Bear Lake Campground
If you are interested in a quiet campground and excellent pike fishing, Bear Lake Campground is for you. Campsites are situated along the wooded shore and ridge with outstanding views of the lake.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in Wisconsin · reservable in Wisconsin · big rigs in Wisconsin · pets allowed in Wisconsin
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 22 |
| Walk-in | 5 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 64 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
27 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Standard | Back-in | 46 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 002 | Standard | Back-in | 60 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 003 | Standard | Back-in | 60 | Gravel | Full | Lakefront | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 004 | Standard | Back-in | 54 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 005 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Gravel | Full | Lakefront | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 006 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Gravel | Partial | Lakefront | 8 / 1 | Yes | Preferred |
| 007 | Standard | 64 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 008 | Standard | Back-in | 36 | Gravel | Full | Lakefront | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 009 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 010 | Standard | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Full | Lakefront | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 64 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
Bear Lake Campground has 27 sites. A majority of campsites can accommodate campers as long as 30 feet and longer. The campground also has five tent-only walk-in sites on a wooded peninsula jutting into the lake. Drinking water, vault toilets, swim beach, picnic area, and a boat landing are also provided at this location. All roads are paved with blacktop.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | May 2 to November 30 |
| Forest | Chequamegon-Nicolet NF |
| Fees | Individual campsite fee is $15, or $7.50 with the use of an Interagency pass (access or senior). The interagency pass applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fees or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party. |
| Rules | The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Campsite Capacity Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site. |
Weather by month
Getting there
From Wabeno, drive north 5.5 miles or from Laona drive 3.0 miles to County Road T. Turn east and drive 3 miles to County Road H. Turn right (north) drive 0.75 miles to Goodman Park Road (FR2136). Turn right (east) and drive 4.1 miles to FR3770. Turn right (south) on FR3770 and drive 0.4 miles to the campground.
| Nearest town | Laona, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45.5123° N, 88.5137° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 17.6 mi |
| Outdoor gear | JC PowerSports LLC. (Boats, ATVs, Snowmobiles, Etc.) ↗ | 31.8 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Tour waterfront campsites at Bear Lake Campground in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Fore
Trails nearby
- 0.6 miHalley Creek Bird Trail1 mi trail · hiking
- 1.4 miBear Lake-Kufner Road Hwt3.5 mi trail · hiking
- 3.1 miColburn Creek Hwt ↗5.7 mi trail · hiking
- 3.2 miMichigan Rapids2 mi trail · hiking
- 3.6 miGoose Lake Hwt ↗11.3 mi trail · hiking
- 3.8 miSnowmobile Trail Lkln Forest ↗69.3 mi trail · snowmobile, snowshoe, ski
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Connor Lumber and Land Company StoreBuilding · Laona · 8.6 mi
- Chicago and North-Western Land OfficeBuilding · Waubeno · 8.7 mi
- Armstrong Creek BridgeStructure · Armstrong Creek · 9.5 mi
Natural features
This campground sits on the southwest corner of 68-acre Bear Lake. The campground is a mix of hardwoods and pine. The water quality of the lake is moderate at a maximum depth of 20 feet. Fish species found in the lake are northern pike, panfish, and largemouth bass. This campground is also popular with grouse hunters and fall color enthusiasts.
Recreation
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those most enjoyed at Bear Lake are fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The Rat River trail is a good nearby hiking opportunity.
Nearby
Bear Lake is in close proximity to the Rat River Hike and Bike Trail. Trout fishing opportunities are also nearby on the Peshtigo and Rat Rivers.
Guidebooks for Wisconsin
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Bear Lake Campground?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Bear Lake Campground?
Individual campsite fee is $15, or $7.50 with the use of an Interagency pass (access or senior). The interagency pass applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fees or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Bear Lake Campground?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Bear Lake Campground open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 2 to November 30.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Bear Lake Campground have?
27 sites, including 22 standard sites without power and 5 walk-in sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Bear Lake Campground?
The longest site here provides 64 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Bear Lake Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Lake Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Bear Lake Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Bear Lake Campground?
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Bear Lake Campground?
Laona, Wisconsin. Bear Lake is in close proximity to the Rat River Hike and Bike Trail.
Source: Getting there
What if Bear Lake Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Richardson Lake Campground (10.9 mi, partly first-come), Laura Lake Campground (13.3 mi, partly first-come), and Ada Lake Campground (14.4 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby