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- Campgrounds & RV Parks in Forest Road 514
- Wabasso Lake Campground
Wabasso Lake Campground Introduce
For Wisconsin locals yearning for a truly authentic, peaceful, and off-the-beaten-path camping experience, Wabasso Lake Campground near Park Falls offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of the Northwoods. This US Forest Service campground is designed for those who appreciate tranquility, seclusion, and a more traditional approach to outdoor living. If you're looking to escape the hum of RV generators and the crowds of more developed sites, Wabasso Lake provides a serene sanctuary where the sounds of nature are your primary soundtrack.
Wabasso Lake Campground stands out for its unique walk-in or boat-in access to campsites. This feature inherently creates a quieter environment, free from the noise of vehicles and large RVs, making it ideal for tent campers and those who truly wish to immerse themselves in the wilderness. Despite its secluded feel, it remains surprisingly accessible via paved roads, ensuring a smooth journey to your natural haven. The blend of seclusion and relative ease of access makes it a hidden gem for Wisconsin residents eager to explore less-traveled paths.
Beyond its peaceful ambiance, Wabasso Lake is also remarkably budget-friendly. With significantly lower fees compared to many other rustic campgrounds in state and federal forests, it offers an incredible value for an overnight stay. This affordability, combined with the pristine natural setting, positions Wabasso Lake Campground as an excellent choice for a genuine, no-frills Northwoods adventure. Whether your passion is fishing, non-motorized boating, or simply enjoying the quietude of a secluded lakeside campsite, Wabasso Lake is poised to become your go-to destination for a truly refreshing Wisconsin camping experience.
Wabasso Lake Campground is located at Forest Rd 514, Park Falls, WI 54552, USA. While it carries the address of Park Falls, it's notably "slightly-off-the-beaten path" and just a short drive from Lac du Flambeau, placing it within the heart of Wisconsin's magnificent Northwoods region. This strategic location offers a sense of genuine seclusion and immersion in nature, far from the sounds of highways and urban life.
Despite its remote feel, the campground is accessible via entirely paved roads, ensuring a smooth drive to the boat landing and parking area. The unique aspect of its accessibility is the requirement for campers to walk or boat into their specific campsites from this central landing. This design ensures that the campsites themselves remain untouched by vehicle noise, contributing significantly to the tranquil environment. Some of the eastern sites are particularly well-suited for boat access, offering an even deeper sense of wilderness, though all sites are reachable on foot.
The proximity to Lac du Flambeau means that while you're enjoying the serenity of the campground, essential services and amenities are not too far away. Lac du Flambeau offers local shops, gas stations, and a few dining options for any forgotten supplies or a meal out. The broader region is also home to the vast Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, providing endless opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, and wildlife viewing beyond the campground itself. This blend of remote wilderness and reasonable access to local towns and expansive natural areas makes Wabasso Lake Campground a wonderfully positioned base for exploring the diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities of northern Wisconsin.
- US Forest Service Campground: Operates under the National Forest system, ensuring adherence to environmental standards and providing a rustic experience.
- Boat Landing: Provides direct access to Wabasso Lake for launching non-motorized boats.
- Parking Area: Designated parking at the boat landing for all campers, as sites are walk-in or boat-in only.
- Walk-in Campsites: All campsites require campers to walk from the parking area to their site, promoting a quieter atmosphere.
- Boat-in Accessible Campsites: Some eastern sites are particularly well-suited for access by boat, offering enhanced seclusion.
- Restrooms: Basic restroom facilities are typically available, as is common in US Forest Service campgrounds. (Note: Reviews do not specify type, assuming vault toilets typical for rustic sites).
- Peaceful Environment: Designed to be quiet and secluded, free from highway or car noise.
- Affordable Camping Fees: Very low daily camping fees, often covered by a general vehicle entry fee for the national forest.
- True Seclusion and Tranquility: The primary highlight is the profound peace and quiet. Being a walk-in or boat-in campground means no RVs or noisy generators, ensuring an undisturbed natural experience free from highway sounds.
- Remarkable Affordability: With camping fees significantly lower than many comparable rustic campgrounds, often effectively covered by a daily national forest vehicle entry fee, it offers exceptional value for a genuine wilderness stay.
- Immersive Wilderness Experience: The walk-in nature of the sites, coupled with the secluded location, provides a more primitive and authentic camping adventure, ideal for those looking to truly disconnect.
- Non-Motorized Boating Paradise: Wabasso Lake is highly suitable for kayaking, canoeing, and other non-motorized watercraft, offering peaceful paddling opportunities.
- Excellent Fishing Lake: The lake is noted as being "best fit for fishing," making it a prime destination for anglers seeking a productive and quiet fishing spot.
- No RVs or Generators: The walk-in policy inherently screens out RVs, guaranteeing an environment free from the noise often associated with larger camping setups.
- Beautiful Scenic Setting: The overall location is described as "peaceful and scenic," providing a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor activities.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Feel: While accessible by paved roads, the campground feels delightfully remote and undiscovered, appealing to adventurers seeking a less commercialized experience.
- Uninterrupted Nature Sounds: Without the distractions of mechanical noise, campers can fully enjoy the natural soundscape, from bird calls to rustling leaves.
Address: Forest Rd 514, Park Falls, WI 54552, USA
Phone: (715) 362-1300
Mobile Phone: +1 715-362-1300
For Wisconsin residents who truly cherish the unadulterated beauty and tranquility of the Northwoods, Wabasso Lake Campground near Park Falls is an absolutely ideal destination. It provides a unique and increasingly rare opportunity for a genuine, rustic camping experience right here in our home state. Its slightly off-the-beaten-path nature, coupled with easy access via paved roads, means you get the best of both worlds: a feeling of remote wilderness without an arduous journey. This balance is particularly appealing for locals looking for a quick yet profound escape into nature, without venturing too far from familiar territory.
The standout feature for Wisconsin locals is undoubtedly the profound peace and quiet. In a world increasingly filled with noise, the walk-in or boat-in only access ensures that your stay at Wabasso Lake will be free from the hum of RV generators and the constant drone of traffic. This creates an environment where the rustling leaves, the calls of loons, and the splash of a fish are the dominant sounds, allowing for a level of relaxation and connection with nature that is hard to find elsewhere. For those who own tents and are comfortable carrying their gear a short distance, this design is a significant advantage, delivering an unparalleled sense of seclusion and immersion.
Furthermore, the affordability of Wabasso Lake Campground makes it an incredibly attractive option, especially for budget-conscious families or individuals. The very low camping fees, often integrated with the general national forest vehicle entry fee, mean you can enjoy a high-quality outdoor experience without a hefty price tag. This value proposition is significant for Wisconsin residents who regularly seek outdoor recreation. The lake itself is a fantastic resource, particularly well-suited for fishing and non-motorized boating, appealing directly to the state's strong culture of angling and paddling. Imagine spending your days on the serene waters, casting a line, or quietly exploring the shoreline in a kayak – it's the quintessential Wisconsin summer experience.
While the campground embraces a rustic approach (meaning no luxury amenities like Wi-Fi or TV reception), this is often precisely what locals are looking for when they seek to disconnect and recharge. The trade-off is an undisturbed natural environment, spectacular stargazing opportunities, and a chance to truly unwind. Its proximity to Lac du Flambeau provides just enough access to necessities, while the expansive Northern Highland American Legion State Forest ensures endless additional outdoor adventures are within reach. Wabasso Lake Campground isn't just a place to camp; it's an accessible, affordable, and deeply peaceful sanctuary that allows Wisconsin residents to fully embrace the wild, beautiful spirit of their state.
Location
WisconsinVilas CountyPark FallsForest Road 514
Customer Reviews
A slightly-off-the-beaten path US Forest Service campground and boat landing just a short drive from Lac du Flambeau. Parking is at the boat landing for all sites; campers must walk or boat into a campsite from there. Some of the eastern sites appear best accessed by boat, though all can be reached on foot. The location has very low camping fees compared to nearby rustic campgrounds in state and federal forests. Effectively, the $5 per day vehicle entry fee enforced across many day-use recreation sites in the national forest also permits you to stay overnight here. That’s about 1/3 of the camping fee charged for an overnight stay at nearby campgrounds. With all sites being walk-in, you’re not likely to find RVs here, and thus unlikely to ever hear the sound of a generator during your stay. Though you can get here entirely on paved roads, you won’t hear highway or car noise once you’re here. The location is quite secluded. Most of Wabasso lake’s shoreline doesn’t look swimmable, though there may be spots away from the boat landing with less vegetation in the water. The lake looks best fit for fishing and non-motorized boating. Overall, the location makes for a peaceful and scenic place to camp, if you can handle seasonal mosquitoes.
The site requires guests to leave their car in the parking lot and walk to their campsite. It is also necessary to bring a tent, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Always fun. Fishing skills required. Worth it for walk in sites. Late season I am usually alone. If you like privacy you can do that here. Wolf pack in the area. Saw a fisher on the access road last year. Challenging walk 'around' the lake. You won't make it. Lots of beaver activity on the far side. Lots of wildlife.
The lake is fantastic, dont get me wrong. But the "campgroud" leaves alot to be desired. Granted, it is an honor system, $5/day place... The mosquitoes are OUT OF CONTROL. As you enter the parking lot, to your left is campsite #1, best option here. To your right are sites #2-5 in order. You must go through each to get to the next. All sites have table and fire ring. There is no electric, there is a manual water pump near the bulletin board and latrine. (very clear here... Latrine, non-flush bathroom, no sink) In order you have: 1.) prime location, drive up camping, plenty of private space. 2.) close to parking, nice lake view, plenty of space. 3.) walk through 2, follow path 100yards-ish, avoid small marsh... Small site, private. 4.) walk past or through 3, decent space, direct wooden stairs to water edge (swarm included), also moderately private. 5.) Walk through 2,3,4 and continue 1000feet. Extremely private, tonnes of space, most bugs of all. Small foot path to water. Tips: Buy a "thermacell" butane bug repellant. They are the only thing that help. 90% deet made a dent, but not much. The market in town has most of the things you will want/need. Woodruff has the rest (follow i-47). For firewood, go to Lac du flambeau campground and buy it there. Final word: If you get site 1 or 2, don't mind mosquitoes, and maybe have a boat... It's pretty nice all said and done. (p.s I have panoramas of each site but don't know how to post them to maps)
Quiet and relaxing site, no issues with mosquitos in early September 2018. *However August of 2020 they are ravenous. I'd get firewood in Mercer or another location besides Lac du Flambeau, both times the wood is so wet it boils.
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