Black Lake Recreation Area
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- 45 ft
- Sites
- 29
- Electric hookups
- Not published
- Pull-through sites
- No
- Paved access
- No
- Accessible sites
- 4
- Driveway grade
- Not published
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Yes
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- 2
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
Black Lake Recreation Area
Black Lake Recreation Area is a family-favorite on the Great Divide Ranger District. It is spread along the eastern shores of its namesake, Black Lake. The calm waters beckon to adventurers, offering fishing, boating, and swimming. Bring your trailer with your OHVs and access the Fishtrap Motorized Trail from the nearby Camp Loretta Trailhead just 12 miles away. OHV use in the campground is prohibited. Fishing draws the attention of many anglers seeking musky, walleye, bass and panfish. 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. The Black Lake Trail offers a 4-mile leisurely hike around the lake, with interpretation about the logging history and the Civilian Conservation Corps heritage of the area. The campground is located within the birch, pine, and spruce forest surrounding this beautiful 129-acre lake. Most of the 29 sites are lakefront, some on the reservation system. All campsites provide hardened parking area, picnic table, and fire ring and some can accommodate up to a 45-foot trailer. Recycling and trash dumpsters are provided. Vault toilets are provided throughout campground and day-use area. A grassy beach provides ample space to run and play, as well as a spot to relax. So, if you like to swim, boat, fish, hike and picnic, then the Black Lake Recreation Area is the place for you, located just 30 minutes east of Hayward. Don’t forget your canine friends. Black Lake is one of our dog friendly recreation areas.
Before you go
Season
May 2 – October 31
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Fees
Individual campsite fee is $15/night, payable at the fee envelope tube at the site. Camping fees are $7.50 with use of Interagency Senior or Access Pass. Pass discounts apply only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder.
Restrictions
Restrictions for all National Forest System lands can be found by visiting Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261 by clicking here . The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest please click here . Campsite Capacity • Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site (as space allows). • Vehicle capacity limit includes vehicles, wheeled camping units and trailers. Pets and Animals • Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation areas. • Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas. • Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions. Firewood Closure Order • Our firewood closure order prohibits the possession, storage, or transport of any firewood that originates from more than 25 miles from your campsite. Firewood certified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Transportation and Consumer Protection can originate from more than 25 miles from National Forest destination. • Both certified firewood and Kiln-dried, untreated/unpainted/unstained/construction/dimensional lumber that is free of any metal or foreign substance is approved. Pallet boards are not approved. Operation of all ATVs & UTVs are prohibited in campground.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.