Chippewa Campground

🌲 Introduction / Overview

For Wisconsin residents seeking that quintessential Northwoods escape, look no further than Chippewa Campground in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This cherished recreational area offers a blend of classic, rustic charm and welcome modern conveniences, making it a fantastic destination for families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Situated on the beautiful Chequamegon Waters Flowage, Chippewa Campground provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories, surrounded by the dense, fragrant canopy of mixed hardwood and pine trees.

The campground hosts 78 spacious campsites across several loops, accommodating everything from tents to larger RVs. What many local campers appreciate is the sense of privacy and separation; sites are generously sized and often shaded, providing a genuine forest camping experience. As one long-time visitor noted, the big sites and distance between neighbors truly remind them of the great campgrounds of their youth. Whether you prefer a fully equipped site or the simplicity of a rustic setting, Chippewa Campground delivers an authentic Wisconsin outdoor adventure.

📍 Location and Accessibility

Chippewa Campground is nestled within the extensive Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, providing a secluded yet accessible retreat in Taylor County, near Medford, Wisconsin. The specific setting is along the eastern shores of the 2,714-acre Chequamegon Waters Flowage, a major draw for water activities. Its location offers a refreshing degree of separation from urban life—it’s approximately 30 minutes from the nearest major town, ensuring dark nights and a quiet atmosphere that many seek when escaping the city.

The general address for navigation is in the Medford, WI 54451 area. Access is typically gained via State Highway 13, followed by County Trunk Highway M, and then a Forest Road, winding through the National Forest land. While the campground is in a remote setting, the roads within the campground loops themselves are generally paved, making navigation for RVs and trailers straightforward. It is wise for first-time visitors to obtain accurate directions from the US Forest Service or a reliable map application, especially given the natural, secluded feel of the area. For those who need to briefly reconnect, proximity to a couple of local towns (often referred to as 'P town' by locals) means a restaurant/bar is only a short drive away in opposite directions.

🛠️ Services Offered

Chippewa Campground is well-regarded for its mix of natural setting and essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay in the wilderness. The availability of services caters to a wide range of camping styles, from rustic to more modern:

• Restroom Facilities: Modern flush toilets are available in three of the campground loops (Bass, Beaver, and Group Sites). Accessible vault toilets are provided in the Rustic Loop and at day-use areas.
• Showers: Hot showers are available in the loops with flush toilets, typically token-operated (e.g., $1.00 fee) with a machine accepting cash bills located outside the bathroom facility.
• Water & Waste: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground via electric wells or hand pumps. A convenient RV/trailer dump station and potable water fill-up station are located near the entrance, free for registered campers.
• Electric Hookups: Limited campsites (often in the Bass Loop) offer electric hookups (up to 50 amp) for those who need power, a great option for longer stays or for those with specific medical needs.
• Campsite Amenities: All 78 campsites feature a parking spur, a picnic table, a tent pad, and a fire ring with a grill for cooking.
• Accessibility: Several facilities, including specific campsites, fishing piers, and toilets/showers in certain loops, are designed to be accessible for persons with disabilities.
• Hosts & Security: Campground hosts are typically on-site during the operating season, providing helpful assistance and maintaining a quiet, safe environment. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

🌟 Features / Highlights

The main attraction of Chippewa Campground lies in its extensive recreational opportunities and its natural environment. It's a true Wisconsin gem for the outdoor-loving crowd:

• Chequamegon Waters Flowage Access: The campground sits on the eastern shore of this beautiful 2,714-acre flowage. The lake offers excellent fishing for species like Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Perch, though be mindful of the "stumpy" bottom structure.
• Boating and Paddling: A shallow boat landing is available within the recreation area. The flowage is particularly excellent for non-motorized activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, allowing you to explore the wild, curving lakeshore.
• Swimming Beaches: There are two designated sandy swimming beaches within the recreation area, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day.
• Perkinstown Motorized Trailhead: The campground serves as a trailhead for the popular 20-mile Perkinstown Motorized Trail, welcoming registered campers with ATVs/UTVs to access the trail from the Rustic Loop area (check specific rules). This trail is also popular for snowmobiling in the winter.
• Private, Shaded Sites: Campers consistently praise the large, heavily shaded sites, which offer a great deal of privacy, preventing the "parking lot" feel of some other campgrounds. The natural canopy also helps with sun exposure and cooling.
• Rustic Loop Availability: The Rustic Loop offers year-round camping options for true winter enthusiasts, though be aware that the access road is not maintained for snow removal during the off-season.
• Classic Playground: For families, the presence of a "playground from my youth" adds a nostalgic touch, offering a simple, fun area for children to play.

📞 Contact Information

Chippewa Campground is managed by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and as such, contact and reservation information is handled through the Forest Service.

• Address (General Area): Medford, WI 54451, USA (located on Forest Road 1417 off County Trunk Highway M).
• Administrative Phone (Medford Office): 715-748-4875.
• Reservations: Campsites may be reserved up to six months in advance via the National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov), or many sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

*Note: Phone service at the actual campground location can be spotty, so it is best to have all necessary directions and confirmations before arrival.

✅ What is Worth Choosing

For Wisconsin residents, choosing Chippewa Campground is choosing a return to traditional, nature-focused camping with modern comforts where they count. It stands out because it strikes an ideal balance: the campsites are rustic and private enough to make you feel truly immersed in the Northwoods, yet you have access to clean, modern flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station for convenience. It's a place where you can camp in a massive, shaded site (like Beaver Loop Site 5, for example) far enough away from your neighbors to barely hear their generator, a rarity in today's crowded campgrounds.

The primary draw is the Chequamegon Waters Flowage, offering excellent fishing and the ability to launch a kayak or canoe for a tranquil paddle along the wild shoreline. For the adventurous, the direct access to the Perkinstown Motorized Trail is a huge bonus, allowing for easy transitions from camp life to ATV exploration. Chippewa Campground is an ideal spot for those who appreciate the quiet solitude of the forest, the joy of a campfire under a dark, star-filled sky, and the simple pleasure of an old-school outdoor experience, all while knowing a hot shower and modern restroom are close by when you need them. It’s the perfect spot to unplug, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of Wisconsin.

The commitment to keeping the campground natural, with its "just enough" philosophy—no grills on site, but clean, quiet spaces—is exactly what makes it a cherished spot for those who know and love the Northwoods camping tradition.