Buffalo Lake Campground

For Wisconsin locals seeking a truly serene and family-friendly camping experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Northwoods, Buffalo Lake Campground near Lake Tomahawk is an absolute gem. Nestled within the sprawling Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, this campground offers a peaceful lakeside retreat where tranquility and natural beauty take center stage. If your ideal getaway involves quiet mornings by the water, leisurely swims on a beautiful sandy beach, and evenings under a canopy of stars, then Buffalo Lake Campground is poised to become your favorite annual tradition.

What truly sets Buffalo Lake Campground apart is its remarkable ability to blend rustic charm with impeccable cleanliness and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors consistently describe it as "very beautiful" and praise the "super friendly" camp host/manager who "definitely keeps things as clean as possible." Even for those who might typically shy away from pit toilets, the ones at Buffalo Lake are highlighted as "some of the cleanest...ever had to use," a testament to the dedication to guest comfort. This commitment to maintenance ensures a pleasant and worry-free stay for all.

The campground fosters a "cute, family-friendly, quiet" environment, making it ideal for creating cherished memories with loved ones. Its location on Buffalo Lake provides excellent opportunities for swimming on a "great beach" and enjoying various paddle sports. While it offers a secluded feel, it remains conveniently "close enough to Woodruff or St. Germain for groceries/ice/coffee, etc.," striking a perfect balance between wilderness immersion and accessibility to essential amenities. This article will delve deeper into the unique features, advantageous location, and essential services that make Buffalo Lake Campground a highly recommended choice for Wisconsin residents looking for their next peaceful and memorable outdoor adventure.

Buffalo Lake Campground is strategically located at 8447, 8549 Buffalo Lake Rd, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539, USA. This places it in the southern portion of the vast and popular Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, a jewel of Wisconsin's Northwoods. The campground itself is situated on the east shore of Buffalo Lake, a picturesque 105-acre lake known for its serene environment and excellent fishing.

Access to Buffalo Lake Campground is straightforward, typically via well-maintained county roads, ensuring a smooth drive for campers with various setups. The campground roads themselves are paved, facilitating easy navigation within the park. While offering a quiet, natural setting, it remains conveniently connected to essential services and recreational opportunities. The reviews highlight its proximity to larger Northwoods communities: it's "close enough to Woodruff or St. Germain for groceries/ice/coffee, etc." Minocqua is also just minutes away by car (around 7 miles), offering a broader range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Lake Tomahawk village, also about 7 miles away, provides additional local conveniences including a laundromat, gas, and supplies.

The surrounding area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. A lakeshore trail starts directly at the campground and circles the north shore of Buffalo Lake, offering scenic views perfect for hiking. For silent sports enthusiasts, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest provides abundant opportunities, including extensive hiking trails, nature trails, paddle routes, and access to over 52 miles of paved bicycle paths, such as those on Highway J which connects to St. Germain and Woodruff. The easy access to these various activities makes Buffalo Lake Campground an excellent basecamp for exploring the diverse landscapes and recreational offerings of northern Wisconsin.

• Non-Electric Campsites: 52 total sites available, designed for a rustic camping experience without electrical hookups.
• RV & Tent Campsites: 47 sites accommodate both tents and RVs/trailers (back-in only, max length varies by site).
• Walk-in Tent Only Campsites: 5 dedicated sites offering a more secluded and private tent camping experience.
• Reservable Campsites: All 52 campsites are reservable and can be booked online or by phone up to 11 months in advance (reservations are required before setting up).
• Clean Vault Toilets: Three vault toilet buildings are consistently praised for their cleanliness and are accessible.
• Drinking Water (Hand Pumps): Three hand pumps provide potable water throughout the campground.
• Trash and Recycling Dumpsters: Conveniently located facilities for waste disposal, promoting environmental responsibility.
• Firewood Available for Purchase: Firewood can be purchased on-site (often from a bin near group sites or the host site), typically for a fee.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Every campsite includes a fire ring for campfires.
• Parking Spurs: Designated parking for vehicles and trailers at each drive-in site.
• Public Swimming Beach: A well-maintained sandy beach area with shallow waters, perfect for swimming and family fun.
• Boat Landing: A public boat landing with a paved ramp, trailer parking (4 stalls), turnaround, and boat pier, located on the lake.
• Lakeshore Trail: A hiking trail that starts at the campground and circles the north shore of Buffalo Lake.
• On-site Campground Host: A host (at site #2038) is typically present to assist campers and ensure regulations are followed.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times and not left unattended.
• Generators Allowed: Generators may be used from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Nearby Dump Station: A free dump station is available at Clear Lake Campground (approximately 7 miles away) for campers staying in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

• Remarkably Clean Facilities: A standout feature, with visitors frequently praising the "cleanest pit toilets" they've ever encountered and an overall well-maintained environment.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently described as a "quiet campground," ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape from noise and crowds.
• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Situated on the serene Buffalo Lake, offering gorgeous views, especially from lakeside sites (e.g., site #2020), and direct access to the water.
• Great Swimming Beach: Features a well-maintained, shallow, sandy swimming beach perfect for families and children.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Creates a welcoming and safe atmosphere for families, making it an excellent choice for a multi-generational getaway.
• Super Friendly Camp Host/Manager: Positive reviews highlight the helpfulness and pleasant demeanor of the on-site staff, contributing to a positive experience.
• Abundant Recreational Opportunities: Buffalo Lake is excellent for paddling (canoeing, kayaking), and fishing (Panfish, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass). The campground also provides direct access to a lakeshore trail and is near extensive paved bike paths and hiking trails within the state forest.
• Spacious Campsites: Sites are described as "large and beautiful," offering ample space for camping setups and personal privacy. Mature white pines provide pleasant shade for many sites.
• Rustic Charm with Convenience: Offers a genuine Northwoods rustic camping experience (non-electric sites) while providing essential amenities like clean restrooms, water pumps, and firewood for purchase.
• Strategic Northwoods Location: Centrally located between Minocqua, Woodruff, and St. Germain, providing easy access to groceries, dining, and other services.

Address: 8447, 8549 Buffalo Lake Rd, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539, USA (Also associated with 8770 County Road J, Woodruff, WI 54568 for mapping purposes, as it's on Highway J.)

Reservations: 1-888-947-2757 (Wisconsin DNR Reservation System)

General Information (Wisconsin DNR Clear Lake Visitor Station for Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest): 715-356-3668

For Wisconsin locals, Buffalo Lake Campground near Lake Tomahawk is an ideal choice for a quintessential Northwoods camping experience, offering a perfect blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities right in our backyard. Its prime location within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest means easy access to our state's incredible public lands, making weekend trips or longer vacations a breeze. The campground's reputation for being "very beautiful" and "quiet" ensures a genuine escape from the daily grind, allowing you to truly relax amidst tall pines and hardwoods.

A significant highlight that makes it particularly suitable for residents is the exceptional cleanliness, even of the pit toilets, which consistently receives high praise. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to guest comfort that enhances the rustic camping experience. The "super friendly" camp host adds a welcoming touch, making every visitor feel at home. For families, the "cute, family-friendly" atmosphere and the "great beach for swimming" on Buffalo Lake provide endless opportunities for children to play and adults to relax by the water, fostering cherished memories.

Furthermore, the campground's strategic position between Minocqua, Woodruff, and St. Germain offers the best of both worlds: serene lakeside camping combined with convenient access to essential amenities. You can quickly run into town for groceries, ice, or a coffee, ensuring that all your needs are met without disrupting your wilderness immersion. The non-electric sites encourage a deeper connection with nature, while the option to use generators during specific hours offers flexibility for those who need it. The availability of a boat landing and access to hiking and biking trails means that whether you're into fishing, paddling, or exploring on foot or bike, there's always an activity to enjoy.

In conclusion, Buffalo Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a meticulously cared-for haven that caters to the diverse needs of Wisconsin's outdoor enthusiasts. Its quiet, family-friendly ambiance, beautiful lakeside setting, and well-maintained facilities make it an affordable and highly recommended destination for locals seeking to embrace the natural splendor of our state. It's truly a place you'll want to make an annual tradition, creating lasting memories in the heart of the Northwoods.