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Recreation Region: Washburn District

Birch Grove Recreation Area

Birch Grove Recreation Area is a family favorite if you are looking for a base camp to explore the Bayfield Peninsula. It is nestled between 22-acre East and 16-acre West Twin Lakes and is close to the community of Washburn. Each lake has a small boat access and includes bass, panfish and northern pike. During the late summer, berry picking is a popular activity in the nearby Moquah Barrens.

Each campsite has a defined parking spur, fire ring, picnic table and some have a tent pad and can accommodate RV's up to 35 feet. Drinking water, vault toilets and a small picnic area are available. There are also areas where campers can access the lake for swimming. 

This campground is near Long Lake Recreation Area which has a swimming beach, trail and carry-in boat access. Valhalla Recreation Area is also nearby that has more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails during the summer months. 

So, if you like to boat, fish or picnic then the Birch Grove Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located just 8 miles west of Washburn.

Reservations

There are no reservable sites at the Birch Grove Campground.  All sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

General Information

May 2 - October 31

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 on the Orders of the Forest Supervisor page.

 

Campsite Capacity

  • Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site.
  • Vehicle capacity limit includes vehicles, wheeled camping units and trailers.

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.
  • Pallet boards are not approved.

Operation of all ATVs & UTVs are prohibited in campground.

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.

Offices: Washburn

Address: 113 East Bayfield St. Washburn, WI 54891
Phone: 715-373-2667
Hours: Mon, Tue, and Thu 0830-1200, 1300-1530, closed for lunch from 12:00pm to 1:00pm  (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 46.6848

Longitude: -91.0605

Directions

From Washburn, follow Hwy. 13 south 1 mile, turn right (west) on the Wannebo Rd. for 8 miles. Turn right (north) on Forest Road 252 for 2 miles and right (east) on Forest Road 435 for 1 mile.

Facility and Amenity Information

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - Lake & Pond Info

Each lake has a small boat access.

Fish Species: bass, panfish, and northern pike

Picnicking - Single Info

There is a small picnic area next to the East Twin Lake with a picnic table. 

Boating - Non-Motorized Info

No motors are allowed on 22-acre East and 16-acre West Twin Lakes. Each lake has a small boat access for non-motorized activities.

Canoeing, kayaking and paddling are some of the popular non-motorized water activities on East and West Twin lakes.

Last updated May 2nd, 2025