Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area
If you are looking for a base camp to explore area trails or if you want solitude but also want to be able to drive up to your campsite, try the Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area off Highway 70 west of Florence.
The Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area is a small campground on the Florence District that consists of a campground with 6 campsites equipped with fire rings, a vault toilet and drinking water. Upon entering, you will come across an artesian well that flows throughout the year and produces excellent drinking water!
The area is popular for trout fishing, with a variety of other fish species in nearby lakes. A carry-in canoe access is nearby and is a popular starting and ending point for canoe trips on the Pine River, a state wild and scenic river.
Come enjoy all the trails; there is a one-mile trail that connects the campground with Lost Lake Campground. Just north of the river is the south trailhead of the Lauterman Lake National Recreation Trail.
So, if you like to hike, mountain bike, fish or enjoy a variety of water activities, then Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located just 20 miles west of Florence. Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area is pet friendly; See our restrictions for more information.
Reservations
There are no reservable sites at the Chipmunk Rapids Campground. All sites are available on a first-come basis.
General Information
Chipmunk Rapids is located on the Pine River, a state designated Wild River south of the Lauterman Lake Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized area. The campground consists of 6 campsites equipped with fire rings, a vault toilet and drinking water. The campground has an artesian well that produces excellent drinking water. Chipmunk Rapids is the mid-point of the approximately 80-mile-long Pine River, which is popular for its canoeing opportunities. The south trailhead for the Lauterman Lake National Recreation Trail is located just across the river.
RV Camping
- No. of Sites: 6
- Reservation Info: There are no reservable sites at the Chipmunk Rapids Campground. All sites are available on a first-come basis.
- Pavement Type of Parking: Asphalt
RV Size Restrictions
Maximum RV/ Trailer Length of Campsites at Chipmunk Rapids Campground
(Back-in sites unless indicated below):
- 25 Foot: 2, 3, 4, 6
- 35 Foot: 1
- 40 Foot: 5
April 25 - November 30
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 on the Orders of the Forest Supervisor page.
Campsite Capacity
- Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site.
- Vehicle capacity limit includes vehicles, wheeled camping units and trailers.
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.
- Pallet boards are not approved.
Operation of all ATVs & UTVs are prohibited in campground.
Individual campsite fee is $15, or $7.50 with the use of an Interagency pass (access or senior). The interagency pass applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fees or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.
Address: 1247 E. Wall St. Eagle River, WI 54521
Phone: 715-479-2827
Hours: Monday - Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 45.8925
Longitude: -88.55666667
Directions
From Florence travel west 17 miles on Highway 70 to the intersection with FR 2450 (Dream Lake Road). Turn left (south) on FR 2450 and drive 1 mile to FR 2156 (Chipmunk Rapids Road). Continue straight 2.4 miles on FR 2156 to the campground.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Water Activities
Hiking
Outdoor Science and Learning
Biking
Winter Sports
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Anglers can expect to catch bass, trout, and panfish.
Fishing - River/Stream Info
Pine River is known for fishing Brown and Brook trout.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Canoe access to Pine River. Chipmunk Rapids is on moving water, near quiet water.
Canoeing, kayaking, paddling and windsurfing are some of the popular non-motorized water activities at Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area.
A carry-in canoe access is nearby and is a popular starting and ending point for canoe trips
Type of Craft: Canoe
Windsurfing Info
Canoeing, kayaking, paddling and windsurfing are some of the popular non-motorized water activities at Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area.
A carry-in canoe access is nearby and is a popular starting and ending point for canoe trips.
Swimming Info
Swimming and snorkeling are a few of the many water activities to enjoy at Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area.
Day Hikes Info
The south trailhead of The Lauterman National Recreation Trail is located north of the river. This trail traverses some hilly terrain and offers good hiking.
Difficulty level: Intermediate.
The Assessor’s Interpretive Trail is on the east end of Lost Lake adjacent to the Lost Lake Campground. It winds through majestic hemlocks and hardwoods for a deep-woods experience. Interpretive signing along the trail explains the natural and cultural history of this area.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
The Perch Lake Trail circles picturesque Perch Lake. If you're interested in a secluded camping experience, this trail also passes five walk-in campsites with tent pads, tables, fire rings, and wilderness-style toilets.
Difficulty Level: Easy
The Ridge Trail is part of a network of trails that includes the Assessor's Trail and the Lauterman Trail. The Ridge Trail winds along the top of an aspen-birch ridge and along the scenic Pine River. Other portions of the trail pass through young aspen, spruce-fir, northern hardwood, and hemlock forest.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
The Assessor’s Interpretive Trail is on the east end of Lost Lake adjacent to the Lost Lake Campground. It winds through majestic hemlocks and hardwoods for a deep-woods experience. Interpretive signing along the trail explains the natural and cultural history of this area.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Viewing Plants Info
Wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs are abundant along all the trails, especially during the month of May before the trees leaf out. Then spring beauties, bloodroot, and sessile bellwort are arrayed in huge patches along the way. Clusters and clumps of Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, toothwort, false rue anemone, and trillium species (large-flowered and nodding) grow here too.
Viewing Wildlife Info
A variety of wildlife make its home in the area, including resident American bald eagles and loons.
Biking - Mountain Info
The south trailhead of The Lauterman National Recreation Trail is located north of the river. This trail traverses some hilly terrain and offers good mountain biking.
Difficulty level: Intermediate.
The Perch Lake Trail circles picturesque Perch Lake. If you're interested in a secluded camping experience, this trail also passes five walk-in campsites with tent pads, tables, fire rings, and wilderness-style toilets. Or if you'd like to try fishing, the lake is stocked with bluegills and bass.
Difficulty Level: Easy
The Ridge Trail is part of a network of trails that includes the Assessor's Trail and the Lauterman Trail. The Ridge Trail winds along the top of an aspen-birch ridge and along the scenic Pine River. Other portions of the trail pass through young aspen, spruce-fir, northern hardwood, and hemlock forest.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
The south trailhead of The Lauterman National Recreation Trail is located north of the river. This trail traverses some hilly terrain which is groomed for cross-country skiing (traditional). It includes three loops with one loop for beginning skiers.
Difficulty level: Intermediate.