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Chequamegon-Nicolet/Day Lake
Overview
Day Lake Campground offers a quintessential Northwoods experience within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This rustic destination is centered around a pristine 93-acre lake, providing a serene environment for those looking to disconnect from the modern world. With its towering hardwoods and ancient hemlocks, the park emphasizes a deep connection to nature, offering a quiet retreat that captures the spirit of northern Wisconsin’s wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a short drive from the small community of Clam Lake, Wisconsin, the area is world-famous for being the heart of the state’s elk reintroduction efforts. The campground is tucked away from major highways, ensuring a peaceful stay free from traffic noise. The surrounding forest is dense and vibrant, offering a lush backdrop for morning walks. Visitors often encounter wildlife like elk and loons, which adds to the immersive and authentic wilderness atmosphere of the site.
Amenities & Park Features
While the campground is rustic, it provides essential comforts for self-contained RVs. Facilities include vault toilets and pressurized water fountains conveniently located throughout the camping loops. Each site features a sturdy fire ring and a heavy-duty picnic table for outdoor meals. The paved parking spurs are a notable feature, making it much easier for RVers to level their rigs compared to traditional dirt pads. Additionally, the park maintains a designated swimming beach and a boat launch for water access.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Boating and fishing are the primary draws for visitors, as Day Lake is well-regarded for its musky and panfish populations. For those who prefer land-based adventures, the nearby Namekagon Connector Trail offers miles of exploration for hikers. Visitors can also drive into the town of Clam Lake to visit the Elk Capital of Wisconsin monuments or explore the vast network of ATV and forest roads that weave through the surrounding national forest lands.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for dry campers and boondockers who prioritize natural beauty and privacy over modern hookups. It is a perfect fit for families who enjoy swimming, paddling, and simple lakeside living in a quiet, non-commercial setting. If you are an RVer who appreciates wildlife viewing and star-lit nights without the distractions of a busy resort, Day Lake provides the perfect escape for your next road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Mary Lynn Abraham
There were NO envelopes to register talked with another camper he said he got one from across the road (?) Went down to picnic area (a ways for someone not familiar with area) brought back extra looked for camping host found campsite no one there checked later, no one, went for walk next day found takelbox went to tell camp host. No one around
Tracy Andrewson
Very rustic campground. Sites are good sized and in woods. They are also fairly quiet. It's a short walk to water from some of the sites.
Randy Sincoular
There is a very scenic hiking trail that follows the shoreline. Lots of birds to listen to.
Greg Krueger
Day Lake is far and away the largest campground in this district of the forest. Most all of the 52 sites here have ample spacing and vegetation between them. Two loops have been closed as of late, so closer to 40 sites are actually open. There’s an ok swimming beach in the campground; it’s a bit shallow and weedy. There’s a much nicer beach just down the hiking trail to the south, within the day-use picnic area on the same lake. It’s just a five or ten minute walk between the two beaches. If you’re interested in history, you can find the remains of some old walk-in sites beyond the furthest back loop of this campground. There’s a nice point of land in this area of the campground where you can have a picnic and enjoy a great view of the lake. The town of Clam Lake is no more than a minute or two down the road and offers a couple bars and restaurants in addition to a gas station and convenience store with basic groceries. Day Lake costs a few dollars more per night than other campgrounds in this part of the forest, but it provides amenities like a playground and recreation field that neighboring campgrounds lack.
Neil Gilbert
Quiet, nicely spaced campsites