Moose Lake

Star4.39
46 reviews
PO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA
Moose Lake
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for standard non-electric sites is $15 during both peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Additional costs may apply for...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$15.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(715) 634-4821 OR (715) 264-2511

About this campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest, Moose Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where 15 thoughtfully spaced campsites line the shores of pristine Moose Lake. This hidden gem has earned a devoted following among those seeking true wilderness solitude, with visitors often describing their stays as transformative experiences. The rustic charm and peaceful ambiance create the perfect backdrop for families looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Moose Lake Campground caters to tent and RV campers, offering single-family sites with basic amenities in a rustic, secluded environment.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Moose Lake in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with warm days perfect for swimming and paddling, though the lush forest also welcomes its share of mosquitoes—wise campers come prepared with insect repellent. As autumn approaches, the surrounding maple and aspen forests burst into a spectacular display of golds and crimsons, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers alike. The cooler temperatures and crisp air make fall camping particularly magical, with morning mists rising off the lake creating ethereal scenes.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the haunting call of loons echoing across 1,670 acres of crystal-clear water, surrounded by a tapestry of towering pines, graceful spruces, and whispering aspens. This diverse forest ecosystem, punctuated by stands of jack pine and fragrant balsam, creates a sanctuary for remarkable wildlife encounters. Lucky visitors might glimpse majestic elk grazing at dawn, watch eagles soar overhead, or even spot the campground's namesake—moose—wading through shallow bays with their young. The magical chorus of loons at night and the possibility of encountering baby moose have become legendary among repeat visitors.
Geological RegionMoose Lake Campground sits within the vast 845,000-acre Chequamegon National Forest, a remarkable patchwork of ecosystems that showcases northern Wisconsin's natural diversity. The centerpiece is Moose Lake itself, a sprawling 1,670-acre jewel carved by ancient glaciers and now cradled by rolling hills. The surrounding landscape weaves together mature hardwood forests of maple and aspen with evergreen stands of pine, spruce, and balsam, while carefully managed jack pine plantations provide crucial habitat for native species. This varied terrain creates countless microclimates and habitats that support the region's abundant wildlife.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are large enough for travel trailers or RVs, with some sites suited for tents. Reviews mention that site 3 offers the best view of the lake, while site 2 is small and better suited for tents.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is noted for its privacy, with most sites being well-spaced and semi-secluded.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpt for sites with direct lake access, such as sites 2, 3, and 4 for views and convenience. Bring bug spray and water due to local hazards.
Best CampsitesSite 3 is noted for its excellent lake views and privacy. Site 4 offers easy lake access and a small beach for swimming and fishing. Site 2 is ideal for tent camping but noted for its steeper incline. "Site 3 has excellent access to the lake."

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit per site is not specified.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are well-spaced, offering privacy. Parking aprons are grass and gravel, and roads within the campground are not paved. "Sites are large enough for travel trailer or RV, a few are uneven for tents."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually from May 23 to September 1 (reservable) and September 2 to October 13 (first-come, first-served).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (website, app, contact center).
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during the off-peak season from September 2 to October 13. "First come, first served sites may be available."
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 change fee unless dates from the original reservation are extended or shortened. Cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeit of the first night's use fee if canceled less than a day prior to check-in. No-shows result in a $20 fee and forfeit of the first night’s fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Moose Lake Campground offers a variety of activities centered around its natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The lake is popular for its clear water and fishing opportunities for musky, walleye, bass, and panfish. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of elk, eagles, and loons noted by campers.
Hiking
The campground provides access to miles of hiking trails within the Chequamegon National Forest.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Moose Lake, with musky, walleye, bass, and panfish frequently caught. Some reviews mention less-than-ideal fishing conditions, such as small walleye and few perch.
Swimming
Swimming is supported at the sandy beach, though some reviews describe the beach as overgrown or littered.
Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible from the campground, offering opportunities for outdoor exercise.
Boating
The campground features a boat ramp for easy lake access, supporting activities such as kayaking and canoeing.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of elk, eagles, loons, and other animals.
Beach activities
Beach activities are supported, though the beach's condition has received mixed reviews, with some mentioning overgrowth and litter.
Winter Activities
No winter activities are explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports at Moose Lake.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
  • Quiet hours are not explicitly stated, but several reviews praise the campground's peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

Hazards

General hazardsMosquitoes are persistent, especially in summer. "Bring bug spray during the mid-summer/fall months for mosquitoes." The water pump is marked with warnings about toxic levels of manganese, making it unsuitable for infants or individuals over 50. "The water at this campground is contaminated," one user noted.

Weather forecast

37
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 93%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 9.3 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services include Hayward Area Memorial Hospital (approximately 28 miles away) and Hayward Police Department.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23 - September 1
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Moose Lake, which spans 1,670 acres, is available from the campground. Many sites are right on the water or offer paths leading to the lake.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include issues with the well water, mosquitoes, and limited activities beyond fishing and relaxing. "The water pump was shut off or broken," and "Bring your own water," are recurrent themes.
Host"The rangers are very nice."

Campground Map

PO Box 896, Hayward, WI, USA
Driving directionsFrom Hayward, Wisconsin, drive east on State Highway 77 about 28 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 174 and continue about a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 176. After about 5 miles turn right again and drive less than 2 miles to the campground.
Roads into the campground are gravel and not paved. "It was a 7-mile gravel road trip to the campground. It was worth the drive; however, we did break both clearance marker lights on our trailer because of flying gravel."
Nearby places
Hayward, WI (~28 miles / ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Clam Lake Groceries (~10 miles away) is available for food, supplies, and diesel.

Camper Reviews

4.4
46 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Moose Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene, secluded, and rustic atmosphere. Privacy, clean vault toilets, and spacious campsites were frequently praised. Complaints centered on water safety, mosquitoes, and the condition of the beach.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the solitude, clean facilities, large and private campsites, and proximity to the lake. Many noted the peaceful and quiet environment as a major draw.
Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the presence of mosquitoes, the unsafe water from the hand pump due to toxic manganese levels, and the condition of the beach, which some described as overgrown and littered.
Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray, portable water due to the unsafe well water, and firewood as it is not sold on-site. Many suggest visiting in the fall for cooler weather and fewer mosquitoes.
Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention high mosquito activity, while early fall is highlighted as a better time to visit due to cooler weather and fewer bugs. Summer also brings more crowds on weekends.
Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you're looking for rustic and isolated, this is it." - r k (2021) "Site 3 has the best view of the lake." - Judy Galvanek (2021) "The water at this campground is contaminated." - SAMUEL B (2023)...
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Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 3 is praised for its excellent lake views and privacy. Site 2 is better suited for tents due to its small size. Site 4 is noted for its spaciousness and direct path to the water.
Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, but no further accessibility features were noted in reviews.
Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressed pet-friendly features or policies.
Based on 46 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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