Wazee Lake Campground

For Wisconsinites dreaming of a truly immersive outdoor experience, where pristine waters meet peaceful forest trails, Wazee Lake Campground stands as a remarkable destination. Often hailed by visitors as "the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever experienced," this exceptional site near Black River Falls offers a unique blend of natural splendor and recreational opportunities, making it a perfect escape for locals seeking tranquility and adventure.

Wazee Lake is not just any body of water; it is the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin, a former iron mine that has transformed into a crystal-clear aquatic wonderland. This historical past contributes to its incredible depth and clarity, attracting a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're an avid scuba diver, a quiet kayaker, a keen angler, or simply someone looking to unwind in a serene natural setting, Wazee Lake Campground promises a memorable experience right here in Wisconsin. It's a place where security, cleanliness, and breathtaking natural beauty converge to create an ideal environment for creating lasting memories.

Wazee Lake Campground is ideally situated at N6302 North Brockway Rd, Black River Falls, WI 54615, USA. This address places it within the beautiful Black River State Forest, a vast expanse of public land in west-central Wisconsin. Its location offers a sense of being truly "away from it all" while remaining highly accessible for residents across the state.

Getting to Wazee Lake Campground is straightforward, typically involving a scenic drive. From Highway 54 East, you'll turn onto Brockway Road, leading you directly to this natural haven. Black River Falls, the nearby town, provides essential services and supplies, ensuring that campers have access to everything they need. The campground's integration into the broader Black River State Forest means that visitors are immediately immersed in a rich natural environment, with extensive forestland and clear signage guiding their way. Its relative proximity to major Wisconsin cities, though remote enough to offer genuine escape, makes it a convenient and sought-after destination for a refreshing local getaway.

Wazee Lake Campground, as part of the public recreation area, provides essential amenities designed to enhance the camping experience while preserving the natural environment. The focus is on providing a clean, safe, and functional base for outdoor activities.

• Campsites: The campground offers 12 rustic campsites. These sites are equipped with pit toilets and provide access to drinking water. While they may not have full RV hookups, they cater to a more traditional and immersive camping experience. Six of these 12 campsites are reservable, allowing for advance planning, especially during peak seasons.

• Security Cameras: A notable feature is the presence of "security cameras for safety," providing an added layer of peace of mind for campers. This demonstrates a commitment to guest security and well-being.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitor reviews highlight that the campground is "very well maintained" and "clean." This dedication to cleanliness ensures a pleasant and hygienic environment for all campers, from restrooms to communal areas.

• Picnic Areas: Designated picnic areas are available for day-use visitors and campers, providing spaces for outdoor meals and gatherings.

• Boat Launch: A public boat launch is available for non-motorized boats, providing easy access to Wazee Lake for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

• Restrooms: Along with pit toilets at campsites, there are public restrooms available in the recreation area.

The true allure of Wazee Lake Campground lies in its spectacular natural features and the array of activities they enable. This is where the landscape itself becomes the main attraction.

• Wazee Lake - Wisconsin’s Deepest Inland Lake: The centerpiece of the recreation area, Wazee Lake is a former iron mine, resulting in extraordinary depth (up to 355 feet) and "crystal-clear water" with impressive visibility. This clarity makes it a prime destination for various water activities.

• Premier Scuba Diving Destination: Wazee Lake is renowned as the most popular scuba diving site in the Midwest, attracting over a thousand divers annually. Divers can explore underwater rock formations, remnants of mining equipment, and fish cribs, offering a unique sub-aquatic experience.

• Non-Motorized Boating: To maintain its pristine water quality and promote a "quiet" recreational experience, only non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. This creates an ideal environment for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, allowing visitors to enjoy the lake's tranquility.

• Excellent Fishing: The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow), smallmouth bass, and walleye, making it a popular spot for anglers. While divers often frequent the best fishing spots, the clear waters and diverse fish population offer a rewarding challenge.

• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: The surrounding park boasts over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. These trails offer opportunities to explore the scenic forest, potentially catch a glimpse of endangered species like the timber wolf and Karner Blue butterfly, and enjoy beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape.

• Public Beach and Swimming: There is a public beach area for swimming, allowing visitors to enjoy the refreshing, clear waters of Wazee Lake. This is a popular spot, especially during warmer months.

• Peaceful and Meditative Environment: Many visitors praise the "amazing place to meditate" and the overall "peaceful atmosphere," emphasizing the tranquility that Wazee Lake offers. It's a sanctuary for those looking to "unwind and reconnect with nature."

• Scenic Vistas: The topography, a result of its mining past, provides several scenic vistas and overlooks of the lake and surrounding forest, perfect for photography or quiet contemplation.

As Wazee Lake Campground is managed as part of Jackson County Parks and Recreation, it operates under established fee structures rather than seasonal commercial promotions. However, for Wisconsin residents, there are often ways to enjoy the park economically. Annual vehicle admission stickers for Wisconsin State Parks and Forests can provide cost savings for frequent visitors. Camping fees are typically per site, per night, and vary based on the type of site (rustic, electric, etc., though Wazee's campsites are described as rustic with pit toilets and water).

Reservations are required for some campsites, especially during peak seasons (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), and often have a minimum stay requirement (e.g., 3 nights for holiday weekends). It's advisable to check the Jackson County Parks & Recreation website or call directly for the most current pricing, reservation policies, and any specific permits required for activities like scuba diving. Booking well in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred dates, especially given the campground's popularity.

To plan your visit, make reservations, or inquire further about Wazee Lake Campground and its facilities, please use the following contact information:

Address: N6302 North Brockway Rd, Black River Falls, WI 54615, USA

Phone: While a direct line for the campground might vary by season, the primary contact for the recreation area and reservations is generally through the Jackson County Forestry & Parks Office. The number often associated with inquiries is (715) 284-8475.

For comprehensive details, including an interactive map, reservation portal, and up-to-date information on park rules and activities, visiting the official Jackson County Forestry & Parks website is highly recommended. You can often find specific check-in/check-out times, cancellation policies, and other important guidelines there.

For Wisconsin residents, Wazee Lake Campground truly stands out as a premier local destination for outdoor recreation and peaceful escapes. Its unparalleled natural beauty, centered around the incredibly clear and deep Wazee Lake, offers unique opportunities not commonly found elsewhere in the state. Whether it's the allure of scuba diving in a former quarry, the tranquility of kayaking on a non-motorized lake, or the meditative solitude found on its extensive hiking trails, Wazee Lake provides a diverse range of experiences tailored to the discerning local adventurer.

The positive reviews highlight the campground's safety, cleanliness, and the overall potential for creating "beautiful moments." It's a place where you can genuinely "unwind and reconnect with nature," a valuable commodity in our busy lives. While it retains a rustic charm with its basic camping amenities, the focus on maintaining a pristine environment and ensuring guest safety makes it a reliable choice for families and individuals alike. For those seeking an authentic Wisconsin outdoor experience that prioritizes natural wonder and serene relaxation, Wazee Lake Campground is a truly exceptional local treasure, inviting you to discover its depths and create your own unforgettable memories close to home.