LAUTERMAN LAKE

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted.

About

Located in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Florence, Wisconsin, Lauterman Lake Recreation Area features five primitive walk-in or canoe-in campsites distributed along the shores of 37-acre Lauterman Lake. Each site is equipped with a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and wilderness-style toilet, providing a secluded camping experience. The recreation area serves as a gateway to the extensive Lauterman National Recreation Trail system, one of the most popular trail networks in the region. The hilly terrain offers excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking during warmer months, while groomed trails provide traditional cross-country skiing in winter with loops suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. An Adirondack-style shelter along the trail offers a rest stop for hikers and skiers. Trails connect north to Perch Lake and south to the Pine River and Chipmunk Rapids Campground. Lauterman Lake provides year-round fishing opportunities for northern pike, bass, perch, bluegill, and panfish, with canoe or kayak access available via carry-in. The surrounding forest features mature hardwoods including yellow birch, sugar maple, basswood, and hemlock. Located approximately 12 miles west of Florence on Highway 70, the recreation area operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.

Directions

From Florence, take State Highway 70 west 12 miles to FR 2154, turn left and go south 1/4 mile to the trailhead on the right with parking for 12 vehicles on the left. Alternatively, from Florence take Highway 70 west 15.5 miles to FR 2450, turn left and go south 1 mile to FR 2156, then southeast 2 miles to trailhead with parking for 4 vehicles.

Nearby Campgrounds