Bear Lake Campground

For Wisconsin locals seeking a versatile and engaging camping experience, Bear Lake Campground in Manawa offers a compelling blend of tranquil lakeside relaxation and lively resort amenities. Nestled on the shores of the beautiful 194-acre Bear Lake, this campground is a popular destination that caters to a wide range of preferences, from those craving peaceful weekdays to groups looking for a fun-filled weekend. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Waupaca County, enjoy a variety of recreational activities, and still have access to comforts like a full-service bar and grill. Our community reviews highlight both its serene moments and its potential for vibrant social gatherings, making it a unique gem in Wisconsin's camping landscape. Whether you're planning a quiet family getaway or a memorable trip with friends, Bear Lake Campground provides an inviting setting. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential details to plan your next visit to this dynamic Wisconsin destination.

Bear Lake Campground is located at N4715 WI-22 #110, Manawa, WI 54949, USA. Its position in Waupaca County, near the charming town of Manawa, makes it conveniently accessible for many Wisconsin residents. The campground is situated directly off State Highway 22/110, ensuring a straightforward drive without having to navigate lengthy gravel roads. This accessibility is a major plus for campers bringing RVs or those who prefer an easy commute to their natural retreat. Manawa itself is a small, friendly town, offering a quaint atmosphere and a warm welcome to visitors. The campground's location on the shores of Bear Lake provides immediate access to water recreation, a primary draw for many visitors. Whether you're coming from the Fox Valley, Milwaukee, or other parts of Wisconsin, the journey to Bear Lake Campground is a pleasant introduction to the state's picturesque rural landscapes, leading you directly to your lakeside escape.

Bear Lake Campground offers a wide array of services and amenities designed to enhance your camping experience, balancing rustic appeal with modern conveniences:

• Campsites: A variety of sites are available, including water and electric sites, as well as lakefront options. They can accommodate both tents and RVs, with some sites able to handle larger rigs.
• Modern Restrooms & Showers: The campground features restrooms with showers. While one review noted a specific issue with a pay shower, the presence of these facilities generally contributes to a more comfortable stay.
• Sanitary Dump Station: Available for RV and trailer campers, ensuring convenience for waste disposal.
• Full-Service Bar & Grill: An on-site bar and grill provides delicious dining options, including a popular Friday Fish Fry, snacks, and beverages. This facility is open year-round.
• Camp Store/Groceries: A camp store is available, offering groceries, bait, park merchandise, and other essential items for your camping trip.
• Laundry Facilities: A laundromat is on-site for campers' convenience.
• Recreational Rentals: Non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks, paddleboats, and rowboats are available for rent, allowing easy exploration of Bear Lake.
• Game Room: A dedicated game room provides indoor entertainment options.
• Playground: A children's playground is available for younger campers.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill for cooking and campfires.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach on Bear Lake offers a fantastic spot for sun-soaked relaxation and water fun.
• Tiki Hut Bar: An additional tiki hut bar, open on weekends in July and most of August, adds to the lively atmosphere.
• Banquet Hall: A spacious banquet hall is available for weddings, reunions, and other large gatherings.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally welcome, though specific policies and fees may apply.
• Seasonal Sites: Seasonal site information can be obtained by contacting the campground directly.
• Themed Weekends & Special Events: The campground hosts themed weekends and planned activities, adding to the entertainment value.

Bear Lake Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Wisconsin campers:

• Quiet Weekday Atmosphere: A significant highlight is its "beautiful and quiet during the week" ambiance, as noted by a reviewer who extended their stay. This makes it perfect for those seeking tranquility during non-peak times.
• Lively Weekend Environment: Conversely, the campground can be more active on weekends, especially during events like "Blatz fest weekend," offering a social and entertaining atmosphere. This dual nature caters to different preferences.
• Friendly Owners and Staff: Visitors consistently praise the "owners and staff" for doing "all that they can to make us feel welcome," creating a friendly and inviting environment. The bar/grill also feels like "old friends."
• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: The campground is situated on the 194-acre Bear Lake, known for its clear water and scenic views. Campsites are often along the wooded shore, providing outstanding lake vistas.
• Excellent Water Recreation: Bear Lake is ideal for "swimming, boating, fishing" (known for walleye, musky, northern pike, and panfish), kayaking, and canoeing. Its full-recreation status allows for jet skiing and water skiing too.
• Variety of On-Site Activities: Beyond water sports, the campground offers mini-golf, volleyball, a ball diamond, and horseshoes, ensuring there's always something to do.
• On-Site Dining and Social Hub: The bar and grill serves as a central hub, providing convenient meals and a place to socialize, eliminating the need to leave the campground for dining.
• Community Feel: With new owners (Bob and Sarah Kahlscheuer since January 2023) emphasizing a "sense of family and community," the campground fosters a welcoming atmosphere.
• Nearby Attractions: The campground is in close proximity to the Rat River Hike and Bike Trail, and trout fishing opportunities are nearby on the Peshtigo and Rat Rivers. The tiny towns nearby are also full of "nice people and great to visit."
• Accessibility: All campground roads are paved with blacktop, ensuring easy navigation within the park.

For inquiries or to plan your visit to Bear Lake Campground, here is the contact information:

Address: N4715 WI-22 #110, Manawa, WI 54949, USA

Phone: (920) 596-3308

Mobile Phone: +1 920-596-3308

You can also visit their official website for more information, online reservations, and current event schedules. It is always advisable to contact the campground directly or check their website for the most up-to-date information on availability, pricing, specific amenity details, and any event-related communication, especially given past feedback regarding communication during busy periods.

For Wisconsin locals, Bear Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a versatile camping experience that can cater to various preferences. If you're looking for a peaceful midweek escape, the campground provides exactly that – serene lake views and quiet relaxation. Conversely, if your group enjoys lively weekends with activities, music, and a vibrant social scene, the on-site bar and grill, coupled with themed events, delivers just that. The access to Bear Lake, a full-recreation lake, means abundant opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and more, making it a dream for water enthusiasts. The comprehensive amenities, including modern restrooms, a camp store, and various recreational facilities like mini-golf and a playground, add immense value and convenience for families. While acknowledging past communication hiccups during peak events, the commitment of the new owners to fostering a welcoming community and the generally positive feedback about staff friendliness suggest a continuous effort to improve the guest experience. For us Wisconsinites, Bear Lake Campground truly offers the best of both worlds: a beautiful natural setting combined with the comforts and entertainment of a resort, making it an ideal choice for creating lasting summer memories right in our own backyard.