Moose Lake Campground

For Wisconsin locals seeking a genuine escape into the tranquility of the Northwoods, Moose Lake Campground offers a truly refreshing experience. Nestled within the vast expanse of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, near the charming town of Hayward, this campground is a delightful blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, making it a perfect spot to unplug and reconnect with nature. It’s widely praised by visitors for its "secluded" and "quiet" atmosphere, providing a much-needed break from the constant connectivity and hustle of everyday life.

Moose Lake Campground sits directly on the shores of its namesake, the beautiful 1,670-acre Moose Lake. This serene flowage is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming, offering a clear, inviting body of water perfect for a variety of aquatic activities. With only 15 campsites, including options for both tents and RVs up to 40 feet, the campground maintains an intimate and peaceful ambiance, ensuring ample space and privacy for each visitor. While remote enough to offer a true wilderness feel, it remains accessible, inviting you to discover a slice of Wisconsin’s pristine natural beauty. If you're looking to swap screen time for starry nights, and city sounds for the calls of loons and rustling leaves, Moose Lake Campground is an ideal destination for your next Wisconsin adventure.

Moose Lake Campground is strategically situated in a wonderfully secluded area within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, approximately 25-28 miles east of Hayward, Wisconsin. Its address, Hayward, WI 54843, USA, places it deep within Sawyer County, known for its abundant natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The campground benefits from its location on the 1,670-acre Moose Lake, a significant flowage that provides a stunning natural backdrop and direct water access.

Accessing Moose Lake Campground typically involves driving a scenic route through the national forest. From Hayward, visitors will generally head east on State Highway 77 for about 28 miles. From there, you’ll turn right (south) onto Forest Service Road 174, driving approximately 1 mile until you reach the intersection with Forest Service Road 176. A right turn onto FR 174 again will lead you about 5.1 miles further. Finally, turning right onto the designated campground road (often FR 1643) will take you the last 1.5 miles directly to the campground entrance. While reviews mention "quite the drive down gravel roads," they also note that these roads are generally "in great shape" and "well worth it," contributing to the secluded feel of the area.

It is important to note that Moose Lake Campground is in a remote area, and as such, cell phone service can be limited or non-existent. Visitors should come prepared with maps or downloaded directions, as reliance on GPS that requires data might be unreliable. This lack of connectivity is often cited as a positive feature by those looking to truly disconnect. Despite its secluded nature, the campground offers a boat ramp for convenient lake access, making it easy to launch watercraft and enjoy the expansive Moose Lake. For those bringing Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs), while OHV use is prohibited within the campground itself, the nearby Camp Loretta Trailhead (about 17 miles away) provides access to the Fishtrap Motorized Trail. This combination of peaceful remoteness and recreational access makes Moose Lake Campground a unique and desirable destination.

• Campsites with Parking Spurs: Moose Lake Campground offers 15 individual campsites. Each site is equipped with a designated parking spur, suitable for vehicles and wheeled camping units, including RVs. Sites can accommodate RVs ranging from 25 to 40 feet in length, with specific sites designated for different sizes and some strictly for tents.

• Picnic Tables: Every campsite includes a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient surface for preparing meals, enjoying outdoor dining, playing games, or simply gathering with your group.

• Campfire Rings with Grills: To enhance the traditional camping experience, each site features a campfire ring, often equipped with an adjustable grill. This allows campers to enjoy a cozy campfire and cook over an open flame. Always be mindful of fire safety and any local fire bans.

• Accessible Vault Toilets: The campground provides accessible vault toilets, which are consistently praised in reviews for being "very clean," "well stocked with TP and hand sanitizer," and "serviced frequently." This ensures a comfortable and hygienic restroom experience despite the rustic setting.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available for registered campers. This comes from a powered well, although reviews suggest checking its operational status, as it has occasionally been "shut off or broken." One review also noted a sign regarding high manganese levels in the well water, advising against consumption by children or individuals over 60. It's always a good practice to bring your own supplemental potable water, especially for drinking, to ensure you have a reliable supply.

• Dumpster/Trash Collection: For the convenience of registered campers and to maintain the cleanliness of the forest, a dumpster is provided for trash disposal. This helps facilitate a "pack it in, pack it out" mentality for other waste.

• Boat Launch: A dedicated boat launch is available directly within the campground area, providing easy and convenient access to Moose Lake for motorized and non-motorized boats. This is a significant amenity for those planning to fish, paddle, or simply enjoy time on the water.

• Sandy Beach: A small, sandy beach area is located within the campground, offering a pleasant spot for swimming, sunbathing, and launching kayaks or paddleboards. Reviews note the beach is well-kept, though some mention goose droppings, which is common in natural lake settings.

• Pet-Friendly (Leashed): Pets are welcome at Moose Lake Campground but must always be restrained or on a leash within developed recreation areas. Pets (excluding service animals) are generally not allowed in designated swimming areas.

• Remarkable Seclusion and Tranquility: Moose Lake Campground stands out for its "secluded" and "quiet" ambiance, as noted by numerous visitors. With only 15 campsites spread across the area, campers can enjoy significant privacy and a true escape from the noise and demands of everyday life. This makes it an ideal spot to unwind, read, and enjoy the sounds of nature without interruption, perfect for "kicking your scrolling habit."

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The 1,670-acre Moose Lake is a highly regarded fishing destination. Anglers will find an abundance of musky, walleye, large and smallmouth bass, and various panfish. The clear waters and diverse habitats of the lake make for a rewarding fishing experience, whether from a boat or the shore.

• Direct Lake Access with Boat Launch and Beach: The campground offers a convenient boat launch, providing easy access to Moose Lake for all types of watercraft. Additionally, a small sandy beach offers a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, or launching non-motorized boats like kayaks and paddleboards. This direct access to the water is a significant draw for water enthusiasts.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite its rustic and remote nature, the campground's pit toilets are consistently praised for being "very clean" and "well stocked with TP and hand sanitizer." This attention to cleanliness significantly enhances the camping experience.

• Large, Private Campsites: Many sites at Moose Lake Campground are noted for being "big enough for a larger RV" and offering "good spacing between each camper/tent," contributing to a sense of privacy. The heavily forested setting ensures ample shade and a feeling of being truly immersed in the woods.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The surrounding Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Visitors often report seeing elk, eagles, loons, deer, waterfowl, and grouse in and near the campground, offering fantastic opportunities for nature viewing and photography.

• Access to Trails: While OHV use is prohibited within the campground itself, the area provides access to miles of off-road vehicle (OHV), hiking, and mountain biking trails in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The nearby Camp Loretta Trailhead, just 17 miles away, offers direct access to the Fishtrap Motorized Trail for ATV/UTV enthusiasts.

• Limited Cell Service: For those truly looking to disconnect, the lack of reliable cell phone service is a feature, not a bug. It encourages campers to put down their devices and fully embrace the peaceful surroundings, fostering a deeper connection with nature and companions.

As a campground managed by the USDA Forest Service within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Moose Lake Campground typically operates with standard, fixed rates rather than frequent promotions or special offers like commercial establishments. However, there are a few established discount opportunities and flexible booking options that benefit campers:

• Interagency Senior or Access Pass Discounts: For eligible individuals, such as U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or over (Senior Pass) or those with permanent disabilities (Access Pass), the individual campsite fee is significantly reduced. While the standard nightly rate is around $15 per night, pass holders can often camp for $7.50 per night. These discounts apply only to the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder.

• Reservation System through Recreation.gov: While not a "promotion," the availability of a reservation system through Recreation.gov (www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777) allows campers to secure their preferred spot in advance. This is a valuable service, especially during busier periods, ensuring you have a guaranteed site upon arrival. Campsites can typically be reserved up to six months in advance.

• First-Come, First-Served Sites: For those who prefer more spontaneous adventures, Moose Lake Campground generally retains some campsites available on a "first come, first served" basis. This provides flexibility for last-minute trips when reservations might not be feasible.

It is always recommended to check the official Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website or the Recreation.gov listing for Moose Lake Campground for the most current pricing, reservation policies, and any specific alerts or updates regarding the campground's services or operations. Remember to adhere to the firewood closure order, which generally prohibits firewood from originating more than 25 miles from your campsite to prevent the spread of invasive pests, unless it is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Transportation, and Consumer Protection.

For comprehensive information, reservations, or specific inquiries regarding Moose Lake Campground, please use the following contact details and resources. As Moose Lake Campground is part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the primary contacts are through the Forest Service:

• Address: Hayward, WI 54843, USA (This general address points to the vicinity. For precise navigation, follow the driving directions provided in the "Location and Accessibility" section.) The campground is managed by the Great Divide Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

• Great Divide Ranger District (for inquiries):

  • Phone: (715) 634-4821

  • Mailing Address: PO Box 896, Hayward, WI 54843

• Reservations (Recreation.gov):

  • Website: www.recreation.gov (Search for "Moose Lake Campground, WI")

  • Phone: 1-877-444-6777

  • TDD: 1-877-833-6777

It's always a good idea to check the Recreation.gov website for the most up-to-date information on site availability, current fees, and any seasonal closures or alerts before planning your trip. Given the limited cell service in the area, it's best to secure reservations and gather all necessary information before you depart.

Moose Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Wisconsin locals seeking an authentic, peaceful, and accessible outdoor experience within their own state. Its location within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, just a manageable drive from Hayward, means that a true Northwoods escape is well within reach without requiring extensive travel. For those who appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities Wisconsin offers, Moose Lake Campground truly delivers.

Locals will find immense value in the campground's ability to provide a "secluded" and "quiet" environment, as highlighted by past visitors. In an increasingly connected world, the limited cell service acts as a beneficial feature, encouraging campers to truly disconnect from digital distractions and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. This makes it an ideal spot to "kick your scrolling habit" and embrace reading, conversation, or simply peaceful contemplation by the lake.

The excellent fishing on Moose Lake, with its abundance of musky, walleye, bass, and panfish, is a significant draw for Wisconsin anglers. The convenient boat launch and sandy beach further enhance water-based recreation, inviting families to swim, paddle, or simply relax by the shore. For those who enjoy exploring on land, the access to hiking, biking, and nearby ATV trails offers diverse ways to experience the beauty of the national forest. The clean and well-maintained vault toilets, along with the provision of potable water (though supplementary water is recommended), ensure a comfortable rustic camping experience.

Ultimately, Moose Lake Campground offers a quintessential Wisconsin outdoor adventure: a chance to embrace the state’s natural heritage, observe abundant wildlife, and unwind in a peaceful setting. It’s a place where local families and individuals can create lasting memories, reconnect with the outdoors, and appreciate the serene beauty that their own backyard has to offer, making it a perfect fit for a refreshing getaway.