Laura Lake Campground

For those Wisconsin residents yearning for a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Laura Lake Campground in Armstrong Creek offers a perfect sanctuary. Tucked away in the expansive Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this campground is celebrated for its rustic charm, clear waters, and profound tranquility. It’s a place where the sounds of civilization fade, replaced by the gentle lapping of lake water, the rustle of leaves, and the calls of local wildlife. Unlike many developed campgrounds, Laura Lake embraces a more traditional camping experience, focusing on connecting campers with nature in its purest form.

Laura Lake Campground is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity and the raw beauty of the Northwoods. With no electrical hookups or showers, it encourages a back-to-basics approach to camping, where battery packs, solar chargers, and portable showers become your best friends. The nights here are famously quiet and dark, offering an unparalleled view of the starlit sky – a truly magical experience for any stargazer. The campground boasts access to three distinct bodies of water: Gordon Lake, Laura Lake, and Bog Lake, each offering unique opportunities for recreation and exploration. Whether you're looking to cast a line, paddle on calm waters, or simply unwind by a campfire under a canopy of stars, Laura Lake Campground provides an unforgettable setting. It's a testament to Wisconsin's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and offering accessible wilderness experiences for all its citizens.

Laura Lake Campground is situated at 9161-9139 Laura Lake Rd #121, Armstrong Creek, WI 54103, USA. Its location deep within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest makes it a truly immersive wilderness experience. For Wisconsin residents, accessing this serene retreat requires a drive, but the journey itself is part of the adventure, winding through picturesque forested landscapes.

From Armstrong Creek, the closest town, you would typically drive west on Highway 8 for about 1.9 miles, then turn right (north) onto Forest Road 2163. Continue on FR 2163 for approximately 4 miles, and you will arrive at the campground. While the roads leading into the campground are generally paved with blacktop, some reviews mention that the last few miles of the access road can be a bit rough, so it's always advisable to drive with caution, especially with trailers or RVs.

The remoteness of Laura Lake Campground is precisely what makes it so appealing to those seeking an escape from modern conveniences. The nearest town, Armstrong Creek, offers basic necessities like fuel, food, and some incidentals, so campers can stock up before heading into the forest. This strategic distance from urban centers ensures minimal light and noise pollution, contributing to the campground's reputation for quiet nights and incredible stargazing opportunities. Despite its secluded feel, the campground is well-marked, and directions are straightforward, making it a manageable drive for most Wisconsin residents looking for a tranquil outdoor experience. Its location allows visitors to fully disconnect and appreciate the pristine natural environment of our state's vast national forest.

• Campsites: Laura Lake Campground offers 41 rustic campsites suitable for both tents and RVs (up to 30 feet in length). Many sites are spacious, private, and wooded, with some directly overlooking the lake or offering excellent views. Sites are typically back-in only.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water supply or purify lake water if needed.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are available throughout the campground loops.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at each site for campfires.
• Boat Landings: Developed boat landings are available on both Laura Lake and Gordon Lake.
• Swim Beach: A sandy swimming beach and picnic area are located on the adjacent Gordon Lake.
• Waste Disposal: Garbage bins are provided in each loop for convenient waste disposal.
• Campground Host: A campground host may be present on-site to assist campers and ensure adherence to rules.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground, making it a great option for those who wish to bring their furry companions.

• Three Lakes Access: Campers have access to Laura Lake (110 acres), Gordon Lake (50 acres), and the smaller Bog Lake. Each lake offers unique recreational opportunities.
• Quiet, Electric Motors Only: Laura Lake and Gordon Lake are restricted to electric motors only, ensuring a peaceful and serene environment for paddling, fishing, and swimming. This policy contributes significantly to the tranquil atmosphere.
• Excellent Fishing: Both Laura and Gordon Lakes are known for good fishing, with species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, and panfish. Gordon Lake also has northern pike.
• Laura Lake Hiking Trail: A scenic 2.25-mile hiking trail circles Laura Lake, passing through diverse forests of northern hardwoods, hemlocks, and balsams. It's an easy to moderate hike, perfect for observing wildlife like loons and osprey.
• Biking Trail: A 6-mile biking trail, essentially a grass and leaf-covered logging road, offers a unique cycling experience. While not a single-track mountain bike trail, it's suitable for those seeking a less strenuous, scenic ride and is often better suited for hiking or horses due to soft terrain.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the nights at Laura Lake Campground are exceptionally dark, providing an incredible opportunity to observe thousands of stars overhead.
• Wildlife Viewing: Campers frequently report seeing abundant wildlife, including loons, osprey, and various other forest creatures.
• Rustic Charm: The absence of electrical hookups and showers enhances the rustic, back-to-nature camping experience, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional and self-sufficient outdoor adventure.
• Private and Wooded Sites: Campsites are well-spaced and often surrounded by dense trees, offering a good degree of privacy and a true "woodsy" feel.
• Clear Waters: Both Laura and Gordon lakes are noted for their clear, inviting waters, perfect for swimming and paddling.

Laura Lake Campground, as part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, generally operates on a standard fee structure rather than offering frequent promotions or special discounts typical of privately-owned campgrounds. The individual campsite fee is typically around $15 per night. For those holding an Interagency Pass (Access or Senior Pass), the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder is often reduced to $7.50. This pass applies only to the fee for the pass holder's site and not to any additional fees or other campsites occupied by members of their party.

Additionally, there may be a separate recreation use fee of $5 for accessing the Gordon Lake beach for day-use visitors, though this fee typically does not apply to registered campers. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest also offers an annual pass for $30, which can be beneficial for frequent visitors to the forest's recreation areas.

Some sites at Laura Lake Campground are reservable through the national recreation reservation system, allowing visitors to secure their preferred spot in advance, which is particularly beneficial during peak season. However, a portion of the sites remain available on a first-come, first-served basis, catering to those who prefer a more spontaneous camping trip. While specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are uncommon, the consistent and affordable pricing, coupled with the opportunity for reduced fees with an Interagency Pass, makes Laura Lake Campground an excellent value for Wisconsin residents seeking a rustic outdoor experience. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and reservation details, contacting the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest office or checking the official recreation website is always recommended.

To learn more about Laura Lake Campground, inquire about current conditions, or make reservations, you can use the following contact details. Keep in mind that as a national forest campground, direct campground-level phone lines might not always be available, and inquiries are often handled through the broader forest service office.

• Address: 9161-9139 Laura Lake Rd #121, Armstrong Creek, WI 54103, USA
• Phone: (715) 362-3100 (This is often the main number for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Supervisor's Office, which manages the campground.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 715-362-3100

For specific site availability and to make reservations, it is highly recommended to visit the official recreation.gov website, as many national forest campsites can be booked online. For general inquiries about the campground, local conditions, or forest regulations, contacting the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest directly will provide the most comprehensive information.

For Wisconsin locals, Laura Lake Campground truly represents a quintessential Northwoods camping experience, making it an exceptionally suitable destination for a variety of reasons. Firstly, its commitment to a rustic, off-grid environment offers a genuine escape from the constant digital noise and everyday demands. In an age where connectivity is ever-present, the absence of electrical hookups and showers encourages a deeper connection with nature and a welcome digital detox, allowing for true relaxation and rejuvenation under the vast, star-filled Wisconsin sky. The pitch-black nights, undisturbed by artificial light, offer a celestial spectacle rarely seen in more developed areas, providing a unique and memorable experience right in our own backyard.

Secondly, the multi-lake access to Laura, Gordon, and Bog lakes provides diverse recreational opportunities that cater to various interests. Whether you're an avid angler seeking walleye or bass, a paddler looking for serene waters restricted to electric motors only, or a family eager to enjoy a sandy beach, these pristine lakes deliver. The well-maintained hiking trail around Laura Lake allows locals to explore the stunning Wisconsin forest on foot, observing abundant wildlife and immersing themselves in the tranquil sounds of nature. While the biking trail might be a bit more rugged, it still offers an opportunity for unique exploration for those prepared for a softer terrain. This combination of water and land activities means there’s something for everyone, fostering outdoor enjoyment for all ages.

Finally, the secluded yet accessible location within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest means that this profound wilderness experience is within reach for most Wisconsin residents. It offers the chance to truly "get away from civilization" without having to travel across state lines or navigate overly complex routes. Laura Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to rediscover the simpler pleasures of camping, to marvel at the undisturbed beauty of our state's northern forests, and to create lasting memories with family and friends in a truly natural setting. It embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's outdoor heritage, making it an ideal choice for any local seeking an authentic and peaceful adventure.