Laurel Lake Campground

For many Wisconsinites, the lure of the Northwoods represents the quintessential escape – a chance to trade city sounds for the rustle of leaves and the call of a loon. The Three Lakes and Eagle River Chain of Lakes, renowned as the largest inland freshwater chain in the world, holds a special place in the hearts of those seeking unparalleled water recreation and serene natural beauty. Tucked within this magnificent landscape, within the sprawling Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, lies Laurel Lake Campground, a charming and peaceful haven that perfectly embodies the spirit of a genuine Wisconsin outdoor adventure.

Laurel Lake Campground offers a unique blend of accessibility to major attractions and a relaxed, natural environment. It's a place where you can enjoy the camaraderie of fellow campers while still finding moments of quiet reflection. Unlike some larger, more amenity-heavy resorts, Laurel Lake Campground focuses on the core joys of camping – a cozy site, a crackling campfire, and direct access to pristine waters. This article will delve into what makes Laurel Lake Campground an ideal choice for locals in Wisconsin, covering its strategic location, the practical services it offers, its distinctive features, and why it might just be the perfect base for your next Northwoods getaway.

Laurel Lake Campground is situated in Three Lakes, WI 54562, USA, within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Specifically, it's located on the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District. Its address is often listed generally as "Three Lakes, WI," but more precise directions indicate traveling approximately 4 miles east of Three Lakes on Highway 32, then turning onto Chicken in the Woods Road, followed by Fourmile Road and Leatzow Road to reach the campground. This network of well-maintained forest roads ensures relatively easy access for most vehicles, setting the stage for a peaceful retreat without being overly remote.

For Wisconsinites, Three Lakes is a well-known Northwoods destination, reachable within a few hours' drive from major cities like Green Bay, Madison, or Milwaukee. The journey itself is part of the experience, winding through picturesque forests and charming small towns. A significant advantage of Laurel Lake's location is its close proximity to the vibrant communities of Three Lakes and Eagle River. As one happy camper noted, it's "Only minutes away from good eats, golf and attractions in Three Lakes. Eagle River is only about a half hour away." This means campers can easily resupply, enjoy a meal out, or explore local shops and entertainment whenever they choose, balancing the tranquility of the campground with convenient access to amenities. Furthermore, being on the Three Lakes-Eagle River Chain of Lakes provides direct water access, making it incredibly accessible for boaters, paddlers, and anglers alike.

Laurel Lake Campground, as a U.S. Forest Service facility, provides a range of essential services designed to support a comfortable and traditional camping experience, catering to both tent and RV campers.

• Campsites: The campground features 12 individual campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking and enjoying a campfire. Some sites are available on a "first come first serve" basis, while others can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips or planned getaways.
• Restroom Facilities: Accessible vault toilets are provided at the campground, offering basic and convenient restroom facilities for campers. Reviewers have noted these facilities to be clean, which is a significant plus for rustic campgrounds.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water during their stay.
• Boat Launch: A paved boat landing is located directly across from the parking area, providing easy access to Laurel Lake and, by extension, the entire Three Lakes-Eagle River Chain of Lakes. This is a crucial service for those bringing their boats or wanting to enjoy motorized and non-motorized water recreation.
• Pet-Friendly: Laurel Lake Campground is pet-friendly, allowing campers to bring their furry companions along for the adventure, though pets must always be restrained or on a leash in developed recreation areas.
• Camp Host: As mentioned in reviews, a "super nice" camp host (and their "pooch") often ensures sites are well-maintained, highlighting a commitment to guest satisfaction and a welcoming atmosphere.

These services collectively ensure that campers have the necessary provisions for an enjoyable stay, focusing on the core elements of outdoor living within a well-maintained forest environment.

Laurel Lake Campground offers a number of compelling features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Wisconsinites seeking an authentic Northwoods experience, blending natural beauty with recreational opportunities.

• Access to the Three Lakes-Eagle River Chain of Lakes: This is arguably the biggest highlight. Laurel Lake is part of this world-renowned chain, providing campers with direct access to nearly 11,500 acres of water and 174 miles of shoreline. This opens up endless possibilities for boating (motorized and non-motorized), waterskiing, tubing, and exploring numerous interconnected lakes.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Anglers will be thrilled with the potential for catching musky, walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, perch, and other panfish. The diverse fish population makes Laurel Lake a prime fishing destination.
• Charming and Peaceful Atmosphere: Described as a "cute little campground" with a tranquil setting, it's ideal for those seeking a quiet escape. The campground is nestled among "towering pines and young oak trees," providing natural shade and a serene ambiance.
• Flexible Site Availability: The mix of "first come first serve sites" and reservable sites caters to different planning styles. For spontaneous weekend trips, the first-come, first-serve option is a valuable feature that many campers appreciate.
• Proximity to Area Attractions: While providing a sense of natural immersion, the campground is "only minutes away from good eats, golf and attractions in Three Lakes" and "about a half hour away" from Eagle River. This convenient access to local towns means campers can easily enjoy dining, shopping, and other activities.
• Well-Maintained Sites: A reviewer specifically highlighted that the camp host "made sure the sites were raked even," indicating a high level of care and attention to maintaining the campground's cleanliness and appearance.

These features combine to create a versatile and appealing camping destination, offering both the peace of the forest and the excitement of Wisconsin's premier lake chain.

As a campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Laurel Lake Campground typically adheres to standardized pricing and policies set by the federal government, rather than offering frequent commercial "promotions or special offers."

• Standardized Fees: The individual campsite fee is $15 per night. There is also a $5 recreation use fee for the boat landing. These fees are generally consistent across similar Forest Service campgrounds.
• Interagency Pass Discount: Campers holding an Interagency Pass (Access or Senior) may receive a discount, with the campsite fee dropping to $7.50 per night. This is a federal program, not a campground-specific promotion.
• Annual Forest Pass: The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers an annual pass for $30, which can cover recreation use fees, but this generally does not apply to registered campers for their campsite fee.
• No Special Promotions: It is uncommon for Forest Service campgrounds to offer seasonal discounts, loyalty programs, or bundled promotional packages. The value is derived from the access to well-maintained sites and the natural resources at a set, affordable rate.

For the most current information on fees, reservation policies, and any potential temporary discounts (which are rare), visitors should consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest or Recreation.gov.

For inquiries, reservations, or any other information regarding Laurel Lake Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Three Lakes, WI 54562, USA (This is the general location. The campground road is off Leatzow Road, as detailed in accessibility).
• Phone (Eagle River-Florence Ranger District): (715) 479-2827 (This is the most direct number for the managing Forest Service office).
• Online Reservations: Many sites are reservable via Recreation.gov.
• Website: Consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for detailed information, maps, and alerts.

It is always advisable to contact the Ranger District office or check Recreation.gov before your trip, especially during peak season, to confirm site availability, current conditions, and any fire restrictions.

For Wisconsinites, Laurel Lake Campground offers a compelling and highly suitable option for their camping adventures, perfectly aligning with the state's love for its Northwoods and pristine waters. Its appeal for locals stems from several key aspects:

• Ultimate Water Access: Being part of the Three Lakes-Eagle River Chain of Lakes means unparalleled opportunities for boating, fishing, and watersports. For many Wisconsinites, time on the water is paramount, and Laurel Lake provides immediate access to this vast and diverse aquatic playground. Whether you're a seasoned angler targeting musky or a family enjoying a leisurely pontoon ride, this is your ideal base.
• Mix of Planning Flexibility: The availability of both "first come first serve sites" and reservable sites caters to different camping styles. Locals who enjoy spontaneous weekend trips can still find a spot, while those who prefer to plan ahead for popular dates can secure their preferred site, making it convenient for all.
• A True Northwoods Escape: The campground's setting amidst "towering pines and young oak trees" offers a genuine Northwoods experience. It’s a "cute little campground" that provides a peaceful and charming atmosphere, allowing locals to truly unwind and reconnect with nature away from the hustle and bustle.
• Convenience Without Compromise: While offering a serene natural environment, Laurel Lake Campground is "only minutes away from good eats, golf and attractions in Three Lakes" and a short drive to Eagle River. This balance means locals can enjoy a rustic camping experience without feeling entirely isolated from modern conveniences or local entertainment.
• Affordable and Well-Maintained: With a reasonable nightly fee and a dedicated camp host ensuring sites are "raked even," locals can expect a well-cared-for environment that offers excellent value for a genuine outdoor experience in one of Wisconsin's most cherished regions.

In essence, Laurel Lake Campground is more than just a place to set up a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to the vast recreational opportunities and serene beauty of the Three Lakes-Eagle River Chain and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. It's a perfect fit for Wisconsinites seeking both adventure and tranquility in their beloved Northwoods.