Recreation
Unplug and reconnect to the large expanse of National Forest lands in northern Wisconsin. Explore the more than 1.5 million acres of water and woodlands offering year-round motorized trail riding, water- and land-based sports, and the solitude of quiet campgrounds.
2025 Fee Free Days
Days where Day Use Fees* are waived on National Forest Service System lands:
- January 20, 2025: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- June 14, 2025: National Get Outdoors Day
- June 19, 2025: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- September 27, 2025: National Public Lands Day
- November 11, 2025: Veterans Day
*Does not apply to camping, OHV, or concession sites.
Before You Go...
Maps and Guides
Passes and Permits
With many campgrounds, lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, the Eagle River - Florence Ranger District has what you need.
The Great Divide Ranger District offers and maintains many different campgrounds, lakes, rivers, and hiking trails for your enjoyment.
Come visit the Lakewood - Laona District and enjoy our many campgrounds, trails, lake and rivers!
The Medford - Park Falls Ranger District offers a variety of different activities to those seeking recreational opportunities.
Great Horseback riding trails, OHV trails and Fishing can be found on the district.
This is a very popular mountain bike trail system. You can access the Namekagon cluster of the CAMBA trail system from the Rock Lake Trail.
Franklin Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
If you are looking for one of the most popular camping spots within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest of northern Wisconsin, try Franklin Lake Recreation Area off Highway 70 east of Eagle…
Green Lake Park
Site Open
Green Lake Park is historically significant. The shelter at Green Lake Park is a rare glimpse into the past. The shelter was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Members of…
Halley Creek Bird Trail
The Halley Creek Bird Trail was created in 1989 by the Nicolet National Forest in cooperation with the Northeastern Wisconsin Audubon Society. As you hike this trail, you experience four distinct…
Headwaters Wilderness
Site Open
Officially designated as a wilderness in 1984, this 18,000 plus acre wilderness is located 16 miles southeast of Eagle River, Wis. in Forest County. Portions of this area contain some of the largest…
Hidden Lake Trail
Looking for adventure? Put on your hiking boots and try the Hidden Lakes Trail. It is a long distance trail providing the chance for an overnight camping by a small remote lake. The trail begins…
Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
If you are looking for an equestrian style base camp to explore area trails or a destination campground with plenty of room for your family, try the Horseshoe Lake Recreations Area located north of…
Ice Age Trail
The 1,000 mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a continuous footpath through diverse landscapes that follows the features that mark the furthest advance of the last glacier in Wisconsin. Because of…
Jones Springs Area Trail
Jones Springs is a 2,000 acre area managed for non-motorized use and offers several loops of hiking and groomed cross-country ski trails (for classic style skiing). You are bound to see wildlife on…
Kathryn Lake Recreation Area
Chippewa Campground is a nearby Forest Service campground that is near Kathryn Lake. Find additional camping opportunities in the Medford area.
Kentuck Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
If you are looking for a base camp to explore area trails or enjoy a variety of water activities with the family, try Kentuck Lake Recreation Area off Highway 70 east of Eagle River.The Kentuck Lake…