google Maps directions might take you "a little down the road from the actually campground," reviewers note that "clear signage" makes it simple to locate once you're in the vicinity.

Lake Tomahawk is a well-known community in Oneida County, popular for its access to an extensive network of lakes and outdoor recreational opportunities. For Wisconsin residents, reaching Lake Tomahawk is generally straightforward via well-maintained state highways leading into the Northwoods. Once at the campground, its location within the state forest provides immediate access to numerous trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing on Cunard Lake and other nearby waters. While offering a profound sense of wilderness, the campground is still within a reasonable driving distance of the charming local businesses and essential services in Lake Tomahawk and neighboring towns like Minocqua. This blend of remote tranquility and manageable access to supplies enhances its appeal for those seeking a peaceful yet convenient outdoor escape.

Cunard Lake Campground, as a rustic and generator-free site within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, offers essential services and facilities focused on providing a foundational camping experience. These generally align with standard Wisconsin DNR rustic campground offerings:

Designated Campsites: A variety of campsites are available, including traditional drive-in sites (some offering more privacy off-lake, others with lake views but more open to the road) and popular "walk-in sites."
Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for dining and food preparation.
Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at each site for campfires and outdoor cooking.
Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available, as highlighted by reviewer feedback.
Swimming Area: A "very nice" designated swimming area with clear lake water and a sandy bottom, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Potable Water Access: While not explicitly detailed, state forest campgrounds typically have hand pumps for potable water, though campers should always verify availability and consider bringing their own or a filtering system.
No Generators Allowed: This key feature ensures a quiet and peaceful environment, making it a truly unique offering among state forest campgrounds.
Pet-Friendly: Like most Wisconsin State Forest campgrounds, pets are generally allowed (on leash).

It is important for campers to note that this is a rustic campground. This means there are no electric hookups, showers, flush toilets (beyond vault toilets), or on-site stores. Campers should be prepared for self-sufficiency and embrace a more primitive camping style.

Cunard Lake Campground stands out with several distinct features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for those seeking a specific type of outdoor experience in Wisconsin:

Generator-Free Zone: This is a major highlight, as Cunard Lake is one of only a few state forest campgrounds in Wisconsin (and one of just two in this particular state forest, alongside Starrett Lake) that prohibits generators. This ensures an exceptionally quiet and serene camping environment.
Clear Lake Water with Sandy Bottom: The "very nice" swimming area boasts crystal-clear lake water and a pleasant sandy bottom, perfect for refreshing dips and enjoying the lake.
Variety of Secluded Sites: The campground offers diverse site types, with some off-lake sites providing a "very secluded ‘camping in the woods’ experience with privacy both from the campground road and neighboring sites."
Popular Walk-in Sites: The "walk-in sites are very nice and are quite popular," offering a more immersive experience, often with better views and privacy (as highlighted by a reviewer for site 23).
Even Ground for Tents: Walk-in site 23 was noted for being "very even ground," which is a significant plus for tent campers.
Friendly Camp Hosts: Reviewers praise the camp hosts for being "very friendly," contributing to a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
Clean Vault Toilets: The cleanliness of the vault toilets is consistently mentioned, which is a key comfort factor in rustic camping.
Opportunities for Hammocks: The wooded nature of some sites, particularly walk-in site 23, makes them "the perfect spot for you" if you enjoy hammocks.
Peaceful Atmosphere: The campground is "generally quiet," reinforcing its appeal for those seeking tranquility.

As a public, rustic campground operating within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Cunard Lake Campground typically adheres to standard Wisconsin DNR fee structures and does not offer traditional commercial "promotions or special offers." The pricing for such sites is generally a very affordable nightly fee, which reflects the basic services provided and the value of accessing pristine natural areas.

The "promotion" of Cunard Lake Campground lies in its unique feature as a generator-free site, offering unparalleled peace and quiet – a rare commodity in today's camping landscape. This distinct advantage serves as its primary draw, especially for campers sensitive to noise. Any potential "discounts" would usually come from broader state park pass programs (e.g., annual vehicle admission stickers) or specific veteran benefits offered by the Wisconsin DNR, rather than individual campground-specific promotions. It is important to note the short season, as the campground "clos for the year immediately after Labor Day," which affects its availability for "off-season" visits. Campers should always consult the official Wisconsin DNR website for the most current information regarding fees, reservation policies, and operational dates for Cunard Lake Campground.

For information and reservations regarding Cunard Lake Campground, as it is a public, rustic campground within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, the primary contact would be through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Address: 7868-7956 Lake Cunard Campgrove Rd, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539, USA (This general address indicates its location within the state forest. For precise directions and campsite-specific details, official DNR maps and information are recommended.)

Phone: While there isn't a direct phone number specifically for Cunard Lake Campground, inquiries and reservations for Wisconsin State Parks and Forests can generally be made via the statewide reservation system or by contacting the DNR directly.

Wisconsin DNR Customer Service: 1-888-936-7463

Wisconsin DNR Statewide Reservations: 1-888-WI-PARKS (1-888-947-2757)

It is highly recommended to visit the official Wisconsin DNR website and search for "Cunard Lake Campground" for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding operational dates (especially given its short season), fees, reservation policies, and detailed maps. Planning through official DNR channels will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to this tranquil Northwoods gem.

Cunard Lake Campground is an exceptional choice for locals in Wisconsin, particularly for those who prioritize peace, quiet, and an authentic connection with nature. Its unique status as a generator-free campground sets it apart, offering an unparalleled level of tranquility that is increasingly hard to find. For Wisconsinites seeking a genuine escape from the constant hum of modern life, this campground provides the perfect sanctuary.

The highly praised "very nice" swimming area with clear, sandy-bottomed water is a significant draw, allowing residents to enjoy a refreshing dip in a pristine lake. The availability of secluded "camping in the woods" sites, especially the popular and "very nice" walk-in sites like #23, offers a high degree of privacy and a truly immersive experience. The friendly camp hosts and clean vault toilets further enhance the comfort of this rustic setting. While its short season (closing after Labor Day) means planning is key, the quality of the experience during its operational months is truly rewarding. For Wisconsin residents who yearn to simply relax by a campfire, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the pristine waters of the Northwoods without interruption, Cunard Lake Campground is the ideal, perfectly suitable retreat.