Map showing campground location near Woodruff, Wisconsin

Camper submitted image from Clear Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

Clear Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

Clear Lake Campground operates year-round within the Northern Highland State Forest, offering both developed sites with full hookups and primitive boat-in options across the water. The campground sits on a large chain of lakes, with several waterfront sites that face west for sunset views and allow direct boat parking at your campsite.

The lake's clear water draws families and anglers, while two swimming beaches provide easy access within a short walk from all sites. Elliot Q. notes the area has "lots of wildlife and fishing is great too," with a hiking trail that wraps part of the lake and connects to two additional lakes. Campers report the facilities stay clean, and many sites offer reasonable privacy despite the campground's popularity.

The Indian Mounds loop sits several miles from the main registration area but connects via a paved bike path through the woods. Reservations open 11 months in advance and fill quickly, particularly for the limited waterfront sites. Weekend crowds include local day-use visitors at the swimming beaches. The campground provides boat rentals and equipment, with nearby Minocqua offering additional shopping and dining options.

For those exploring beyond Clear Lake, places to camp around Woodruff provide additional options in this lake-rich region of northern Wisconsin.

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Location

Public Campground

Clear Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest is located in Wisconsin

Directions

Check-in / Registration is at the Clear Lake Ranger Station. To the Clear Lake Ranger Station from the intersection of Hwys 51 and 47 travel south, on Hwy 47, for approximately 3.5 miles and turn left on Woodruff Rd. Clear Lake Ranger Station will be on the right.

Address

8282 Woodruff road
Woodruff, WI 54568

Coordinates

45.86700008 N
89.65000097 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/3/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/3/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 7 min from Wausau, WI
2 hrs 28 min from Eau Claire, WI
2 hrs 30 min from Green Bay, WI
2 hrs 36 min from Appleton, WI

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the pristine lake access, clean facilities, and private wooded sites as major highlights. Several noted the family-friendly atmosphere with beaches and boat access. Visitors should expect busy periods requiring advance reservations.

Stacey N.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 18, 2022

Phenomenal!

Love our site. It’s big, neighbors are not on top of us… and it’s quiet! Great firewood… only 5$ per bundle. Clean showers. Friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Site778

Month of VisitAugust

(7) View All

Joel N.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Family friendly

My family, along with a couple other families, used to camp here for a week every year when we were kids. There are 2 beaches, trails, beautiful wooded sites, and the lakes water is as clear as advertised. You will need to reserve your site 11 months in advance because it fills up fast. If you have a lot of people there are no group sites but there are some double sites that work great. Bring your boat to fish and ski.

Month of VisitJuly

Katie B.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2019

Great place

Great park with lots of different types of sites however they are fairly close together

Braden H.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2018

Beautiful Beach Camping

We stayed for a week in the Indian Mounds loop camground. This site is a few miles from the camp registration but worth it. There is a paved bike path through the woods all the way to the registraion area. We arrived at our campsite, unloaded the bikes, then proceeded to ride to check in. However, this is easily driveable as well. This is one of my favorite campgrounds for our lifestyle. Several of the most desired sites are on the water. These are particularly great because we can park our boat right at our site, they face west for sunsets, and the beach is absolutely perfect. The campground is on a large chain of lakes. I recommend heading into the town of Minocqua for shopping or just a night on the town. Hiking/biking trails are very close by. In fact,some of the best ones are right next to 5e camp registration. The lake is one of the cleanest ive ever been on. Campmsites are reasonably far from each other for privacy. Two swiming beaches are within a 2 minute walk from all camsites. Keep in mind, this review is onlynfor the indian mounds loop.

Matthew K.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2018

Good Family Campground

Beautiful clear water lake with only a handful of houses. It is a popular campground so it can be busy and hectic but is nice for families. A lot of locals come to the swimming beach on the weekends.

Month of VisitAugust

Elliot Q.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2017

Basically a second home

Have been visiting Clear Lake for as long as I can remember. Lake is big, clear and beautiful. Very peaceful, lots of wildlife and fishing is great too! Facilities are nice and clean. Sites are great, and many of them are pretty private. Only a few sites on the lake however, but if you have a boat and are feeling adventurous, there are primitive sites across the lake! There aren't too many hiking trails, but there is a great one that wraps part of the lake, which will take you to 2 hidden lakes as well. Truly one of my favorite places, I even proposed to my wife here! And if you're lucky, you'll catch the Northern Lights too! Happy Trails!

(8) View All

Adrienne L.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2016

Beautiful Lake and beach area, but there are only a few great sites by the water. Family friendly.

Beautiful clear water and beach area. Nice to kayak. Only a few great sites by the water.

kevin T.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2016

Northern highland

Campsite is very near a lake with plenty of wildlife. The weather is unpredictable so bring extra layers just in case. They do provide a a water pump and has a place for you to rent equipment such as kayaks

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Clear Lake Campground located in Wisconsin?

Clear Lake Campground is located in Woodruff, Wisconsin within the Northern Highland State Forest region. The campground sits on the shores of Clear Lake, a beautiful body of water with exceptionally clear waters as its name suggests. The area is characterized by dense woodlands and is situated in the popular Northwoods vacation region of Wisconsin, providing visitors with a quintessential Wisconsin forest camping experience.

Is Clear Lake Campground part of the Northern Highland State Forest?

Yes, Clear Lake Campground is part of the Northern Highland State Forest. The campground is integrated into this extensive forest system, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of one of Wisconsin's significant public forest areas. The Northern Highland State Forest provides the scenic woodland setting that surrounds the campground and lake, creating a true northwoods camping experience.

What amenities are available at Clear Lake Campground in Woodruff?

Clear Lake Campground offers a water pump, clean shower facilities, and firewood available for purchase at $5 per bundle. The campground features two beach areas for swimming, bike paths, and equipment rentals including kayaks. Campsites vary in size and privacy levels, with some sites being more secluded than others. The Indian Mounds loop provides additional camping options a few miles from the main registration area, accessible via a paved bike path through the woods.

Can you go boating or fishing at Clear Lake near the campground?

Absolutely! Clear Lake offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities. The lake has beautiful clear water ideal for kayaking, with rental equipment available at the campground. Fishing is reported to be great, with various fish species available in this large, pristine lake. While only a few campsites are directly on the water, boat access allows all campers to enjoy the lake. The water clarity makes for a wonderful experience whether fishing or simply enjoying time on the water.

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