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Laurel Lake is part of the 28 lake Three Lakes and Eagle River Chain of Lakes giving the visitor water access to nearly 11,500 acres of water and 174 miles of shoreline. The campground is located in a stand of grand old pines and young oaks.
The chain of lakes provides ample opportunity for boating, fishing and swimming. Anglers can expect a catch of musky, walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, crappie and other panfish. The lakes are open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized. The campground does not offer a beach area so any swimming to be done will have to take place from your boat.
The campground offers 12 single family campsites, available for tent or RV camping. The campground is split between Area 1 which consists of eight sites and Area 2 which consists of four sites. The campground offers both first-come, first-served campsites (5) as well as sites which can be reserved in advance (7). Sites are equipped with tables and fire rings with grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided at the campground.
The campground is nestled in a stand of towering pines and young oak trees, at an elevation of 1,630 feet. Laurel Lake is one of 28 lakes which extend from Three Lakes to Eagle River and form the largest inland freshwater chain of lakes in the world, offering endless miles of boating and fishing opportunities, which can be access from the boat landing offered within the campground.
The Town of Three Lakes, once named "America's Best Town" is located seven miles from the campground. Three Lakes offers a variety of services and activities.
From Three Lakes travel 4 miles east on STH 32 to Chicken in the Woods Road. Turn left (north) and continue 1.2 miles turning left (north) on Fourmile Road. Travel 0.2 miles, turn left (west) on Leatzow Road and continue 1.2 miles to the campground.
Very quite on a Monday and Tuesday. Paddled some of the lake. Had to clean up fire pit from other campers. Water supply is from a hand pump. Restrooms are pit toilets, clean. Will be back in future.
Laurel Lake Campground provides picturesque campsites and a boat landing on a major chain of lakes, all beneath a stand of towering pines. It fills to capacity on some holiday weekends, but typical weekends you'll find an open site without needing to reserve ahead.
The campground has a notable recent history. It would likely not be open today but for the wisdom of elected officials in the Town of Three Lakes. In 2015, the town stepped in to save this campground from being shuttered when the national forest published plans to close it and a dozen or so other campgrounds due to budget cuts. Most other campgrounds closed that year remain closed six years later. Laurel Lake Campground endures as a success story of collaboration benefiting visitors and the local economy alike.
On a chilly mid-August Friday night the campground had four campsites vacant; Saturday night just two sites went unoccupied. The property appears to have a healthy level of use. Onsite hosts were polite and helpful, facilities were clean. Fees are reasonable at $15/night for 2021.
The campground lacks a beach or swimmable lake frontage of any sort. A number of swimming spots can be found within a short drive or modest bike ride. Sevenmile and Franklin Lakes are good options. There's also a beach in downtown Three Lakes.
Though I'd typically choose a campground with swimmable shoreline, the scenery and solitude at Laurel make for a great experience regardless.
One of our favorite Wis campgrounds. Nice place, clean bathrooms, decent boat landing, good fishing.
No electric sites, which keeps the rustic atmosphere.
Visited in August, 2017. Nice quiet campground on the Three Lakes chain. Tidy rustic campsites, no electricity, clean pit toilet. Water from hand pump is tannin stained, maybe drinkable but I'd advise bringing bottled water. Wonderful for a quiet getaway.
Just had the pleasure of staying here and I must say it is spectacular. If you don’t mind not having amenities, it’s perfect! Only minutes away from good eats, golf and attractions in Three Lakes. Eagle River is only about a half hour away. I will definitely be back!
