Lac Vieux Desert Campground

For Wisconsin residents seeking an authentic and serene escape into the heart of the Northwoods, Lac Vieux Desert Campground offers a truly special experience. Nestled on the shores of the historic Lac Vieux Desert, a magnificent 4,017-acre lake that forms the headwaters of the Wisconsin River and straddles the Michigan border, this campground provides a rustic yet comfortable base for all your outdoor adventures. Part of the sprawling Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, it’s a destination that blends natural beauty with a rich cultural history, making it a perfect spot for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquility of northern Wisconsin.

Lac Vieux Desert Campground is ideal for campers who appreciate the simplicity and natural charm of a national forest setting. While some areas offer glimpses of nearby cabins, a southern loop promises a more secluded and rustic ambiance, allowing you to truly feel enveloped by the forest. Imagine waking up to the fresh scent of pine, spending your days fishing for trophy musky, or simply relaxing by the campfire under a canopy of stars. The campground caters to both tent and RV campers, offering sites that blend well with the natural surroundings. It’s a place where generations of Wisconsin families have created cherished memories, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and abundant recreational opportunities that this unique border lake region provides.

Location and Accessibility

Lac Vieux Desert Campground is located in Land O' Lakes, WI 54540, USA, nestled on the west shore of the expansive Lac Vieux Desert. This prime location places it in Vilas County, a renowned vacation destination in northern Wisconsin, known for its pristine lakes and dense forests. The campground is situated within the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, ensuring a natural and undeveloped surrounding environment.

Accessibility to the campground is generally straightforward. From Eagle River, visitors can travel 16 miles north on Highway 45/32 to County Road E, then turn right (east) on E for 2.8 miles to FR 2205 (West Shore Road), and finally turn left (north) for 1.3 miles to the campground entrance. The campground roads are asphalt paved, and parking spurs are also paved, making it accessible for both cars and larger RVs/trailers, with sites accommodating lengths up to 40 feet. Despite its rustic feel, the good road conditions ensure a relatively smooth journey to your campsite.

Its location on a large, historic lake that serves as the headwaters of the Wisconsin River, and its proximity to the Michigan Upper Peninsula border, adds to its unique appeal. Land O' Lakes, a charming town just 3.6 miles away, provides convenient access to restaurants, grocery stores, gas, and other essential services, allowing campers to easily restock supplies without venturing too far from their natural retreat. This balance of remote beauty and convenient access makes Lac Vieux Desert Campground an excellent choice for a wide range of Wisconsin adventurers.

Services Offered

Lac Vieux Desert Campground provides essential services designed for a comfortable yet authentic national forest camping experience. While not a full-service resort, it offers key amenities that enhance your stay.

• 31 Campsites:

  The campground features 31 non-electric campsites suitable for both tent and RV/trailer camping (maximum lengths vary by site, up to 40 feet). All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings:

  Each campsite comes equipped with a wooden picnic table and a fire ring (often with a grill), perfect for outdoor cooking and evening campfires.

• Tent Pads:

  A notable amenity for tent campers, many sites feature designated, flat tent pads framed by wood, providing a level and comfortable surface for pitching tents.

• Potable Water (Hand Pump):

  Drinking water is available from a hand pump well, typically operational from mid-May through September. Campers should bring their own containers for water transport.

• Vault Toilets:

  Several well-maintained and clean vault toilets are available throughout the campground.

• Swimming Beach:

  A nice swimming beach is just a short walk from the campground, offering a safe and enjoyable spot for cooling off in the lake.

• Boat Landing and Picnic Area:

  A public boat landing with a ramp and a large, paved parking lot is available for easy access to Lac Vieux Desert. A picnic shelter with tables and grills is also nearby for day-use visitors or campers looking for a shaded spot.

• Garbage and Recycling Facilities:

  The campground offers garbage and recycling receptacles, encouraging responsible waste disposal.

• Generator Use Allowed:

  Generators are permitted between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., offering flexibility for RV campers needing power.

• Planned Electricity Upgrades:

  Public information indicates that electricity will be coming to a portion of sites in the near future, which will further enhance the amenities available at the campground.

The individual campsite fee is typically $15 per night, with a discounted rate for Interagency Pass holders. A self-registration kiosk is located at the campground entrance.

Features / Highlights

Lac Vieux Desert Campground boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a standout choice for campers in Wisconsin.

• Headwaters of the Wisconsin River:

  Camping here means you're at the very beginning of the iconic Wisconsin River, a significant geographical and historical highlight. This lake has also been home to the Chippewa (Ojibwa) American Indians for centuries, adding a rich cultural dimension to your visit.

• Excellent Fishing Lake:

  Lac Vieux Desert is renowned for its superb fishing, particularly for musky, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Its reputation makes it a prime destination for anglers, though border lake fishing regulations should always be reviewed.

• Designated Flat Tent Pads:

  A highly appreciated feature, many sites offer actual designated flat tent pads framed by wood, providing a comfortable and level surface for tent setup, even if the surrounding ground is uneven.

• Spacious and Private Sites:

  While the northern loop may have some visibility of neighboring cabins, the southern loop and overall design of the campground provide a good amount of privacy between sites, nestled within a pine and hardwood forest, offering plenty of shade.

• Swimming Beach and Day Use Area:

  The easily accessible swimming beach provides a fantastic spot for families to cool off and enjoy the lake. The adjacent day-use area with a picnic shelter is perfect for gatherings.

• Direct Lake Access (Boat Landing):

  The on-site boat landing makes it incredibly convenient for campers to launch their boats for fishing, boating, or waterskiing on the 4,017-acre lake.

• Proximity to Trails:

  The Land O' Lakes Bike Trail (12 miles) and the Agonikak National Recreation Trail (12 miles) are nearby, offering scenic paths for bicycling. The broader Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest also provides extensive opportunities for hiking and mountain biking on trails like the Anvil National Recreation Trail and Hidden Lakes Trail.

• Wildlife and Nature Observation:

  The forested surroundings and large lake provide ample opportunities for birdwatching and observing diverse Wisconsin wildlife.

• First-Come, First-Served Availability:

  While requiring careful planning during peak times, the first-come, first-served system offers spontaneity and the possibility of securing a site without advance reservations, which can be appealing for last-minute trips.

Contact Information

For information, inquiries, or to verify current conditions at Lac Vieux Desert Campground, it is best to contact the managing authority within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Address: Land O' Lakes, WI 54540, USA

For official information, contact the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District Office:

Phone: (715) 479-2827

Mobile Phone: +1 715-479-2827 (This number corresponds to the general district office)

Office Address: 1247 E. Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521

It is always advisable to call ahead or check the official Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website for the most up-to-date information on fees, operating seasons (typically May through mid-October), current conditions, fire restrictions, and any changes to amenities like the upcoming electricity hookups.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Wisconsin, Lac Vieux Desert Campground presents an ideal and quintessentially Northwoods camping experience, perfectly suited for a local getaway. Its blend of rustic charm, natural beauty, and essential amenities makes it a compelling choice for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts across the state.

Firstly, the campground offers immediate access to one of Wisconsin's premier fishing lakes, Lac Vieux Desert. For local anglers, this is a significant draw, providing a chance to pursue musky, walleye, and other species right from their doorstep. The convenience of a boat launch and proximity to a bait shop in Land O' Lakes makes it incredibly easy for Wisconsin fishing enthusiasts to indulge in their passion. Beyond fishing, the clean swimming beach provides a refreshing escape during warm summer days, perfect for families looking for a local beach experience without the crowds of larger, more commercial destinations.

Secondly, the presence of designated, flat tent pads framed by wood is a unique and highly appreciated feature for tent campers. This thoughtful amenity, often lacking in other national forest campgrounds, significantly enhances comfort and makes setting up camp a breeze, directly appealing to Wisconsin campers who value practical improvements in rustic settings. The promise of future electrical hookups further adds to its potential appeal for a broader range of RV and trailer campers seeking a balance between nature immersion and convenience.

Finally, its location within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest provides a genuine sense of escape and solitude. For Wisconsinites, this means having a vast playground of forests and trails right at their fingertips, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The connection to the headwaters of the Wisconsin River and the rich cultural history of the Ojibwa people add layers of depth and interest to the natural beauty. Lac Vieux Desert Campground embodies the spirit of northern Wisconsin, offering a familiar yet always refreshing outdoor experience that fosters connection with nature, family, and the unique heritage of the Badger State. It's a true local treasure, easily accessible for a memorable retreat.