East Star Lake Campground

Wisconsin, with its stunning Northwoods region, offers an unparalleled setting for camping enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility. Nestled amidst this natural splendor, East Star Lake Campground provides a quintessential Wisconsin camping experience, blending rustic charm with essential comforts that make for a truly memorable getaway. For locals in search of clear waters, well-maintained facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere, this campground in Star Lake is a highly recommended destination.

This article will guide you through the various aspects that make East Star Lake Campground a prime choice for your next outdoor escape. We'll explore its location, the services it provides, its unique features, and why it consistently earns rave reviews from fellow Wisconsinites.

East Star Lake Campground is a celebrated spot within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, renowned for its crystal-clear lake and inviting environment. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Despite being a rustic campground, visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of its facilities. While a past tornado may have impacted some of the privacy between sites, the overall consensus is that the campground remains a "gem," offering a quiet and enjoyable experience. Star Lake itself is a significant draw, a beautiful 1,206-acre body of water known for its exceptional clarity, making it perfect for both swimming and fishing. The campground caters to a variety of campers, from those with RVs to tent campers, and even boasts highly desirable walk-in sites that offer unparalleled proximity to the lake. It's a place where families, couples, seniors, and kids can all find something to love, making it a versatile choice for any Wisconsin-based outdoor adventure.

East Star Lake Campground is conveniently located on County Hwy N, Star Lake, WI 54561, USA. Its position within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest places it in the heart of Wisconsin's renowned Northwoods, making it an accessible retreat for many residents across the state. The campground is situated on the southeast corner of the expansive Star Lake, ensuring easy access to the water. Access to the campground typically involves well-maintained county highways, leading directly into the state forest. Once inside, the campground roads are paved, contributing to a smoother experience for all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers, though it's important to note that a State Parks and Forest Admission Pass is required for camping and vehicle entry. For those looking to explore beyond the campground, charming Northwoods communities like Sayner and Boulder Junction, offering various services and attractions, are just a short drive away, typically within a 5 to 15-mile radius. This blend of remote natural beauty with nearby amenities makes East Star Lake Campground a practical and desirable destination for a local getaway.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides two vault toilet buildings, which are consistently praised for being clean, well-maintained, and not having an unpleasant odor, a common concern with pit toilets. Two of these are ADA accessible.
• Potable Water: Hand pumps are available throughout the campground, offering access to potable drinking water. There are three water pumps at East Star Lake Campground.
• Designated Swimming Area: A sandy swimming area provides a safe and enjoyable spot for taking a dip in the clear waters of Star Lake.
• Boat Landing: A well-kept boat ramp is adjacent to the campground entrance, making it easy to launch boats for fishing or recreational activities on Star Lake.
• Trash and Recycling Dumpsters: Separate dumpsters for trash and recycling are located near the campground entrance, promoting responsible waste disposal.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
• Reservable Sites: All 30 campsites at East Star Lake Campground are reservable, allowing campers to plan their trips in advance. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance or even on the day of arrival.
• Walk-in Campsites: A standout feature is the availability of walk-in sites (specifically 1627-1630), which are no more than 100 feet from the water and offer a more secluded, lakeside experience with nearby clean bathrooms.
• Firewood Sales: While not directly at East Star Lake, firewood is available for sale at the nearby West Star Lake Campground, ensuring you have fuel for your campfire.

• Crystal Clear Star Lake: The 1,206-acre Star Lake is a major highlight, known for its exceptionally clean and clear water, making it superb for swimming, fishing, and general water recreation.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Star Lake is well-regarded for its fishing, with species such as Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.
• Spacious Walk-in Sites: The walk-in sites offer unique proximity to the water and a sense of seclusion, despite being only a short distance from parking, and are highly recommended by visitors.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground and surrounding lake area remain remarkably quiet, even on busy weekends, contributing to a peaceful camping experience.
• Helpful and Friendly Park Staff: Reviewers frequently commend the helpfulness and friendliness of the park lady/staff, enhancing the overall positive experience.
• Abundant Firewood (Post-Tornado): Due to a past tornado, there is plenty of downed wood available for collection, providing natural fuel for campfires (always check local regulations on gathering).
• Direct Access to West Star Lake Nature Trail: A significant feature is the easily accessible West Star Lake Nature Trail, offering scenic hiking opportunities directly from the campground area. This trail offers beautiful views of the lake and passes through picturesque forest landscapes.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With a sandy swimming area, clean facilities, and a safe environment, the campground is ideal for families with children.
• Paved Campground Roads: The internal roads within the campground are paved, which can make navigating easier, especially for RVs and trailers.

As a campground operated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, East Star Lake Campground follows a standard fee structure rather than offering traditional promotions or discounts. The camping rates vary based on factors such as residency (Wisconsin resident vs. non-resident), amenities (e.g., electricity, though East Star Lake is rustic and does not offer electric hookups), campsite type (e.g., walk-in vs. drive-up), day of the week, and season. A State Parks and Forest Admission Pass is required for vehicle entry and camping. While there aren't specific "promotions," individuals holding certain federal recreation passes (like the America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass for seniors or those with disabilities) might be eligible for reduced fees on a federal level, though this campground is managed by the state, so specific eligibility would need to be verified with the Wisconsin DNR. All campsites at East Star Lake Campground are reservable, and it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for popular weekends and during the peak season (typically mid-May through Columbus Day weekend), as sites can fill up quickly. Reservations can be made online through the Wisconsin DNR website or by phone.

East Star Lake Campground is located at:

County Hwy N, Star Lake, WI 54561, USA

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

Statewide Reservations Phone: 1-888-947-2757 (This is a general DNR reservation line)

For specific inquiries about the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, which manages East Star Lake Campground, you can contact the managing office:

Crystal Lake Visitor Station Phone: 715-542-3923

It is always advisable to check the official Wisconsin DNR website for the most current information regarding camping regulations, fees, availability, and any alerts before planning your trip.

For Wisconsin residents, East Star Lake Campground offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with the state’s renowned natural beauty. It strikes an ideal balance, providing a rustic and peaceful camping experience without sacrificing essential cleanliness and accessibility. Locals will particularly appreciate the clear, inviting waters of Star Lake for swimming and fishing, a true highlight of the Northwoods. The spacious campsites, coupled with the privacy offered by natural surroundings (even with recent changes), ensure a relaxing getaway. The unique walk-in sites, in particular, provide a secluded lakeside experience that is hard to find elsewhere. Furthermore, the dedication to maintaining clean bathrooms and the presence of helpful staff contribute significantly to a comfortable and positive visit. With direct access to the scenic West Star Lake Nature Trail, outdoor activities are literally at your doorstep. Whether you’re looking for a fun family camping trip, a quiet retreat for couples, or a peaceful escape for seniors, East Star Lake Campground truly caters to all. Its combination of natural beauty, well-kept facilities, and serene atmosphere makes it a "highly, highly recommend" destination for any Wisconsinite eager to explore the best of their home state’s wilderness. It’s a place that beckons return visits, especially to experience its beauty throughout the changing seasons.