Pine Lake Recreation Area
01 reviewLatitude: 45.6868, Longitude: -88.9901
Pine Lake Recreation Area
$7.50 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Individual campsite fee is $15, or $7.50 with the use of an Interagency pass (access or senior). There is also a $5 recreational use fee for the boat landing, which is waived for registered campers.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine western shores of Pine Lake, this intimate 12-site campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience. Pine Lake Recreation Area invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wilderness across 1,667 acres of sparkling water and dense forest. Each wooded campsite comes equipped with essential amenities including fire rings for evening gatherings, picnic tables for outdoor dining, and access to fresh well water via hand pump. The campground maintains its rustic charm with vault toilets and a convenient paved boat launch that opens up endless possibilities for water adventures.
Pine Lake offers a rustic camping experience with 12 wooded campsites suitable for tents and small trailers. All sites are first-come, first-served, and there are no RV-specific facilities.
Weather and SeasonsFrom the warm embrace of summer sunshine to the crisp, invigorating air of autumn, Pine Lake Recreation Area transforms with the seasons. Summer visitors bask in ideal conditions for swimming, boating, and hiking, while fall adventurers witness a spectacular display of changing leaves reflected in the lake's mirror-like surface. The campground welcomes guests from May through October, offering five months of outdoor splendor as temperatures transition from spring's renewal to autumn's golden finale.
ElevationPerched at 1,580 feet above sea level, the campground offers a refreshing escape into Wisconsin's elevated wilderness. This modest altitude places you within a thriving mixed-wood forest ecosystem, where the air feels notably cleaner and the stars shine brighter through the canopy. The elevation provides just enough lift to create perfect conditions for diverse tree species and comfortable camping temperatures throughout the season.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle lapping of waves against the sandy shore and spend your days exploring one of Nicolet Forest's crown jewels. The campground's position on Pine Lake's northwest shore offers stunning sunrise views across the water, while towering mixed hardwoods and conifers create a natural cathedral overhead. A welcoming sandy and grassy beach beckons swimmers and sunbathers, while the expansive 1,667-acre lake promises excellent fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching opportunities. This pristine corner of the forest serves as a living showcase of northern Wisconsin's natural beauty.
Geological RegionPine Lake Recreation Area sits within the magnificent Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and nurtured by centuries of natural growth. This remarkable ecosystem supports an intricate tapestry of mixed woodlands where maple, oak, and birch trees mingle with towering pines and hemlocks. The 1,667-acre Pine Lake itself stands as a testament to the region's glacial heritage, its clear waters supporting a thriving community of fish, waterfowl, and aquatic plants. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting white-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles, and countless songbird species that call this northern Wisconsin paradise home.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeThe campground features 12 wooded campsites of varying sizes. Parking aprons are grass and gravel.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews highlight that while sites are spacious, they lack dense vegetation for privacy. Some sites are sunny with little tree cover, while others are deeply shaded.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSunny sites are better for those seeking sunlight, while shaded sites remain cool during warmer weather.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Groups
There is no information about designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 12 wooded sites arranged along the lakefront, with access to shared amenities like a vault toilet and hand pump.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 2 to October 15. Seasonal access may vary based on weather conditions.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground follows a first-come, first-served policy. According to a review, the campground rarely fills to capacity, even during busier times.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pine Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, motorized and non-motorized boating, and picnicking. A sandy beach is available for swimming and snorkeling, though user reviews indicate the swimming area may have significant lake vegetation.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Pine Lake, which is home to northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and panfish. Ice fishing is also supported during the winter season.Swimming
The campground features a sandy beach for swimming and snorkeling. However, user reviews note that the lake bottom is overgrown with vegetation, and swimmers may need to go far out to find deeper water.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed. There is a paved boat landing and dock for access. Canoeing, kayaking, and waterskiing are also popular activities.Beach activities
The sandy beach area can be used for swimming, snorkeling, and general relaxation. User reviews mention that the beach condition could be improved.Winter Activities
Ice fishing and sledding/tubing are available during the winter months.Water Sports
Water activities include canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, and motorized boating.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsA reviewer mentioned that the lake bottom near the swimming area contains weeds and shallow water, which may deter some swimmers. Wildlife like northern pike and other fish are abundant.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services can be found in Lakewood, including the Lakewood Office (USDA Forest Service) located at 15085 State Road 32 Lakewood, WI 54138. Contact phone: 715-276-6333.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to Pine Lake, which is 1,667 acres large. Recreational opportunities include fishing, swimming, and boating.
Common complaintsSome campers noted a lack of vegetation and privacy between sites. The swimming area requires improvement, with weeds and shallow water conditions mentioned in reviews.
HostCampground hosts are described as friendly and visible, maintaining a clean and well-kept environment.
Campground Map
Latitude: 45.6868, Longitude: -88.9901
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of Highway 32 and FR 2186 just south of Hiles, drive west on FR 2186 for 0.5 mile to FR 2185. Turn left onto FR 2185 and drive 1.3 miles to the campground entrance.
Access is via paved roads, which are noted to be in good condition. Seasonal access may be limited due to weather, as the campground is not open year-round.Nearby places
Hiles (approx. 2 miles), Lakewood (approx. 15 miles), Crandon (approx. 18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping essentials, and fuel can be obtained in nearby towns like Hiles, Lakewood, and Crandon.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Pine Lake Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, spacious sites, and clean facilities, though some note the lack of vegetation between sites for privacy and the overgrown beach area.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the clear, good-tasting water from the hand pump, the friendly and visible on-site hosts, and the clean vault toilets. Many also like the spacious campsites and the lack of need...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users mention that the beach area is overgrown with lake vegetation, making swimming less enjoyable. Additionally, the lack of dense vegetation between sites is noted as a drawback for privacy.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Early arrivals are recommended due to the first-come, first-served policy. Campers are advised to bring water shoes for swimming due to the lake's vegetation.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During the stormy and colder months, the campground rarely fills to capacity, with seven of twelve sites occupied on an August weekend. Ice fishing is a popular activity in the winter, supported by...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The campground has one hand pump; its water was clear and good tasting." "Vault toilets were clean, common areas were mowed and well maintained." "The lake bottom at the beach is in dire need of...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are highlighted as the best or worst in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no further details about accessibility features are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or information specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025