Buffalo Lake

Buffalo Lake Campground, nestled within the vast and picturesque Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest in northern Wisconsin, is a quintessential destination for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience. This campground firmly belongs to the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category, offering a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities for both tent and RV campers. Located on the southeast corner of the serene 104-acre Buffalo Lake, approximately between the popular Northwoods communities of Minocqua and St. Germain, it provides a convenient and beautiful base for exploring the region's abundant natural attractions and recreational opportunities.

The environment at Buffalo Lake Campground is characterized by its tranquil lakeside setting and the surrounding dense forests. The campground is situated on rolling terrain, shaded by mature white pines and hardwoods, creating a pleasant and immersive natural ambiance. Buffalo Lake itself, a 104-acre body of water with a maximum depth of 27 feet, is known for its clear waters and a varied bottom composition of sand, gravel, rock, and muck. A significant feature is the well-maintained swimming beach with sandy, shallow waters, making it particularly appealing for families with children. The majority of the lake is surrounded by the state forest, preserving its wild and undeveloped feel, though a few cabins and homes dot the south shore. The natural beauty of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, encompassing hundreds of lakes and vast tracts of forest, provides a habitat for diverse wildlife, including various bird species and deer. Temperatures in the summer typically range from highs in the 70s Fahrenheit to lows in the 50s at night, offering a comfortable escape from the heat, while autumn brings stunning fall foliage.

As a key offering within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Buffalo Lake Campground provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable stay. The campground features 52 non-electric campsites (sites 2001-2052), with 47 available for tent and RV/trailer camping (back-in only) and 5 designated as walk-in, tent-only sites. Three of these sites are double campsites, accommodating up to 12 people and two wheeled camping units (which require campers to be charged for both halves and have a usable camping unit on each half). Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a tent area, a fire ring with a grill, allowing for traditional outdoor cooking and campfires, subject to current fire restrictions. Potable drinking water is available through three hand pumps located throughout the campground. Restroom facilities consist of three vault toilet buildings, which are maintained for cleanliness. While there are no electrical hookups at any of the sites, generators are permitted to run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Trash and recycling dumpsters are provided, facilitating responsible waste disposal. For RV and trailer campers, a nearby dump station is available free of charge at Clear Lake Campground, approximately 7 miles away. A campground host is typically present at site #2038 to assist visitors and provide information.

The features and recreational opportunities at Buffalo Lake Campground are diverse, catering to various outdoor interests. The 104-acre Buffalo Lake is a prime spot for panfishing, offering good opportunities to catch various panfish, walleye, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. A convenient boat launch with a paved ramp, trailer parking (4 stalls), turnaround, and a boat pier is located within the campground, providing easy access for fishing and non-motorized boating activities like paddling, kayaking, and canoeing. The excellent swimming beach is a major draw for families. Beyond the lake, the location offers direct access to a wealth of land-based activities. Highway J, which runs past the campground, features dedicated bike lanes that connect to nearby towns like St. Germain and Woodruff, making it ideal for cyclists. The broader Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is crisscrossed with numerous hiking trails, nature trails, and paved bicycle paths, including popular routes like the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail, Razorback Ridges, the Escanaba Trail, and the Fallison Lake Trail. These trails provide ample opportunities for hiking, running, and mountain biking amidst the scenic Northwoods landscape. The campground's quiet setting also makes it conducive to wildlife viewing and bird watching, providing a serene environment for observing local flora and fauna. The overall feature set emphasizes a balance between water-based recreation and extensive terrestrial exploration within a beautiful state forest.

For promotional information and practical considerations, Buffalo Lake Campground operates seasonally, typically from April 30th to Columbus Day (mid-October), with specific dates subject to snow conditions. Reservations are required for all 52 campsites and can be made up to 11 months in advance of your stay, either online through the Wisconsin DNR website (or Recreation.gov) or by calling 1-888-947-2757. Campers must set up their usable camping unit by 11:00 PM on check-in day. A Wisconsin State Park and Forest Admission Sticker is required for all vehicles entering the campground, which can be purchased daily or annually. The nightly camping rate is approximately $16 for state residents and $21 for non-residents, with double sites incurring charges for both halves. While the campground offers a rustic experience, its proximity to communities like Minocqua, Woodruff (7 miles away), St. Germain (5 miles away), and Lake Tomahawk (7 miles away) means that groceries, sporting goods, restaurants, and other services are just a short drive away. Visitors should be prepared for typical Wisconsin Northwoods conditions, including the potential for mosquitoes, especially during warmer months. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, a convenient service that also helps prevent the spread of invasive species. It is always recommended to check the Wisconsin DNR official website or contact the Clear Lake Visitor Station at 715-356-3668 for the most up-to-date information regarding operational status, fire restrictions, and any specific alerts. Buffalo Lake Campground provides a cherished Northwoods camping experience, offering a perfect blend of lakeside recreation and forest adventure within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category.