Sailor Lake
4.0217 reviewsCHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 1170 4TH AVE SOUTH, PARK FALLS, WI 54552, USA
Sailor Lake
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $15 to $30 depending on the season and type of site. Walk-in sites are $15. Peak season rates apply from May 23 to September 1. An $8 reservation fee applies when booked online.
About this campground
Escape to the pristine northwestern shores of Sailor Lake, where this rustic campground invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering hardwoods or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a secluded wilderness sanctuary. This back-to-basics camping experience offers no hookups, encouraging a truly authentic outdoor adventure where the only sounds you'll hear are lapping waves and rustling leaves.
Sailor Lake Campground caters to tent and RV campers. "Perfect place to tent camp, kayak, and ATV," highlighted one reviewer. Walk-in tent sites are available for those seeking additional privacy.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time while exploring the rich heritage surrounding this woodland retreat. The nearby town of Fifield serves as your gateway to Wisconsin's fascinating logging history, featuring a meticulously reconstructed logging dam that tells the story of the area's timber boom days. History enthusiasts will discover moving war memorials and historic sites that honor the region's past, offering meaningful day trips between your lakeside adventures.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Wisconsin's seasons in this northern wonderland. Summer brings perfect camping weather with moderate temperatures ideal for swimming and hiking, while autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a brilliant tapestry of gold and crimson. Spring arrives with refreshing rains that awaken the forest floor, though early season campers should pack extra layers for cool evenings. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen paradise, with frigid temperatures that appeal to the hardiest of cold-weather adventurers.
ElevationPerched at 1,460 feet above sea level, this elevated campground offers crisp, clean air and a refreshing mountain-like atmosphere that provides natural relief from summer heat and stunning vistas across the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a magnificent mixed hardwood forest, the campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. Sailor Lake's crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding canopy of oak, maple, and birch, creating picture-perfect reflections at sunrise and sunset. Secluded wooded areas provide intimate camping spots where privacy and tranquility reign supreme, while the shoreline beckons with opportunities for quiet contemplation or active water recreation.
Geological RegionThis enchanting campground sits within Wisconsin's mixed hardwood forest ecosystem at 1,460 feet elevation, where ancient geological forces have created a diverse landscape of rolling hills, pristine lakes, and fertile soils that support a spectacular array of native trees including majestic oaks, sugar maples, and paper birches.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly covered in the provided information.
Sites SizeSites vary in size with parking spurs that are either grass or gravel. Several walk-in tent sites are noted for good privacy and proximity to nature.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some secluded by trees while others are waterfront. "Quite rustic, some sites offer ample surrounding vegetation and spacing for good privacy," stated a reviewer.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a mallet when tent camping due to hard ground. Sites closer to the lake offer better views.
Best CampsitesSite 007 is noted for its privacy but lacks lake views. Waterfront sites are generally preferred.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in time not provided.
Check-out
Official check-out time not provided.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
>
Groups
Group camping information is not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo loops with waterfront and interior sites. Parking spurs are grass or gravel.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 to October 13. Peak season ends September 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, even during peak season.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies prior to arrival. Late cancellation fees include forfeiting the first night's fee, plus the $10 cancellation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sailor Lake Campground offers a range of recreational activities, especially suitable for off-road enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers. "Access to the trails is key. Very well maintained," says one reviewer. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle adventures. Winter recreation includes snowmobiling.
Hiking
Direct access to the 70-mile Flambeau Trail System is a highlight. Trails feature rolling terrain, tree-lined corridors, wooden bridges, and vistas overlooking bogs and lakes. Difficulty levels are not specified.Fishing
Sailor Lake is popular for fishing with healthy populations of panfish and northern pike. However, there is no dock at the campsite; boats can be parked by the shore.Boating
The campground is adjacent to Sailor Lake, and a boat ramp is located a mile south at the Sailor Lake Picnic Area. "No docks in the campsite but you can park your boat by shore," says a reviewer.Wildlife viewing
The campground's natural setting offers opportunities to view wildlife, although specific animals or viewing areas are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling along the Flambeau Trail System.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing on Sailor Lake are popular, as noted by reviewers.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings provided at each site. Firewood must be sourced locally.
- Quiet hours are enforced but not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsRoads reported as dusty. Horse flies and mosquitoes noted during summer. Dense vegetation may limit visibility.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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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
Medford-Park Falls Ranger District, 1170 4th Ave South, Park Falls, WI.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 01, 2025.
Trash and recyclingDumpsters for trash disposal are available, ensuring campers can dispose of waste conveniently.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Sailor Lake with access to a boat landing one mile south.
Common complaintsComplaints include rude campground host, swarming horse flies, and dusty roads.
HostCampground host is present but received mixed reviews for behavior.
Campground Map
CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 1170 4TH AVE SOUTH, PARK FALLS, WI 54552, USA
Driving directionsFrom Fifield, follow State Highway 70 east for about 7 miles and turn right (south) on Forest Road 139 and continue for 3 miles.
Accessible via paved State Highway 70 and gravel Forest Road 139. Road in is gravel and reported as very dusty by users.Nearby places
11 miles southeast of Fifield.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Fifield, WI, approximately 11 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Sailor Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Sailor Lake Campground receives mixed reviews with its rustic charm being appreciated by many, while others noted issues such as hard ground for tent camping, mosquitoes, and the rude camp host. It is praised for its seclusion, good fishing, and well-maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the quiet and rustic nature of the campground, access to trails, and ATV-friendly setup. "We always loving coming back to Sailor Lake Campground!" one reviewer exclaimed. Many...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include hard ground for tent stakes, no designated swimming area, and the lack of electricity or dump stations. "Swarming with horse flies," and "camp host is rude," were specific...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a mallet for tent stakes due to hard ground, and air mattresses for rocky surfaces. Buying local firewood is recommended. Reviewers also suggest arriving without reservations during low-use...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer sees higher mosquito activity and horse flies, while winter activities like snowmobiling are a highlight. Off-peak seasons are noted for fewer visitors and better privacy.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "We always loving coming back to Sailor Lake Campground!" 2. "Perfect place to tent camp, kayak, and ATV." 3. "Some sites offer ample surrounding vegetation and spacing for good privacy." 4....
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 007 was scenic but not on the lake. Site 005 was described as uninviting. Site 002 had rocky ground making tent camping uncomfortable.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mentioned pet-related experiences.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025