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.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 2:01AM CST until January 20 at 10:00AM CST by NWS Green Bay WI
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected. The lowest wind chills will occur this morning, then again Tonight into Tuesday morning. * WHERE...Marathon, Portage, Wood, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, Vilas, and Forest Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 12:52AM CST until January 19 at 9:00AM CST by NWS Green Bay WI
* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Blowing and drifting snow in open and less forested areas. Additional snow accumulations of an inch or two. * WHERE...Vilas County. * WHEN...Until 9 AM CST this morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute.
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
- Carrol Lake Campground 3.2mi
- Buffalo Lake Campground 4.1mi
- Crystal Lake Legion State Forest Campground 5.0mi
- Plum Lake Campground 4.9mi
- Musky Lake Campground 5.4mi
- Firefly Lake Campground 5.3mi
- Clear Lake Northern Highland Campground 5.0mi
- Cunard Lake Campground 5.7mi
- North Muskellunge Group Campground 6.5mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $26 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (888) 947-2757 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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