US Forestry Department

Introduction / Overview

For Wisconsin residents seeking adventure in the vast, beautiful expanse of the northern part of our state, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) is a premier destination. The official organizing body for your adventures in the central-western section of this immense public land is the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service. This office serves as the central hub for local users, providing essential permits, detailed maps, and critical information for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and timber sales across a significant portion of the National Forest.

This district manages a multitude of recreational opportunities, including over eight developed campgrounds, numerous boating sites, and extensive trail systems. Whether you are planning a rustic weekend getaway, an extensive backpacking trip, or an ATV excursion, the Ranger District office is your starting point for ensuring a safe, legal, and enjoyable experience within Wisconsin’s magnificent Northwoods.

One popular area under the district's management is the Mondeaux Flowage Recreation Area, which includes well-known spots like Spearhead Point and Picnic Point. The district is committed to the sustainable management of forest resources for public benefit, offering a true "get away from it all" experience while maintaining necessary infrastructure for public access.

A Note on a Specific Campground

While the facility listed is the administrative US Forestry Department office, it acts as the gateway to numerous campgrounds. One campground that may be of interest to local users due to a name change is the site previously known in some contexts as “Skokum Valley”. While specific public data on a current, officially listed USFS campground by that name is unavailable, the Medford-Park Falls District manages a wide array of developed campgrounds and countless opportunities for primitive or dispersed camping throughout the region. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the numerous camping options available—including site availability, fees, and operational status for campgrounds like Eastwood, Picnic Point, and Spearhead Point—a direct call or visit to the Medford or Park Falls office is always the best resource.

Location and Accessibility

The Medford-Park Falls Ranger District is co-managed between two key offices. The Medford Office, which serves as a vital resource for the southern portion of the district, is conveniently located right on a major state highway, making it easily accessible for local users.

Medford Office Address: 850 North 8th, State Highway 13, Medford, WI 54451, USA (This address is generally cited as the primary public location, differing slightly from the N4638 address but sharing the highway and city reference).

The Park Falls Office is located at 1170 4th Avenue South, Park Falls, WI 54552. Both locations provide essential in-person services, including map sales and permit issuance. Because the forest is so vast, knowing which Ranger District office is closest to your intended recreation area (Medford for the southern campgrounds, Park Falls for the northern areas) can save you travel time.

It is important for local users to note that both offices often have limited hours of operation. For example, the Medford Office typically has public hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the Park Falls Office maintains hours on Mondays and Wednesdays. Always check official Forest Service websites or call ahead, especially for time-sensitive needs like purchasing permits or passes.

Services Offered

The Medford-Park Falls Ranger District Office provides comprehensive support necessary for enjoying and managing your Northwoods outdoor activities.

• Recreational Passes and Permits: Issuance of permits for camping, including group camping, as well as fuelwood permits, special use permits, and various recreational vehicle passes required within the National Forest.
• Detailed Maps and Guides: Sales of official Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest paper maps, including trail maps for hiking, ATV/UTV routes, snowmobile trails, and comprehensive visitor guides.
• Visitor Information: Current condition reports, alerts (including fire restrictions and road/trail closures), safety information, and assistance with planning itineraries for popular recreational areas.
• Dispersed Camping Information: Guidance and regulations for primitive camping outside of developed campgrounds, a popular and rugged option for experienced Wisconsin outdoors enthusiasts.
• Resource Management: Information on timber sales, forest health initiatives, and opportunities to engage in environmental planning or volunteer activities within the National Forest.

Features / Highlights

The sheer volume of recreation under the district’s purview is its main attraction, offering a diverse array of options for every type of outdoor lover.

• Abundant Developed Campgrounds: The district manages multiple established campgrounds, many situated on scenic lakes or flowages, providing a rustic family camping experience with amenities like vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.
• Access to Major Trail Systems: Hundreds of miles of trails are maintained for hiking (including sections of the renowned Ice Age National Scenic Trail), mountain biking, and motorized recreation (ATV/UTV and snowmobiling), catering to year-round activities.
• Prime Water Recreation: Access to numerous lakes and rivers, including the Mondeaux Flowage, provides excellent opportunities for fishing (trout, musky, northern pike), canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
• Wildlife and Natural Beauty: The forest’s vast acreage and diverse Northwoods ecosystem offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, birding, and enjoying the solitude of large, protected public lands.
• Rustic Forest Experience: The focus on mostly non-electric, traditional camping preserves a genuine wilderness feel, which is highly valued by local campers seeking an escape from modern conveniences.

Contact Information

For local users in Wisconsin, contacting the appropriate Ranger District office is key to a well-prepared trip into the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Medford Office Address: 850 North 8th, State Highway 13, Medford, WI 54451, USA

Park Falls Office Address: 1170 4th Avenue So. Park Falls, WI 54552

Park Falls Office Phone (Primary Contact for the District): (715) 762-2461

Medford Office Phone: (715) 748-4875

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District for your Wisconsin outdoor experience is about choosing vast, well-managed public land with options for every preference. It is worth choosing because it provides the essential infrastructure—from permits to clean camping sites—that makes the Northwoods accessible for everyone from the seasoned backpacker to the family looking for a first-time camping trip. The true value lies in the sheer scale and variety of the recreation, whether you seek the quiet solitude of fishing for muskies on a remote lake or the thrill of traversing miles of forest on an ATV.

While the office itself may operate with a government structure, as noted in customer reviews, the core mission is to manage a priceless public resource. Using the Ranger District as your primary source ensures you have the most up-to-date and accurate information, allowing you to secure necessary permits and choose the perfect spot, whether it's a developed campsite or a secluded spot for primitive camping. For those of us who live in Wisconsin and value our state's immense natural beauty, the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District is the indispensable guardian and guide to our backyard wilderness.