Bittersweet Wild Lakes Campgrounds

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens April 30, 2026. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance online or by calling 1-888-947-2757.

About

The Bittersweet Wild Lakes Area provides a true wilderness camping experience within the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. This remote destination features five primitive campsites distributed across four interconnected seepage lakes: Prong Lake (Sunken Rowboat site), Bittersweet Lake (Big Rock and Trapper's Cabin sites), Smith Lake (Loon Song site), and Oberlin Lake (Sunset Point site). Each location can only be reached by canoe or kayak, ensuring exceptional solitude and natural beauty. Each campsite is equipped with basic amenities including a tent clearing, picnic table, fire ring, and an open-air wilderness latrine located nearby. The campsites accommodate up to six people and can hold two small tents. Campers must pack out all trash. The boat launch parking area is accessible via a rough road, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Reservations are required and can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin State Park reservation system.

Directions

Located northeast of Minocqua, north of Highway 70 in Vilas County. Access via boat launch parking lot on rough road; four-wheel-drive vehicle recommended. Launch sites for Prong Lake, Smith Lake, Oberlin Lake, and Bittersweet Lake.

Nearby Campgrounds