Willow Reservoir Group Site 1

For Wisconsin groups – whether it's a gathering of friends, a family reunion, or a club outing – seeking an immersive and unforgettable Northwoods experience, Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 stands out as an exceptional choice. Nestled near Hazelhurst, this site offers a unique blend of rustic charm and abundant outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for those who thrive in nature. This guide is tailored specifically for local Wisconsinites, providing a detailed look into what makes Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 a fantastic option for your next collective adventure. As enthusiastic campers have shared, it's an "Amazing place for camping, fishing, kayaking, canoe plus more," perfect for those looking to have "a blast with some buddies doing a minimalist camping trip."

Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 is part of the larger Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, a vast and wild expanse of water and forest managed by the Wisconsin DNR. This area is renowned for its limited development and truly wild character, offering 73 miles of largely undeveloped shoreline and 106 islands. While many sites on the Willow Flowage are individual, Group Site 1 is specifically designed to accommodate larger parties, providing a dedicated space for your group to gather and enjoy the wilderness together. Keep in mind that while it's fantastic for "minimalist camping," it's also a popular fishing destination, so expect some motorboat traffic on the flowage itself. We’ll delve into its accessible location, the services it offers, and the standout features that cement Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 as a premier choice for group camping in Wisconsin.

Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 is located near Hazelhurst, WI 54531, USA, within the expansive Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area. This puts it squarely in Oneida County, a prime location in Wisconsin's famed Northwoods region, known for its dense forests and abundant lakes and rivers.

While the group site itself offers a sense of seclusion and wilderness, its accessibility for local Wisconsin residents is quite manageable. Hazelhurst is a small community, and the Willow Flowage area is well-marked. For those driving from larger Wisconsin cities, it's a feasible journey; for example, it's approximately a 2-hour drive from Green Bay and about 3.5 to 4 hours from Madison, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend or a week-long group retreat. Access roads leading to launch points for the Willow Flowage are typically gravel but are generally well-maintained.

As a site within the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, it benefits from multiple public boat landings, such as Willow Flowage Access #1 and #2 off Willow Dam Rd, Sportsmans Landing off Flowage Road, and McCord Landing. These access points make it convenient for groups to launch their watercraft and reach the group site. While the group site itself is primitive, the nearby towns of Hazelhurst, Minocqua, and Tomahawk offer essential services like grocery stores, gas stations, and various dining options, ensuring that groups can easily resupply before heading into the wilderness or if needed during their stay. This blend of remote wilderness and practical access makes Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 a highly desirable location for Wisconsin groups.

Willow Reservoir Group Site 1, as part of the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, provides basic yet essential services tailored for a rustic group camping experience. The focus here is on low-impact camping that complements the area's wild character.

• Group-Specific Campsite: This site is designated specifically for groups, offering a larger area compared to individual campsites to accommodate multiple tents and a shared gathering space.

• Rustic Amenities: As a rustic campsite, it will typically include a fire ring for campfires and a picnic table for shared meals, fostering a traditional camping atmosphere.

• Outdoor Toilets (Vault Toilets): Expect basic outdoor toilets, likely vault toilets, which are common in primitive and rustic state forest campgrounds in Wisconsin. These are regularly maintained, but campers should be prepared for a rustic restroom experience.

• No Potable Water: It's crucial for campers to note that there is generally no potable water available directly at primitive sites on the Willow Flowage. Groups should plan to bring all necessary drinking water or be equipped with water filtration/purification systems.

• No Garbage Containers: Adhering to "leave no trace" principles, there are typically no garbage facilities at these rustic sites. Groups are responsible for packing out all trash and waste they generate, ensuring the pristine nature of the area is preserved.

• First-Come, First-Served / Potentially Reservable: While many Willow Flowage sites are first-come, first-served, group sites in state forests sometimes have different reservation policies. It's essential to confirm with the Wisconsin DNR whether Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 is strictly first-come, first-served or if it can be reserved for groups, which is a common practice for larger sites.

Willow Reservoir Group Site 1, and the larger Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, offer an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for group camping in Wisconsin.

• Expansive Water Access: The group site is positioned on the Willow Reservoir, part of the 6,300+ acre Willow Flowage. This vast body of water provides "amazing" opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities directly from the site or easily accessible nearby.

• Excellent Fishing: The Willow Flowage is renowned for its diverse fish population, including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. This makes it a prime location for group fishing trips, promising a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.

• Paddling Paradise: With 73 miles of shoreline and 106 islands, the Willow Flowage is a paddler's dream. Groups can spend days exploring secluded bays, navigating around islands, and enjoying the tranquility of the undeveloped shoreline. It's perfect for both casual canoe trips and more extensive kayaking expeditions.

• Rustic and Wild Flavor: The property is noted for its "truly wild flavor" and "limited development," with 95% of its shoreline being undeveloped. This ensures a genuine wilderness camping experience, ideal for groups who want to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

• Extensive Trail System: The Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area offers a network of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and even snowmobile and ATV/UTV access in designated areas during the appropriate seasons. This allows groups to explore the surrounding forests beyond the water.

• Wildlife Viewing: The remote and undeveloped nature of the flowage provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Campers might spot eagles, osprey, loons, deer, and other local fauna, adding to the immersive natural experience.

• Year-Round Recreation: While camping is seasonal, the Willow Flowage offers recreational and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year, making it a versatile destination for different group activities.

As a group campsite within the Wisconsin DNR's Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 typically operates under state forest camping guidelines. This means that commercial "promotions or special offers" are not common. Instead, the "promotion" lies in the value and experience offered by a state-managed natural area.

• Affordable Group Camping: While specific pricing for this group site isn't always publicly detailed in general DNR overviews, state forest campgrounds typically offer very affordable rates compared to private campgrounds, especially for a large group-specific site in such a prime location.

• First-Come, First-Served / Potential for Reservation: Many sites on the Willow Flowage are first-come, first-served. However, due to the nature of a "group site," it is highly recommended that groups contact the Wisconsin DNR directly to inquire about specific reservation policies for Willow Reservoir Group Site 1. Securing a reservation in advance for a group site is often possible and advisable, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.

• Wisconsin State Park System Vehicle Admission: While camping fees apply per night, a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker (daily or annual) is also required for entry into state-managed lands. An annual sticker provides cost-effective access for frequent visits to state parks and forests across Wisconsin.

For the most accurate and current information on fees, reservation procedures, and any specific group site policies, it is essential for groups to contact the Wisconsin DNR office responsible for the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area.

For inquiries, reservation information, or specific details regarding Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 within the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, it's best to contact the Wisconsin DNR office responsible for managing this region.

Address: Located on the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, near Hazelhurst, WI 54531, USA.

General Wisconsin DNR Contact (for Northern Forests, including Willow Flowage):

Phone: While a direct line for "Willow Reservoir Group Site 1" is not provided, the Wisconsin DNR central information line or the regional office for the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (which often oversees areas like Willow Flowage) would be the best point of contact.

A general Wisconsin DNR phone number for assistance with state lands and camping inquiries is often available on their website.

You can also try the general phone number for the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest which manages parts of this region: (715) 356-3668.

Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 is an exceptionally suitable destination for Wisconsin locals, particularly for groups who desire a true Northwoods wilderness experience. Its primary appeal lies in its designation as a group site, providing dedicated space for larger parties to enjoy the outdoors together, fostering camaraderie and shared memories.

For Michiganders, the Willow Flowage itself is a well-known treasure. This campground's location on the reservoir means immediate access to a vast waterway, perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, as reviewers enthusiastically affirm. The "amazing place for camping, fishing, kayaking, canoe plus more" perfectly encapsulates the diverse activities available right at your doorstep. The fact that the Flowage is mostly undeveloped with numerous islands creates an immersive and wild environment, ideal for those seeking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. This truly aligns with the spirit of "minimalist camping" while still providing the necessary elements for a comfortable group stay.

While the amenities are rustic (vault toilets, no potable water, pack-out trash), this is precisely what appeals to many Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the raw beauty and self-reliance that such sites demand. It’s an opportunity to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural sounds and sights of the state's iconic forests and waters. For any group of Wisconsin locals – whether it's a fishing crew, a paddling club, or a family looking for an authentic bonding experience in the wilderness – Willow Reservoir Group Site 1 offers an unparalleled and highly recommended adventure in the heart of the Northwoods.