About BLACK LAKE
Overview Black Lake is highly ranked as a family-favorite campground. It is spread out along the eastern shores of its namesake, Black Lake. The calm waters beckon to adventurers, offering fishing, boating, swimming and other recreational activities in the northwestern Wisconsin wilderness.Recreation The lake offers plentiful fishing, with musky, walleye, bass and pan fish available in abundance. Kayaking and canoeing are also enjoyed by visitors, as the water is usually peaceful and calm. A variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, loon, fox and others, make their homes in the area and are often spotted by visitors. Hundreds of miles of off-road vehicle, hiking and mountain biking trails surround the lake. The Black Lake interpretive trail offers a 4-mile, in-depth look at the nature that surrounds the wooded shoreline. A grassy beach provides ample space to run and play, as well as a spot to relax.Facilities The campground offers dozens of waterfront sites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water, trash collection and recycling bins are also available.Natural Features The campground is located in a birch, pine and spruce forest that stretches along the beautiful 129-acre lake, in the southern part of the Chequamegon National Forest. Nearby Attractions Fuel, fishing supplies, firewood and restaurants are within a 15-mile drive of the campground, in the town of Hayward.
How to Get There
From Hayward, Wisconsin, take Highway B east for about 23 miles. Turn left on Barker Lake Road, which turns into Forest Service Road 172, and continue for a total of 8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 173 and drive less than a mile to the paved campground road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BLACK LAKE
Heading to BLACK LAKE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BLACK LAKE?
No central reservation system listed for BLACK LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233758) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BLACK LAKE?
From Hayward, Wisconsin, take Highway B east for about 23 miles. Turn left on Barker Lake Road, which turns into Forest Service Road 172, and continue for a total of 8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 173 and drive less than a mile to the paved campground road.
How do I contact BLACK LAKE?
You can reach the park at phone: (715) 634-4821 OR (715) 264-2511.
References & Official Resources
