Laura Lake Campground

For those of us living in Wisconsin, the desire to truly "get away from it all" often leads us deep into the serene beauty of the Northwoods. Laura Lake Campground, nestled near Armstrong Creek, offers precisely that—a peaceful retreat where the sounds of nature replace the hum of civilization. This isn't your typical crowded RV park; it’s a place designed for disconnection, where you can reconnect with the natural world and experience Wisconsin's wild side.

As local users, we appreciate the unique charm of rustic camping, and Laura Lake Campground delivers an authentic experience. Imagine nights so dark that the Milky Way stretches vividly overhead, or mornings spent listening to the calls of loons across a pristine lake. This destination provides an opportunity to slow down, breathe fresh air, and immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of our beautiful state.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Laura Lake Campground, from its secluded location and how to get there, to the services and unique features that make it an exceptional choice for Wisconsin residents. We’ll also cover essential contact information and explain why this quiet corner of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is perfectly suited for your next local adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Laura Lake Campground is situated at 9161-9139 Laura Lake Rd #121, Armstrong Creek, WI 54103, USA. This address places it within the vast expanse of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a testament to its secluded and natural setting. For Wisconsin locals, Armstrong Creek itself is a small, quiet town, offering limited but essential services such as fuel, food, and some incidentals. It's the kind of place where you stop to stock up before fully immersing yourself in the wilderness.

The journey to Laura Lake Campground is part of the experience, leading you deeper into the forested landscapes of northeastern Wisconsin. While it provides a true "get away from civilization" feel, accessibility remains reasonable for those traveling from across the state. Roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, with some paved sections, making it manageable for various types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers. However, it's important to note that you are entering a more primitive area, so preparedness is key.

The nearest major towns that might offer more extensive amenities would be further afield, emphasizing that Laura Lake is indeed a place to escape the hustle and bustle. The charm for Wisconsin residents lies in its ability to offer an authentic Northwoods experience without requiring an extremely remote or challenging journey. It strikes a balance between accessibility and wild seclusion, perfect for those seeking tranquility within our state's borders.

Services Offered

• Campsites: The campground offers 41 individual campsites, suitable for both tent and RV camping (majority can accommodate campers up to 30 feet and longer).
• Non-electric sites: All campsites are non-electric, promoting an off-grid, natural camping experience.
• Vault toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available for campers.
• Fresh water pump: Access to potable drinking water via a hand pump.
• Picnic tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenience.
• Fire rings: Individual fire rings with grills are provided at each site, perfect for campfires and cooking.
• Garbage and recycling: Bins are available for proper waste disposal.
• Boat landings: Access to boat landings on Laura Lake and Gordon Lake.
• Swim beach: A sandy swim beach is available on Gordon Lake.
• First-come, first-served and reservable sites: A portion of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others can be reserved in advance (up to six months ahead).
• Pets allowed: Pets are generally welcome, but campers should check specific regulations.

Features / Highlights

• Off-Grid Experience: A primary highlight is the complete lack of electrical hookups and showers, truly allowing campers to "get away from civilization." This fosters a more immersive wilderness experience, encouraging self-reliance and disconnecting from digital distractions.
• Stunning Night Skies: With minimal light pollution, the nights are described as "pitch black," offering breathtaking views of "thousands of stars overhead." This makes it an exceptional spot for stargazing and astrophotography.
• Three Lakes Access: The campground provides access to three distinct bodies of water: Gordon Lake, Laura Lake, and Bog Lake.
  • Gordon Lake features a sand beach and a boat landing, ideal for swimming and easier boat access.
  • Laura Lake also has a boat landing, and both Laura and Gordon Lakes are restricted to electric motors only, ensuring a peaceful boating experience and protecting wildlife. They are excellent for leisure paddling and fishing for panfish, largemouth, and smallmouth bass.
  • Bog Lake offers unique access via a wooden bridge, allowing for the launch of small boats into the bog, perfect for exploring a different type of wetland ecosystem.
• Diverse Trails:
  • Laura Lake Hiking Trail: A beautiful 2.25-mile trail circles Laura Lake, passing through diverse forest types. It's perfect for a scenic walk, with frequent opportunities to spot loons and osprey.
  • Biking/Logging Road Trail: A 6.5-mile biking trail, essentially a grass and leaf-covered logging road, offers a more challenging, soft-terrain ride best suited for experienced mountain bikers, hikers, or even horseback riding. It's noted for being less suitable for casual family biking due to its demanding surface.
• Abundant Wildlife: Reviewers consistently report seeing "lots of wildlife," enhancing the natural immersion and providing opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation.
• Private and Woodsy Sites: Campsites are designed to feel "private enough" and "woodsy enough," providing a sense of solitude amidst the towering pines and young oak trees.
• Clean Facilities: Despite the rustic nature, visitors praise the "clean outhouses" and readily available "fresh water pump," ensuring essential comforts are met.

Contact Information

Address: 9161-9139 Laura Lake Rd #121, Armstrong Creek, WI 54103, USA

Phone: (715) 362-3100

Mobile Phone: +1 715-362-3100

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Wisconsin residents, Laura Lake Campground is not just another place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to experience the very essence of our state's natural heritage. Its suitability for locals lies in its unique blend of accessibility, genuine wilderness experience, and the kind of quiet solitude that is becoming increasingly rare.

First and foremost, the campground offers a true escape from the relentless pace of modern life. With no electrical sites and limited amenities, it encourages campers to unplug and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. This is a significant draw for Wisconsinites who appreciate the raw beauty of our forests and seek an authentic, unadulterated camping adventure. The "pitch black" nights teeming with stars are a testament to its remote feel, offering a celestial show that city dwellers can only dream of.

The presence of three distinct lakes—Laura, Gordon, and Bog—provides diverse recreational opportunities right at your fingertips. Whether you enjoy peaceful electric-motor boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply swimming from Gordon Lake's sandy beach, there's a water activity for everyone. For local anglers, the fishing opportunities in these clear waters are a welcome bonus. The unique access to Bog Lake also adds an element of exploration for those curious about different ecosystems.

Furthermore, the network of trails, while offering a challenge for bikers on the logging road, provides fantastic opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. For Wisconsin families or individuals who love to explore on foot, the well-marked Laura Lake trail is an excellent way to experience the local flora and fauna, often spotting loons and osprey. The "woodsy" and "private enough" sites ensure that even when the campground is full, you can still find a sense of personal space and tranquility.

Lastly, the general consensus among visitors about the cleanliness of the outhouses and the availability of fresh water speaks to the dedicated upkeep of the site, despite its rustic nature. This demonstrates a commitment to providing a comfortable, albeit primitive, experience. For those of us in Wisconsin who cherish our state's wild places and yearn for a quiet retreat under a blanket of stars, Laura Lake Campground truly embodies the spirit of Northwoods camping, making it an ideal local destination to recharge and reconnect with nature.