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Sunrise Bay Campground
Overview
Sunrise Bay Campground offers a quintessential Northwoods experience on the shores of Nelson Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin. This park serves as a welcoming destination for travelers looking to escape the bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in a peaceful lakeside setting. Known for its friendly atmosphere and scenic views, the park provides a mix of seasonal and overnight sites that allow visitors to truly connect with the natural beauty of the region. It is a place where outdoor traditions are kept alive through simple, relaxing recreation.
Location & Surroundings
Located just north of downtown Hayward, the campground is nestled within a lush landscape of mature trees and calm waters. The highlight of the location is its direct access to Nelson Lake, a sprawling body of water celebrated for its fishing and boating opportunities. The surrounding area is characterized by dense forests and a quiet, rural charm that makes it feel like a true secluded retreat while remaining close enough to the conveniences of town for supplies and dining.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is designed to facilitate outdoor recreation and convenience for RV travelers. Guests have access to private boat docks, making it easy to launch for a day of fishing or exploring the lake's many inlets. The grounds include a sandy swimming beach and a playground for families to enjoy on warm afternoons. Sites typically offer water and electric hookups, and the park provides essentials such as a dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables to ensure a comfortable stay in a rustic environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the campground, Hayward offers a variety of unique experiences for every type of traveler. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, which features a landmark giant muskie structure. For those who prefer land-based adventures, the nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers miles of scenic trails for hiking and bird watching. The lake itself remains the primary draw, perfect for catching walleye, panfish, and largemouth bass throughout the summer season.
Who This Park Is Best For
Sunrise Bay Campground is an ideal match for avid anglers and families who prioritize time on the water. Its relaxed pace and direct lake access make it perfect for those traveling with boats or kayaks. It is best suited for RVers who appreciate a traditional camping vibe rather than a high-end luxury resort. If you are looking for a place to sit by the fire, listen to the loons, and watch the sunset over the water, this park fits your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Carrie Leamy
This was our 2nd year staying... We absolutely enjoyed our stays. We are definitely sad that you guys are switching to just seasonal sites, but totally understand why. We just want to thank you for all the wonderful memories! God Bless!
mary larson
Beautiful campground. I'm so glad we got to spend a few days there.
no u
A very nice campground and lake access. We caught plenty of fish.
Chris S
Had a 4-night stay with extended family across three campsites. The lake itself is nice, and the campground is decent — nothing fancy, but functional. Our water spigot was nearly 40 feet away and down a hill. Sites aren't truly level — more like “mostly level if you park right.” Some have no gravel pad. Lakeside sites were soggy; I saw one camper need a skid steer and rope to get pulled out. The swimming area isn’t a beach (see picture with the swim mat off the dock)— it has a rocky, muddy, weedy bottom. Some docks could use structural improvement. Bathroom building was concrete and clean. 25 cents for a 6 minute shower. Worms available in the store, but no licenses available onsite. The campground sits in a quiet, shallow, weedy bay at the far end of the lake. On the plus side, we saw a lot of wildlife — beavers, otters, turtles, ducks, mallards, eagles, and more. The paddle boat was free to use but hadn’t been cleaned yet as of June 17. The game room had a few working machines (slot-style games, a driving game, claw machine, pool table). A few others were not functional at the start of our stay, but they were picked up, repaired, and returned on our departure date. The real issue was the owner’s behavior. A relative who coordinated the trip also rented the pontoon, as he has done for yearly trips at other places. He’s historically rented for the duration of the stay. The only email I personally saw said: "Currently sites available are 28, 29, and 30. The 22' or tent would go in 28 — can be decided when everyone gets here. Pontoon is on a dock by 29.". After a 7 a.m. ride, the owner came to the dock angry, saying, “You stole my boat. I almost called the sheriff on you.” We were confused, apologized immediately, and said we’d pay if we hadn’t already. Rather than de-escalate, he replied, “Don’t play dumb. You know you didn’t have this rented.” With three occupied sites, we clearly had no intent to steal his boat. After giving it time, I approached him to clear the air, but he doubled down, saying, “So you stole my boat and now you’re chastising me?” — with no willingness to resolve the misunderstanding. It was an unfortunate and needlessly hostile way to end an otherwise peaceful trip. One star for the husband owner, three to four stars for the lake and campground itself.
Adam Newhouse
Just got back from a great weekend staying here. We camped two nights. Sites are big. Power and water hookups are kind of in a funny spot so make sure you have plenty of hose and extension cords. Shower/ bath house was very clean! We have stayed at Nelson lake as well. And this place was just easier and didn't have any funny rules. We will be back for sure!