Plum Lake Campground, Northern Highland American Legion State Forest

For Wisconsin residents seeking an unparalleled sense of peace and natural immersion, Plum Lake Campground, nestled within the magnificent Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, offers a uniquely tranquil camping experience. This is not a campground for boisterous family reunions or late-night revelry; rather, it's a sanctuary for those who truly appreciate silence, the gentle sounds of nature, and an unhurried pace. If your ideal getaway involves crystal-clear waters, towering pines, and quiet contemplation, Plum Lake Campground in Sayner, WI, stands out as a premier destination for a restorative Northwoods retreat.

Plum Lake Campground is renowned for its commitment to maintaining a profoundly quiet environment. While this strict policy might not suit every camper, it is precisely what draws those who prioritize serenity above all else. Here, the focus is on the authentic experience of the Wisconsin wilderness: the rustle of leaves, the call of a loon across the lake, and the peaceful hum of a forest alive with subtle sounds. It provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from the constant noise of modern life and reconnect with nature on a deeper level, making it an exceptional choice for locals throughout Wisconsin who long for a truly peaceful escape into our state's beautiful outdoors.

Plum Lake Campground is situated at 9090 Plum Lake Campsite Rd, Sayner, WI 54560, USA, placing it directly within the expansive and highly esteemed Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. This prime location means campers are deeply embedded in the iconic Wisconsin Northwoods, celebrated for its vast forests and numerous pristine lakes. The campground itself is located on the shores of Plum Lake, a beautiful, clear-water lake that serves as the focal point for many of the campground's serene activities.

For residents across Wisconsin, accessing Plum Lake Campground is a straightforward journey into Vilas County. The roads leading to and within the campground are maintained, allowing for convenient access for most vehicles, including those towing smaller campers or pop-ups. While the campground offers a distinctly remote and peaceful atmosphere, it is still within a reasonable driving distance of key Northwoods communities such as Sayner, Boulder Junction, and Minocqua. These nearby towns provide essential services like grocery stores, gas stations, and local eateries, ensuring that campers have access to necessary supplies without compromising the feeling of being truly "away from it all." This balance of secluded natural beauty and practical accessibility makes Plum Lake Campground an ideal destination for Wisconsin locals seeking a genuine, tranquil outdoor escape.

• Non-Electric Campsites: All campsites at Plum Lake Campground are non-electric, emphasizing a rustic and quiet camping experience.
• Vault Toilets: Well-maintained and clean vault toilets are available throughout the campground, providing essential restroom facilities.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is accessible via hand pumps, offering a traditional and reliable water source.
• On-site Campground Host: A campground host is typically present to manage the site, assist campers, and enforce campground regulations.
• Trash and Recycling: Designated receptacles for trash and recycling are provided, promoting responsible waste disposal and environmental cleanliness.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires (firewood often available for purchase nearby).

• Strict Quiet Policy: Plum Lake Campground is explicitly known for its stringent noise policy. It is designed for those seeking profound quiet; noise above a whisper, including loud talking, children playing loudly, or music, is discouraged. Generators are not permitted.
• Not Recommended for Children or Dogs (with caveats): Due to the strict quiet policy, some reviewers suggest it is "not recommended for children or dogs" who may naturally make noise. While dogs are technically allowed, their natural barking may lead to issues with hosts/wardens.
• Clear Water Lake with Hard Sand Bottom: Plum Lake boasts exceptionally clear water and a hard, sandy bottom, making it very appealing for water activities.
• Non-Motorized Lake: Plum Lake is a non-motorized lake, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed environment for paddling activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
• Towering Pines and Well-Kept Campsites: The campground is characterized by its "towering pines" and "well-kept campsites," providing a beautiful, shaded, and natural setting.
• Clean Facilities: The "state forest staff and hosts maintain clean facilities," including the vault toilets, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Direct Access to Paved Bike Trail Network: A significant highlight is the campground's proximity, just "a quarter mile from the paved bike trail network linking Sayner and Boulder Junction." This offers "avid cyclists lengthy rides in either direction without needing to leave paved trails."
• Sizable Fishing Pier: A "sizable fishing pier" is located "just a stone's throw from the campground," accessible by a short drive or moderate hike, providing excellent fishing opportunities. While there isn't a direct trail bridging a small creek, it's quickly reachable on foot through shallow water.
• Short Open Season: The campground has a relatively short open season, typically spanning from approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day each summer, with the entrance gate closed outside these dates.
• Wildlife and Nature Immersion: Being in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, campers can expect abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and a deep connection with nature.

As a state forest campground managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Plum Lake Campground does not typically offer unique promotions or discounts. However, Wisconsin residents can take advantage of the state's very beneficial State Park and Forest Vehicle Admission Sticker program. An annual resident sticker costs $28, and for Wisconsin senior residents (65+), the annual sticker is available at a significantly reduced rate of $13. These annual stickers provide unlimited admission to all Wisconsin State Parks and Forests for the entire calendar year, offering exceptional value for those who frequently explore the state's natural areas. Daily admission passes are also available for $13 for residents. Campsite fees at Plum Lake Campground are standardized by the DNR, currently at a reasonable $16 per night for residents ($21 for non-residents), reflecting its rustic, non-electric nature. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends and during the peak summer season, and can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR's online reservation system or by phone. Planning ahead is key to securing your spot at this serene Northwoods gem.

Plum Lake Campground is administered as part of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. For reservations and general inquiries related to state forest campgrounds, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 9090 Plum Lake Campsite Rd, Sayner, WI 54560, USA
• Phone: (715) 524-3923 (This is likely the phone number for the Crystal Lake Visitor Station, which oversees the NH-AL State Forest campgrounds).
• Reservations: For campsite reservations, please utilize the Wisconsin DNR's online reservation system or call 1-888-947-2757.

For Wisconsin locals, Plum Lake Campground offers a truly distinctive and appealing option, especially for those whose idea of outdoor recreation leans heavily towards tranquility and a deep connection with nature. While recent feedback highlights the strict adherence to quiet policies and may not suit every family or pet owner, this very characteristic is its strongest appeal for a specific segment of the local population. It is a haven for those who seek to escape the pervasive noise of modern life and fully immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Northwoods.

The campground's location on a clear, non-motorized Plum Lake is a significant draw, providing ideal conditions for peaceful kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Anglers will appreciate the sizable fishing pier, offering opportunities for a quiet day of fishing. For avid cyclists, the direct access to the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail network is an undeniable highlight, providing miles of safe, scenic riding right from your campsite. The consistent praise for "well-kept campsites" and "clean facilities" underscores the dedication of the state forest staff, ensuring a comfortable rustic experience.

Plum Lake Campground is an embodiment of Wisconsin's commitment to preserving pockets of profound natural quiet. For residents who are "old and crotchety" in the best sense of the word – those who relish silence, introspection, and the unadulterated sounds of the wilderness – this campground is an unparalleled choice. It's a place where the towering pines provide not just shade, but a sense of timeless peace, and the clear waters invite quiet reflection. If you are a Wisconsinite yearning for a truly silent, restorative escape, Plum Lake Campground provides an ideal setting to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the tranquil essence of our beautiful state.