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Area Status: Closed
This campground overlooks a scenic 263-acre lake. Bask in the sun on the beautiful beach and then take a relaxing dip in the lake, or enjoy the fishing. Boot Lake contains walleye, northern pike, bass, musky, and panfish. In addition, several nearby streams offer excellent trout fishing, and the Wolf River provides fishing, rafting, and first-class canoeing opportunities. The Jones Spring non-motorized area is nearby, and offers hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Generally, use at this popular campground is heavy throughout the summer. Read the site’s Recreational Opportunity Guide here:
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: |
The campground closed Nov. 26. |
| Fees |
$18/Night for single site. |
| Open Season: |
May 11 |
| Closest Towns: |
Townsend |
| Passes: |
The USDA Forest Service honors all four Interagency Recreation Passes that may be applied at National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife sites charging recreation use fees. Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/rec-fee.shtml to decide which pass is right for you. |
| Information Center: |
Lakewood - Laona District |
General Information
Directions: From the intersection of Highway 32 and County Road T in Townsend, drive south on T 5.6 miles to the campground.
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Activities
Bicycling SHOW
Mountain Biking
Riding a mountain bike off-road, over rough terrain that includes rocks, roots, ruts, sand or mud is a popular activity throughout the entire forest. There are plenty of backroads and old logging roads spread across the District.
Boulder Lake Campground Trail – Peddle up and down the ridges around a large open bog area. The huge boulders you'll see are the calling cards left behind when the last glacier receded and formed the rugged terrain over 10,000 years ago. Mountain bikers can access the 2-mile trail from several points in the campground. Click here for more information.
Lakewood Cross Country Ski Trail – The Lakewood Ski Trail winds through beautiful, wooded settings with rolling hills. The 25 kilometer main trail, known as the blue trail is continuous between McCaslin Brook Country Club and County F. Several secondary loops connect to the blue trail. In the summer season, mountain bikes are welcome, but are not allowed on the golf course part of the trail. Click here for more information.
McComb Nordic Ski Trails – Consists of six loops varying in length from 3.1 km to 7.2 km, a total of 32.7 km. The terrain varies from easy to difficult. A trail map is located at the trailhead. Click here for more information.
Nicolet Roche Trail – Ride over the giant boulders that dot the floor of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northeastern Wisconsin. Beyond the boulders you’ll find some steep sections with both climbs and drops as you meander through the wooded countryside. The trail system is located close to the Boulder Lake Campground. Click here for more information.
Road Cycling
Riding the backroads that wind through the forest is a popular daytime activity.
Camping & Cabins SHOW
Campground Camping
The campground sits at the north end of Boot Lake and overlooks the scenic 263-acre lake. It has 36 campsites, of which 19 are reservable. There is a camp host as well as a beautiful swimming beach, shaded picnic area and boat landing with a dock. The campground has vault toilets and drinking water.
RV Camping
A majority of campsites can accommodate campers as long as 35 feet and longer. Some sites are on a first-come basis. There are 19 reservable sites.
| Pavement Type of Parking | Asphalt
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| Fire Information | There are accessible fire rings at each campsite.
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| No. of Sites | 36
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| Size Restrictions | (Back-in sites unless indicated below):
- Back in 25 feet: 19, 23, 27, 29
- Back in 30 feet: 1, 4, 20, 30-32, 34
- Back in 35 feet: 6, 15, 18, 22, 28, 33
- Back in 40 feet: 2, 7, 9-11, 13, 14, 16, 17
- Back in 45+ feet: 3, 5, 8, 12, 21, 24, 25, 26
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| Reservation Info | Campsites may be reserved through the campground reservation system at www.recreation.gov.
Reservable sites: 1, 5, 8, 10-12, 14, 16-19, 22, 25, 26, 28-34
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Fishing SHOW
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fishing on the 235-acre Boot Lake may net you walleye, northern pike, bass, musky or panfish. There is a paved boat ramp at the campground with a boarding dock and parking for 6-10 vehicles. This seepage lake is 38 feet deep.
| Fish Species | walleye, northern pike, bass, musky, and panfish |
River and Stream Fishing
Oconto River Fishing Trail – The nearby Oconto River Fishing Trail is wheel-chair accessible with boardwalks that lead you to several platforms where you can either fish for trout or just rest or enjoy the scenic river. Three campsites are also adjacent to the trail. Click here for more information.
Nearby streams are good for trout fishing such as the Oconto River at Bagley Rapids Campground and the Wolf River offers additional fishing opportunities
Hiking SHOW
Horse Riding & Camping SHOW
Horse Riding
Popple Ridge Horse Trail – This popular 15-mile trail is located north of Highway 64 and just to the east of Highway 55. All trails are marked with equestrian trail signs The Popple Ridge Horse Trail camping area is located on the south end of the Setting Lake Road. Click here for more information.
Marantha Ski Trail - This trail is maintained by the privately-run Silver Birch Ranch and is a system of interconnected loops. A map is available at Silver Birch Ranch. In the winter the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, but in the off-season horse riding is allowed on sections of the trail. Click here for more information.
Nature Viewing SHOW
Viewing Wildlife
Cathedral Pines Trail – Located two miles west of Lakewood is a 40-acre grove of white pine and hemlock that escaped cutting in the 1900s. Many of the large white pine in this area contain nests of the great blue heron. There are nearly 100 nests in this area called a rookery. You would be amazed at the noise these birds make during the nesting season which lasts from May through July. To reduce human disturbance we ask that you stay at least 300 feet away from the nesting area. This short 0.3 mile trail is in relatively easy terrain and is also below 8% grade for accessibility. Stands of hardwood trees as well as the pine and hemlock make this area a beautiful place to hike, explore, or just imagine what the early forest was like. It’s even witnessed a few marriage ceremonies. Click here for more information.
Waupee Flowage – This flowage was created to improve wetland habitat for waterfowl. Here you can view the scenic 100-acre flowage and spot eagles, osprey and a variety of waterfowl nesting, feeding, or just resting. The aging dam that created the flowage was replaced under a partnership between Ducks Unlimited and the Forest Service in 1991. Spring and fall are the best time to visit. From Mountain, take County W northeast for six miles to Grindle Lake Lane. Turn left (west) and watch for a sign directing you to the Waupee Dam. There is parking for three vehicles and a picnic area. The flowage is 50 yards from the parking lot and partially accessible to persons with disabilities. This is a stop on the Lakewood Auto Tour.
Bluegill Creek Impoundment – This impoundment consists of nearly 75-acres of sedge meadow and was created in 1999 to provide habitat for waterfowl through a partnership between the forest Service and many other organizations. This is a great place for hunting, trapping, fishing, canoeing or wildlife viewing. A barrier free access trail with benches is adjacent to the impoundment. Located three miles east of Quartz Hill.
Viewing Plants
Whether you are interested in plants, scenery, touring the trail with binoculars or camera can allow you to take advantage of fantastic viewing and photographic opportunities.
OHV Riding & Camping SHOW
OHV Road Riding
There are numerous trails and town roads open to ATV/UTV travel in the Lakewood area. Many local chambers of commerce and businesses have trail maps provided by the local ATV clubs. Click here for more information.
Other Activities SHOW
Geocaching & Letterboxing
Geocaching has become a popular recreation activity and continues to rise in popularity. Here are guidelines when geocaching on the Chequamegon-Nicolet:
- A permit or any other type of authorization is NOT needed to hide a geocache on the Forest. It is considered a dispersed recreation activity similar to hunting, berry picking, or fishing where no Forest permit is required.
- Geocachers should not be digging holes for hiding their geocaches.
- We recommend all geocachers follow the guidelines set out by the "Wisconsin Geocaching Association". This information is located at their web site www.wi-geocaching.com See the "General Cache Hiding Rules and Tips" under the "Hiding a Cache" link.
Picnicking SHOW
Picnicking
The Boot Lake Campground has a beautiful shaded picnic area near the swim beach and boat landing.
Bass Lake Swim and Picnic Area – Beautiful clear water awaits you at Bass Lake. This area offers a large sandy beach with a picnic area that has grills and picnic tables. A beautiful rest room facility is provided. Area is open from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Located on Bass Lake Road in Townsend.
The Boulder Lake Recreation Area – has a large swim beach, picnic area, amphitheater and boat landing.
Wheeler Lake Picnic Area – Beautiful. Boat ramp and picnic tables. Located three miles east of Lakewood off Wheeler Lake Road (FR 3850).
Rocks & Minerals SHOW
Rockhounding
Quartz Hill Hiking Trail – This trail has two sections, one located on the east and one on the west side of State Highway 32. The east section leads across a boardwalk to the top of McCaslin Mountain. It has moderately steep sections, but the view from the top of this quartz rock outcrop is worth the climb. Along the trail to the top, you will pass a quartz crystal deposit with an informational sign which describes how early Indians came here to quarry quartz to create their tools. Click here for more information.
Scenic Driving SHOW
Scenic Driving
Lakewood Auto Tour – This 65-mile self-guided tour takes you in a loop around the Lakewood and Mountain areas. There are 17 stops which highlight wildlife, natural history and forest management and historic sites, including a stop at the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower. Plan on spending a day, because stops include places where you may want to hike or take photographs of beautiful scenery or historic spots. Numbered "Auto Tour" signs are posted along the route so it's easy to follow. Click here for more information.
Water Activities HIDE
Boating - Motorized
There is a paved boat ramp at the Boot Lake Recreation Area with a boarding dock and parking for up to 6-10 vehicles. This seepage lake is 38 feet deep.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Canoeing, kayaking, paddling and windsurfing are some of the popular non-motorized water activities on Boot Lake.
Oconto River Canoe Trail – The Oconto River canoe trail offers areas of quiet water canoeing opportunities, interspersed with shallow rapids. Caution is advised near the Bagley Rapids area due to very fast water and rocky rapids.
Swimming
Enjoy the beautiful sandy beach at Boot Lake, which is great for swimming and snorkeling.
Bass Lake Swim and Picnic Area – Beautiful clear water awaits you at Bass Lake. This area offers a large sandy beach with a picnic area that has grills and picnic tables. A beautiful rest room facility is provided. Area is open from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Located on Bass Lake Road in Townsend.
The Boulder Lake Recreation Area – has a large swim beach, picnic area, amphitheater and boat landing.
Tubing
Water Skiing and tubing are a few of the motorized water activities that Boot Lake Recreation Area has to offer, along with several other nearby sites. There is also a boat landing at Bass Lake Swim Beach and Picnic Area, as well as Wheeler Lake Picnic Area and Boulder Lake Recreation Area.
Waterskiing
Water Skiing and tubing are a few of the motorized water activities that Boot Lake Recreation Area has to offer, along with several other nearby sites. There is also a boat landing at Bass Lake Swim Beach and Picnic Area, as well as Wheeler Lake Picnic Area and Boulder Lake Recreation Area.
Windsurfing
Canoeing, kayaking, paddling and windsurfing are some of the popular non-motorized water activities on Boot Lake.
Oconto River Canoe Trail – The Oconto River canoe trail offers areas of quiet water canoeing opportunities, interspersed with shallow rapids. Caution is advised near the Bagley Rapids area due to very fast water and rocky rapids.
Winter Sports SHOW
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Jones Springs Area Trail – Jones Spring is a 2,000-acre area managed for non-motorized use and offers several loops of hiking and groomed cross-country ski trails (for traditional style skiing). The area features three lakes. On an overlook between Upper and Lower Jones Lakes, you'll find an Adirondack-style shelter for a quick rest while skiing or a place to picnic when hiking. The trail traverses a variety of landscapes and forest types which also means a variety of wildlife. Click here for more information.
Lakewood Cross Country Ski Trail – The Lakewood Ski Trail winds through beautiful, wooded settings with rolling hills. The 25 kilometer main trail, known as the blue trail is continuous between McCaslin Brook Country Club and County F. Several secondary loops connect to the blue trail. The blue trail is maintained for both traditional cross-country skiing and ski skating. Trails are groomed in accordance with snow conditions. Click here for more information.
Marantha Ski Trail – This trail is maintained by the privately-run Silver Birch Ranch and is a system of interconnected loops. One of these loops crosses Rose Lake. Before skiing this loop, check ice conditions on the lake. This trail is groomed for traditional skiing and is marked for beginning, intermediate and advanced skiers. A map is available at Silver Birch Ranch. Click here for more information.
McComb Nordic Ski Trails – Located southwest of Mountain these cross-country trails are tracked and groomed for traditional skiing. Most of the trails are double tracked. A trail map is located at the trailhead. Click here for more information.
Snowmobiling
Once the snow flies there are numerous trails and town roads open to snowmobile travel in the Lakewood area. Many local chambers of commerce and businesses have trail maps provided by the local snowmobile clubs. Click here for more information.
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