Peshtigo River State Forest
Recreation - Camping
The Peshtigo River State Forest offers 10 canoe campsites and one family campground. Fees are required for stays at the family campground and each vehicle must have an admission sticker.
First hints of fall on the shores of Old Veteran's Lake, Peshtigo River State Forest
WDNR Photo by Sara Pearson
Old Veteran's Lake Family Campground
Located on Parkway Road approximately 3.5 miles north of County Road X, the Old Veteran's Lake Family Campground has 16 sites and is open year-round. While the campground is open year round, the campground road is not plowed. Once the snow is too deep, the more rugged campers park their vehicles on Parkway Road and hike the 3/4 mile into the campground. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and parking for two vehicles. Pit toilets and hand pumps for water are also provided.
Old Vet's Campground Map (PDF, 31KB)
Non-reservable Registration
There is no reservation system for camping at the Old Veteran's Lake Campground; site availability is first-come, first-served. Campers may visit the forest headquarters between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to register. During other times, campers may self-register at the campground.
Canoe Camping
The state forest has 10 designated canoe campsites. Three sites are located on the Johnson Falls Flowage and canoeists can launch from boat landing #14. Seven additional sites are located on the Peshtigo River between the Johnson Falls Dam and Spring Rapids. Various launches are available downstream from the dam.
Johnson Falls Canoe Campsites [PDF, 100 KB]
Medicine Brook Canoe Campsites [PDF, 102 KB]
Seymour Rapids Canoe Campsites [PDF, 96 KB]
Yellow signs visible from the water indicate each campsite's location. See also the state forest map (PDF, 2.8MB).
Each site consists of a tent pad and fire ring, and a privy is available nearby. There is no potable water available. The sites are accessible by watercraft only, and stays are limited to one night.
Canoe campsite in the Peshtigo
WDNR photo
Please do not leave your garbage or recyclable items "for the next camper." This is not appreciated by your fellow canoe campers and can distract from the rustic setting. Please leave the forest cleaner than when you arrived.
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