Paddling – Quiet Water

Explore the more than 1.5 million acres of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest where water and woodlands provide recreation opportunities for year-round motorized trail riding, water and land-based silent sports and the solitude of rustic quiet campgrounds.

The forest features more than 2,000 lakes and more than 600 of them are larger than 10 acres. There are more than 100 boat ramps and nearly 60 walk-in trails that provide access to the lakes larger than 10 acres.

Grab your canoe or kayak and your paddle and explore one of the many lakes on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. If you are interested in other paddling opportunities please contact the nearest Ranger District.

Many of the Forest’s recreation areas charge a rcreation use fee that helps support the operation and maintenance of the sites. If you are a camping in a developed campground on the Forest and have paid the camping fee, other recreation areas within the campground are free of charge. If you visit recreation areas outside the campground, applicable fees apply. Daily passes are $5 or you may purchase an annual pass for $20. If you have an Interagency Annual, Senior, Acces or Volunteer Pass, there is no charge to use day-use sites. Sites marked with an * below are fee sites.

Eagle River-Florence Ranger District

*Lauterman Lake – Visitors can access the 37-acre Lauterman Lake in Florence County from the Lauterman Lake Recreation area featuring five walk-in/canoe campsites complete with tables, tent pads, fire rings and wilderness-style toilets. This recreation area also features the Lauterman Lake National Recreation Trail that features hilly terrain perfect for hiking, mountain biking and cross country skiing in the winter months. Lauterman Lake is located west of Florence on Forest Road 2156.

*Luna-White Deer – This area features two deep, clear lakes in Forest County that are home to panfish, largemouth bass and trout in White Deer. Luna Lake is 64-acres with a maximum depth of 35 feet. White Deer is a 62-acre lake with a maximum depth of 50 feet. Both lakes have a boat landing that provides access to the lake.  There is a Luna-White Deer Lake Campground with 37 sites including a swim area, drinking water and vault toilet. Campsites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. This recreation area can be found east of Eagle River off of Forest Road 2188.

*Lost Lake – Visitors can explore the 84-acre lake in Florence County with a maximum depth of 45 feet. There is a boat landing that provides access to the lake that is home to smallmouth bass and trout. The area includes the Lost Lake Campground featuring 27 campsites, a swim area, drinking water and vault toilet.  Campsites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. Lost Lake is located west of Florence off of Forest Road 2156.

*Morgan Lake – Morgan Lake is a 44-acre lake in Florence County with a maximum depth of 10 feet (electric motors are allowed). A boat landing accesses the lake that is home to largemouth bass. The boat landing is located within the Morgan Lake Campground that includes 18 campsites and one large private group site that can accommodate up to 25 people. A swim area, picnic area, drinking water and vault toilet are also available. Campsites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. Morgan Lake is also open to ATVs as it is located along a road open to ATVs. Morgan Lake is located west of Fence off of Forest Road 2161.

*Perch Lake – Visitors can enjoy this 46-acre lake in Florence County featuring five walk-in/canoe-in campsites in the Perch Lake Campground. A boat ramp provides access to the lake that is home to largemouth bass and panfish. The campground features tent pads, tables, fire rings and wilderness-style toilets. Perch Lake is located west of Florence off of Forest Road 2150.

Great Divide Ranger District

Club Lake Boat Carry In – Club Lake is an 84 acre lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet. There is a canoe launch that provides access to the lake off of Forest Road 201. The lake’s water is moderately clear and is home to northern pike, panfish and largemouth bass.

Crystal Lake Boat Landing – Visitors can access the 117-acre Crystal Lake in Bayfield County off of Forest Road 211 also known as Crystal Lake Road. The lake is moderately clear featuring panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye.

*Day Lake Boat Landing – Day Lake is a 578-acre lake in Ashland County that includes musky, panfish, and largemouth bass. Visitors can access the lake from the boat landing just off County Road M. This is a motorized lake however, it provides plenty of places for paddlers to explore. The area also features a picnic and beach area as well as a large campground (39 sites) located just two miles south of the boat landing. Campsites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov.

*Namekagon Boat Landing – Namekagon Lake is a 2,897 acre lake in Bayfield County. Visitors can access the lake from a boat landing located within the Lake Namekagon Campground. There is a boat dock, drinking water and vault toilets near the boat landing. Please note this is a motorized lake that features many areas for paddlers to explore. The campground features 34 sites, a picnic area, and swim area. Campsites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov.

Lakewood-Laona Ranger District

Ada Lake Boat Landing – Visitors can enjoy this 75-acre lake in Langlade County with a maximum depth of 60 feet (electric motors are allowed). The lake is home to largemouth bass, panfish and trout. The boat landing is located in the Ada Lake Campground that features 19 campsites, picnic site, drinking water and vault toilets. Ada Lake can be found south of Laona along Forest Road 2620.

Himley Lake Boat Landing – Himley Lake is a 145 acre lake in Forest County with a maximum depth of 15 feet. The lake is home to northern pike, panfish and largemouth bass. There is a boat landing that provides access to the lake. Himley Lake is located west of Wabeno off of Forest Road 2880.

Lake Gordon Boat Landing/Laura Lake Boat Landing – Lake Gordon is a 51-acre lake in Forest County with a maximum depth of 30 feet. There is a picnic area and swim area along the shoreline of Lake Gordon. The Laura Lake Campground is located in between Laura Lake and Lake Gordon featuring 41 campsites. Laura Lake, a 106 acre lake with a maximum depth of 22 feet. The lakes are home to panfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Campsites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. Lake Gordon/Laura Lake can be found northwest of Armstrong Creek off of Forest Road 2163 and Laura Lake Road 121.

*Ludington Lake Boat Landing – Ludington Lake is a 29-acrelake in Forest County with a maximum depth of 30 feet. A boat landing provides access to the lake that is home to panfish and largemouth bass. The boat landing is located in the Ludington Lake Campground that features four campsites with tables, fire rings and vault toilets. Ludington Lake is southwest of Laona located off of Forest Road 2144.

Richardson Lake Boat Landing – Visitors can enjoy this 48 acre lake in Forest County with a maximum depth of 10 feet. A boat landing provides access to the lake that is home to panfish, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The boat landing is located within the Richardson Lake Campground featuring 26 campsites, a picnic area, swim area, drinking water and vault toilets. Richardson Lake is located north of Wabeno off of Forest Road 2880.

Medford-Park Falls Ranger District

*Bayview Boat Landing – Visitors will find an improved boat landing, parking area, vault toilet, and picnic area that provides access to the 2,366 acres of the Chequamegon Water Flowage. The flowage is located in Taylor County and has a maximum depth of 22 feet. Fish include panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Please note this is a motorized lake that features many areas for paddlers to explore. The Bayview Boat Landing is located towards the south end of the flowage off of Forest Road 121 also known as Perkinstown Avenue. 

*Chippewa Boat Landing – The area includes an improved boat landing, parking area and vault toilet also providing access to the 2,366 acres of the Chequamegon Water Flowage. The parking area also serves as a trailhead for the 26 mile Perkinstown Motorized trail open to UTV’s 65” or less, ATV’s and dirt bikes May 1-April 15 annually. This landing is located in the Chippewa Campground that features 78 campsites, 10 group sites and a swim area. Campsites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov.

*Lakeview Boat Landing – The 411 acre Mondeaux Flowage can be accessed by using the improved Lakeview Boat Landing. The area also features an accessible fishing pier, picnic area and vault toilet. This landing is located north of Medford near the Mondeaux Dam Lodge off of Forest Road 106.

*Picnic Point Boat Landing - Visitors may also access the Mondeaux Flowage from the boat landing in the Picnic Point Campground. This small campground features one group site and four walk-in sites. Campsites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. Picnic Point is located north of Medford, WI, off of Forest Road 106.

*Wabasso Lake Boat Landing – There is an improved boat landing at Wabasso Lake providing access to the 49-acre lake (electric motors are allowed). This area also features three walk-in/canoe campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Drinking water and vault toilets are located at the boat landing. Please pack out what you bring with. Wabasso Lake is located west of Lac du Flambeau on Forest Road 514.

Washburn Ranger District

Hoist Lake – Hoist Lake is a seven acre lake located in Bayfield County. It has a maximum depth of 23 feet. There is a walk-in launch site to Hoist Lake off of Forest Road 236 west of Washburn. This is a popular lake to fish for largemouth bass.

*Long Lake Carry-in – Long Lake is a 32 acre lake in Bayfield County with a maximum depth of 10 feet. The lake is home to panfish and largemouth bass. The carry-in launch is located at the Long Lake Day Use area featuring a vault toilet, drinking water, picnic and swim area. There is also a one mile trail around the lake. Long Lake is located west of Washburn off of Forest Road 251.

Wanoka Lake Boat Carry-in – Visitors can enjoy Wanoka Lake in Bayfield County. The lake is 15 acres and has a maximum depth of 20 feet.  It is home to panfish and largemouth bass. The lake is located within the Wanoka Campground featuring 20 sites, drinking water and vault toilets. The campground is open to ATVs which can access the Tri-County Corridor Trail from the campground.