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.
At a Glance
Reservations: | There are no reservable sites at the Chipmunk Rapids Campground. All sites are available on a first-come basis. |
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Fees: | 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. |
Open Season: | April 25 - November 30 |
Usage: | Light |
Busiest Season: | Camping: Memorial Day – Labor Day |
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. Campsite Capacity
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Closest Towns: | Florence, WI. |
Information Center: | Eagle River - Florence Ranger District |
General Information
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.
Activities
Mountain Biking
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. Click here for more information.
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. Click here for more information.
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. Click here for more information!
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Campground Camping
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 consist 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. |
Size Restrictions | Maximum RV/ Trailer Length of Campsites at Chipmunk Rapids Campground
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Pavement Type of Parking | Asphalt |
Lake and Pond Fishing
Anglers can expect to catch bass, trout and panfish.
Fish Species | trout |
River and Stream Fishing
Pine River is known for fishing Brown and Brook trout.
Day Hiking
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.
Click here for more information.
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. Click here for more information.
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.. Click here for more information.
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. Click here for more information!
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Viewing Wildlife
A variety of wildlife make its home in the area, including resident American bald eagles and loons.
Viewing Plants
Wild flowers, 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 Scenery
Enjoy all that the forest has to offer, be ready to be surrounded by beautiful scenery of the beautiful Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area.
Interpretive Areas
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. Click here for more information.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Boating - Non-Motorized
Canoe access to Pine River. Chipmunk Rapids is On moving water; Near quite 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 |
Swimming
Swimming and snorkeling are a few of the many water activities to enjoy at Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area.
Windsurfing
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.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
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. Click here for more information.
Difficulty level: Intermediate.
Alerts & Warnings
- Closure on FR 238/Cherryville RD in Barksdale beginning on 9/30/2024
- Water levels reduced on the Mondeaux Flowage starting on 9/30
- Sections of Forest Road 2133 will be closed from approximately 8/7 to 8/16
- Recreation areas, trails, and roads open after recovery from 2019 windstorm
- Delayed- Moose River bridge closed to vehicular traffic 4/29 to 5/3
- Prescribed Burning Planned for FY2024
- Closure on Forest Road 1666 (Black Lake Road) for motorized vehicles
- Safety reminders for hunting season
- Aquatic Invasive Species decontamination required at Lake Owen and Two Lakes