Washburn County Sawmill Park Campground

Are you a Wisconsin resident yearning for a peaceful escape into the heart of nature? Look no further than Washburn County Sawmill Park Campground, a hidden gem nestled amidst the sprawling Washburn County Forest in Birchwood, WI. This tranquil campground offers a genuine rustic experience, perfect for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Washburn County Sawmill Park Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to thousands of acres of unspoiled wilderness. Imagine waking up to the sounds of birdsong, spending your days exploring pristine lakes, and evenings under a canopy of stars. This campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Wisconsin's natural beauty, offering a quiet and remote setting that truly allows for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Washburn County Sawmill Park Campground is strategically located to offer both seclusion and accessibility for Wisconsin locals. You'll find it north of Birchwood, WI, and south of Stone Lake, WI. For those traveling from Birchwood, the journey involves taking County Highway D west to County Highway T. As you head north, County Highway T transitions into a gravel road, eventually becoming the Birchwood Firelane. The campground is situated approximately two miles north on the east side of the Birchwood Firelane. If you're coming from Stone Lake, take Highway 70 west to County Highway B. Follow County Highway B west for about 1.5 miles, then turn south onto the Birchwood Firelane. The park will be about six miles south on the east side of the road.

This location, while feeling wonderfully remote, is still within a reasonable driving distance for many Wisconsin residents, making it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or longer vacations. Its position within the vast Washburn County Forest means you're immediately surrounded by nature, with easy access to the numerous outdoor activities the area has to offer.

• 25 rustic campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
• Hand pumps for potable water access.
• Vault toilets for essential facilities.
• A fishing dock for convenient angling opportunities.
• An open-air pavilion, suitable for gatherings or a sheltered spot to relax.
• Boat launch access to Sawmill Lake (note: motors are not allowed on Sawmill Lake).
• Direct access to a canoe portage trail system connecting to numerous undeveloped lakes.
• Allows pets on a leash in designated areas (not in beach, playground, or bathrooms).
• Dispersed camping permits may be available through the Forest Administrator for those seeking an even more primitive experience.

• Nestled within over 16,000 acres of public forest land, with much of it designated as a non-motorized unit, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed natural environment.
• Part of a larger primitive area, offering a truly rugged and authentic camping experience without electricity at the campsites.
• Boasts a high density of kettle moraine glacial lakes, providing exceptional fishing opportunities for bass, panfish, and even green sunfish, particularly in the "Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin" area.
• The Sawmill Lake Canoe Portage Route offers access to nine separate lakes, with most portages less than 100 yards, making it an excellent option for beginning paddlers.
• The Loyhead Canoe Portage Route, located just a mile north of the campground, provides access to seven additional lakes, with slightly longer but still manageable portages (mostly under 200 yards).
• Perfect for those seeking solitude and a chance to truly unplug, as the campground is known for being quiet and remote.
• Offers stunning fall foliage views, with mixed hardwood trees bursting into vibrant orange, red, and yellow hues in late September or early October.
• Proximity to other outdoor attractions like the Blue Hills Felsenmeer and segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, ideal for hiking and exploration.
• A small beach area is available for enjoyment, though swimming is at your own risk and closes at 9:30 PM.

Washburn County Sawmill Park Campground focuses on offering an accessible and affordable natural experience. As such, direct promotions or special offers in the traditional sense, such as discounted rates or package deals, are not typically featured. However, the inherent value lies in its very nature: providing a remarkably affordable and authentic wilderness experience for all. Reservations for campsites can be made online up to 11 months in advance, allowing you to secure your preferred dates well ahead of time. This system ensures fair access for everyone, especially during peak seasons. Furthermore, the cancellation policy is quite accommodating: reservations can be cancelled up to 3:00 p.m. the day before the planned stay, and a promotional code for the full camping fee (minus the reservation fee) will be issued for future use. Cash refunds are typically only issued under extenuating circumstances, making the promotional code a convenient way to reschedule your adventure.

• Address: 3400 Sawmill Park Ln, Birchwood, WI 54817, USA
• Phone: (715) 466-2822 (May 15 to September 15, when park manager is present)
• Mobile Phone: +1 715-466-2822 (This is the same number, but listed as mobile in some directories)
• For questions on Sawmill Campground or permits outside of the on-site manager's season, you can call the Washburn County Forestry office at 715-635-4490 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
• Online reservations can be made through the Washburn County Parks website.

For Wisconsin residents, Washburn County Sawmill Park Campground truly embodies the spirit of a quintessential Northwoods getaway. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects that resonate with the desire for authentic outdoor experiences without having to travel too far from home. Firstly, its location in Washburn County, a region renowned for its pristine lakes and expansive forests, means that residents have relatively easy access to a truly wild and undeveloped landscape. It's a chance to escape the urban sprawl and immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature that defines so much of what Wisconsinites cherish about their state.

Secondly, the campground offers a genuinely primitive camping experience. In a world increasingly saturated with "glamping" and fully-hookup RV parks, Sawmill Park maintains a rustic charm. There's no electricity at the sites, encouraging campers to truly disconnect and embrace simpler living. This back-to-basics approach appeals to those who seek an authentic connection with nature, fostering self-reliance and appreciation for the natural environment. The presence of hand pumps for water and pit toilets adds to this rustic appeal, while still providing necessary amenities.

Finally, the abundance of recreational opportunities directly accessible from the campground makes it incredibly appealing to active locals. The canoe portage system, which allows access to numerous undeveloped glacial lakes, is a significant draw for paddlers and anglers. Imagine spending your days exploring hidden coves, casting a line for bass and panfish in waters less traveled, or simply enjoying the silent beauty of a paddle. For hikers, the surrounding 16,000 acres of non-motorized public forest land, along with nearby access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, provides endless opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing. Washburn County Sawmill Park Campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's a launching pad for adventure, a sanctuary for relaxation, and a testament to Wisconsin's commitment to preserving its natural heritage for its residents to enjoy for generations to come. It's a place where local memories are made, one campfire and starry night at a time.