Cunard Lake Campground

For Wisconsin locals seeking a truly tranquil and authentic Northwoods camping experience, Cunard Lake Campground in Lake Tomahawk is a remarkable find. Nestled within the vast Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, this campground stands out as one of the rare "generator-free" havens in the state, promising an unparalleled level of peace and quiet. If your ideal getaway involves the gentle sounds of nature, clear lake waters for paddling, and a secluded spot to truly unwind, then Cunard Lake Campground is perfectly tailored for your next adventure.

What makes Cunard Lake Campground so appealing is its deliberate design for serenity. As one of only two generator-free campgrounds in this particular state forest, it offers an escape from the hum of modern machinery, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural soundscape of the Northwoods. Visitors consistently praise the "very nice swimming area" with "clear lake water" and a "sand" bottom, making it ideal for a refreshing dip. Even with its rustic charm, the "vault toilets kept clean," ensuring essential comforts are met.

The campground offers a variety of site types to suit different preferences, from "very secluded 'camping in the woods' experience" for ultimate privacy, to lakeside sites with "a nice view" (though more open). The "walk-in sites are very nice and are quite popular among visitors," with one camper highly recommending walk-in site 23 for its lake view through the trees, even ground, and suitability for hammocks. The general quietness of the campground and the friendliness of the hosts further enhance the peaceful atmosphere, making every stay a truly relaxing one. This article will delve deeper into the unique features, prime location, and essential services that make Cunard Lake Campground a standout choice for Wisconsin residents seeking a quiet, natural, and memorable camping retreat.

Cunard Lake Campground is located at 7868-7956 Lake Cunard Campgrove Rd, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539, USA. Situated in the southern portion of the expansive Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, it offers a deeply immersive Northwoods experience. While online directions might sometimes lead you slightly past the actual entrance, visitors note that it is "really easy to find and there is clear signage when you get to the campground." This accessibility ensures a smooth arrival for campers, despite its secluded feel.

The campground’s location on the 44-acre Cunard Lake is a significant draw. This beautiful lake is restricted to electric motors only, at a "slow-no-wake" speed, ensuring a peaceful environment for paddlers and anglers. Canoeing and kayaking are ideal here, with opportunities to explore the lake and an adjoining creek that empties into Sweeney Lake. A public boat landing with a paved ramp, launch pier, turnaround, and parking area is conveniently located adjacent to the campground entrance, making it easy to get your watercraft onto the lake.

Despite its tranquil setting, Cunard Lake Campground is not entirely isolated. The charming community of Lake Tomahawk is approximately 5.5 miles away, offering local conveniences such as restaurants, supplies, a convenience store, gas, and a laundromat. For a wider range of services, the larger, well-known resort towns of Minocqua-Woodruff are about 10 miles away, providing additional grocery stores, diverse dining options, and specialty shops. St. Germain (7.5 miles) and Eagle River (18 miles) are also within a reasonable drive. This balance of secluded wilderness and convenient access to nearby towns ensures that campers have everything they need for a comfortable stay while still enjoying the tranquility of nature.

The surrounding Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest offers abundant recreational opportunities for silent sports enthusiasts, including hiking trails, nature trails, paddle trails, mountain bike trail systems, and over 52 miles of paved bicycle paths, making the campground an excellent basecamp for exploring the area.

• Non-Electric Campsites: 33 shaded sites available. These are designated as "quiet campgrounds," meaning no generators or loud electronic devices are allowed.
• RV & Tent Campsites: 27 sites accommodate both tents and RVs/trailers (back-in only, max lengths vary).
• Walk-in Tent Only Campsites: 7 dedicated sites offering more privacy and a secluded "camping in the woods" experience. These are very popular.
• Group Campsite: One double site (1110-1111) can accommodate up to 12 people and two wheeled camping units.
• Reservable Campsites: All 33 sites 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: Two vault toilet buildings are consistently maintained and noted for their cleanliness, with some being ADA-accessible.
• Drinking Water (Hand Pumps): Two hand pumps provide potable water throughout the campground.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table.
• Fire Rings: Every campsite includes a fire ring for campfires.
• Parking Spurs: Designated parking for vehicles and trailers at each drive-in site.
• Boat Landing: A public boat landing is adjacent to the campground entrance, featuring a paved ramp, launch pier, turnaround, and trailer parking.
• Sandy Swimming Beach: A small, scenic sandy beach backed by a picnic area for refreshing swims in the clear lake water.
• Trash and Recycling Dumpsters: Separate facilities located at the campground entrance for convenient waste disposal.
• Campground Host: A host (at site #1102) is typically on-site from Memorial Day through Labor Day to assist campers.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times and not left unattended.
• Nearby Dump Station: Free dump station available at Clear Lake Campground, approximately 9 miles away, for NH-AL campers.

• Generator-Free & Quiet Campground: This is the most significant highlight. Cunard Lake is one of only two designated "quiet campgrounds" in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, strictly prohibiting generators and other noise-producing devices, ensuring an exceptionally peaceful environment.
• Beautiful, Clear Lake for Quiet Water Sports: Cunard Lake is a 43-acre electric-motors-only lake, ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The "clear lake water" and "sand" bottom make the "swimming area very nice."
• Secluded and Private Campsites: Some off-lake sites offer a "very secluded 'camping in the woods' experience with privacy both from the campground road and neighboring sites." Walk-in sites (like site #1123) are particularly praised for their tranquility and lake views.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the overall upkeep of the campground.
• Friendly Hosts: The presence of friendly and helpful campground hosts enhances the positive camping experience.
• Stunning Sunsets: Sites on the lake offer "a nice view" and provide opportunities to witness "beautiful" sunsets.
• Short Season for Exclusive Experience: While a "shortcoming" for some, the closing immediately after Labor Day contributes to its unique, focused summer appeal for those seeking a pristine experience.
• Excellent for Hammocking: Specific walk-in sites are recommended as "perfect spot" for hammocks, catering to this popular camping trend.
• Good Fishing Opportunities: Cunard Lake is known for common panfish and largemouth bass, with musky and walleye also present.
• Easy to Find with Clear Signage: Despite Google Maps sometimes being slightly off, clear signage makes the campground easy to locate.

Address: 7868-7956 Lake Cunard Campgrove Rd, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539, USA (Also associated with 7798 Lake Cunard Campground Road, Woodruff, WI 54568, for mapping purposes.)

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

General Information (Wisconsin DNR Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest): 715-385-2727

For Wisconsin locals, Cunard Lake Campground in Lake Tomahawk offers a distinct and highly desirable camping experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a true escape into the Northwoods. Its most significant advantage is its designation as a "generator-free" campground. In a world increasingly filled with electronic noise, this commitment to quiet provides an unparalleled opportunity for genuine peace and a deeper connection with nature, allowing you to truly unwind and hear the sounds of loons and rustling leaves rather than engines. This unique feature alone makes it a prime destination for residents craving tranquility.

The campground's rustic yet well-maintained facilities, including clean vault toilets and accessible hand pumps for potable water, ensure that essential comforts are met without compromising the natural ambiance. Whether you prefer a spacious RV site (non-electric, of course) or a secluded walk-in tent site (which are highly recommended for their privacy and hammocking potential), Cunard Lake offers options that cater to different preferences, all within a beautiful "woody" setting. The clear lake water and sandy swimming beach are perfect for cooling off on warm Wisconsin days, providing a refreshing break from hiking or paddling.

While the season is shorter, closing immediately after Labor Day, this can be seen as a feature for locals. It means the campground focuses its operations on the peak summer months, ensuring optimal conditions for visitors and contributing to its pristine quality. The accessibility of the campground, despite its secluded feel, means you won't waste precious time navigating complicated routes, allowing for more time to enjoy your stay. Its proximity to Lake Tomahawk, Minocqua-Woodruff, and St. Germain means that while you're enjoying the serenity of the forest, necessary supplies, charming local eateries, and additional recreational activities are just a short drive away.

Cunard Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a testament to the beauty of unplugging and immersing oneself in the quiet splendor of the Wisconsin Northwoods. For locals, it represents an affordable, peaceful, and truly authentic camping experience, ideal for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Its unique quiet policy and natural charm make it a standout choice for anyone looking to truly get away from it all and enjoy the best of what our state's wilderness has to offer.