Welcome
Welcome to the Chequamegon National Forest! We hope that you enjoy
your visit to this special area. To assist you in planning your camping
visit, we have prepared this guide to give you an understanding of the
variety of campgrounds available to you!
The Chequamegon National Forest offers 25 campgrounds with varying
levels of development and services. All campgrounds are accessible by
paved or gravel roads and can accommodate both tent and trailer campers.
Located on or within view of forest lakes, all campgrounds offer tent
pads, picnic tables, fire places, parking spurs, and toilet facilities.
Drinking water is available and is tested regularly for quality and
purity. Campground fees range from $6-12 a night and vary in size from 3
to 90 campsites.
Boating, hiking, fishing, berry picking, and wildlife viewing are
just a few popular recreational opportunities in or near the
campgrounds. Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches, picnic
shelters, boat launching facilities and interpretive trails.
Horse Travel
Exploring the Chequamegon National Forest on your favorite steed can
be a great experience! Several trails are designed specifically for
horse riding, while others provide opportunities for backpacking and
horse camping. The Smith Rapids Horse Campground provides an opportunity
to camp, with adjoining trail systems that are open to horse riding. The
North Country and Ice Age National Scenic Trails also provide
opportunities for backcountry camping and riding. Multiple-use trails
open to horse riders include the Flambeau and Perkinstown. Here are a
few tips which will help minimize the effects of horse use and make your
visit to the backcountry more enjoyable.
1. One basic rule applies in National Forests, show respect for other
Forest visitors and the natural environment. Please leave the trail and
campsite as you would like to find it.. .free of litter and other
evidence of human and animal presence.
2. Avoid tying horses directly to trees. At night, use a picket line
tied between two trees away from the trail and other campsites. In the
morning, do a little rehabilitation of the night's deposits before
leaving camp. If you are staying at the Smith Rapids Campground, there
are tie stalls available for your use.
3. Keep the number of horses to a minimum! Using lightweight foods
and equipment can reduce the number of horses needed and the impact on
the trails and campsites.
Campground Hosts
Are you interested in spending a summer at one of the campgrounds in
the Chequamegon National Forest? Then volunteering as a campground host
may be what you're looking for! These special volunteers serve as hosts,
welcoming campers and providing them with information on things to see
and do in the area. If this sounds interesting to you, please contact
any of the offices listed in the "Need More Information?"
section.
Heading Out on the Trail
Whether you prefer hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding,
there is sure to be a trail that will suit your needs! Many of the
campgrounds offer short hiking trails. For a backpacking adventure, try
the North Country or Ice Age National Scenic Trails.
For ATV and off-road motorcycle enthusiasts, try the Flambeau,
Perkinstown, Dead Horse Run, or Valhalla ATV Trails. Any Forest Service
office can provide you with detailed maps for these trail systems.
Lyme Disease
Deer ticks can be found in wooded and grassy areas and are smaller
than the common wood tick. Deer ticks can carry Lyme Disease. To avoid
contact with deer ticks, wear light-colored pants tucked into socks or
boots, and long-sleeved shirts tucked into pants and buttoned at the
wrist. Apply a deer tick repellent to clothing and exposed areas.
Check yourself each day thoroughly. If you find a tick, remove it
carefully with a tweezers. If you notice a ring-shaped red rash or
flu-like symptoms, sore muscles, stiff joints and fatigue, be sure to
contact your physician.
