South Trout Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens the Thursday before Memorial Day and operates through Labor Day. All sites require advance reservations through the Wisconsin State Park System.

About

South Trout Lake Campground is a traditional rustic-style campground with 23 sites (numbered 1001-1023) situated on the southeast corner of Trout Lake in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. The campground sits on one of the forest's largest lakes at 3,816 acres, known for its depth and excellent boating and fishing opportunities. The facility offers minimal but essential amenities including one vault toilet building, one hand pump for drinking water, and separate trash and recycling dumpsters. A boat launch provides easy water access, though swimming is limited due to the stony lake bed. The campground includes four walk-to tent-only sites (1013-1016) and two double campsites (1003-1004 and 1006-1007) that can accommodate up to 12 people and two wheeled camping units each. Direct access to the paved Heart of Vilas Bicycle Trail makes this an excellent base for cyclists exploring the area, with routes extending to Boulder Junction in one direction and Crystal Lake and St. Germain in the other. A sanitary dump station is available at the North Trout Lake Campground for those needing that service.

Directions

From the intersection of Highways 51 and 47 in Woodruff, travel north on Highway 51 for 6.2 miles to Highway M. Turn right on Highway M and drive 2.7 miles to Highway N. Turn right on Highway N and travel 2 miles; the Crystal Lake entrance is on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds