Day Lake Recreation Area

Campground closure

Closed (US Forest Service)

Day Lake drawdown to begin after Labor Day

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is planning a temporary drawdown of Day Lake in Ashland County after Labor Day to allow for needed dam repairs and related resource improvement work. The Forest Service is coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources throughout the drawdown and repair process.

To prepare for construction, lake levels will be gradually lowered by about 11-13 feet.. Drawdown may begin as early as September 8, 2026, and is expected to take six weeks, depending on weather and flow conditions.

During the drawdown, lake users should expect lower water levels. Some boats may have difficulty launching, loading or navigating, particularly near shallow areas, the boat launch, exposed lakebed, stumps, rocks or other underwater hazards. Visitors are urged to use caution, operate at slow speeds and watch carefully for changing conditions.

For more information, please see the project news release.

Day Lake Campground features shaded campsites nestled under towering pines on the east shore of Day Lake. This campground is just one mile north of Clam Lake on County Highway GG. There are 52 campsites and each has a parking spur, fire ring, picnic table and tent pad. Currently, 13 campsites in Blueberry and Heron loops are closed. Some campsites can accommodate RV's up to 45 feet. Drinking water, vault toilets, play area, swimming beach and a fishing pier are available. Campsites may be reserved through the campground reservation system at www.recreation.gov. Six paved barrier-free campsites are available. Paved trails connect these sites to the fishing pier.

A boat launch and picnic area are located two miles south of the campground on County Highway M. Day Lake is 632 acres with excellent musky fishing. There is a $5 recreation use fee for the boat landing and picnic area. This does not apply to registered campers. Day Lake is also known for elk, eagles, loons and deer.

The Dead Horse ATV trail can be accessed directly from the Day Lake Recreation Area.

So, if you like to swim, boat, fish, hike, and picnic, then the Day Lake recreation area is the place for you, located just 5 minutes north of Clam Lake. Day Lake is one of our dog friendly recreation areas.

Fees

Individual campsite fee is $18/night, payable at the fee envelope tube at the site. Camping fees are $9 with use of Interagency Senior or Access Pass. Pass discounts apply only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder.

Rules

Campsite Capacity Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site. Vehicle capacity limit includes vehicles, wheeled camping units and trailers. Pets and Animals Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas. Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions. 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. Both certified firewood and Kiln-dried, untreated/unpainted/unstained/construction/dimensional lumber that is free of any metal or foreign substance is approved. Pallet boards are not approved. Day Lake is a designated off-highway vehicle campground, allowing off-highway vehicle use to and from the nearby trails.

Directions

From Mellen: Drive 18 miles southwest on Highway GG to the campground entrance. From Glidden: Drive north on Highway 13 three miles to Highway 77. Turn left (west) on 77 and drive 13.5 miles to Clam Lake. Turn right (northwest) on Highways GG and M and in 0.1 mile turn right (north) on GG. Proceed 0.5 mile to the campground entrance. From Cable: Drive east on Highway M 19.5 miles to Highway GG. Turn left (north) on GG Drive 0.5 mile to the campground entrance.

Stay Limit

Campsite Capacity Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site. Vehicle capacity limit includes vehicles, wheeled camping units and trailers. Pets and Animals Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas. Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions. 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. Both certified firewood and Kiln-dried, untreated/unpainted/unstained/construction/dimensional lumber that is free of any metal or foreign substance is approved. Pallet boards are not approved. Day Lake is a designated off-highway vehicle campground, allowing off-highway vehicle use to and from the nearby trails.

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Day Lake Recreation Area

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Rules

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