Lauterman National Recreation Area
If you are looking for a recreation area to explore trails or camp, try the Lauterman National Recreation Area off Highway 70 west of Florence.
The Lauterman National Recreation Area on the Eagle-River Florence Ranger District consists of a small campground with five walk-in/canoe-in campsites complete with tables, tent pads, fire rings and wilderness-style toilets along Lauterman Lake.
Day use facilities include a lake great for canoeing, kayaking and year round fishing. Access to the Lauterman National Recreation Trail, one of the most popular trail systems in the area that offers good hiking and mountain biking opportunities, as well as being groomed for cross-country skiing (traditional). It includes three loops with one loop for beginning skiers. An added feature is an Adirondack-style shelter that provides a rest or picnic stop for hikers and skiers alike. This trail connects with Perch Lake to the north and the Pine River and Chipmunk Rapids Campground to the south. A trail map is available at the trailhead.
So, if you like to canoe, fish, hike, or mountain bike then the Lauterman National Recreation Area is the place for you. The Lauterman National Recreation Area is pet friendly; See restrictions below for more information.
Reservations
There are no reservable sites at the Lauterman Recreation area. All sites are available on a first-come basis.
General Information
Campground Camping
- No. of Sites: 5
- Reservation Info: There are no reservable sites at the Lauterman Recreation area. All sites are available on a first-come basis.
- Fire Information: Campsites are complete with tables, tent pads, fire rings
January 1 - December 31
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found on the Orders of the Forest Supervisor page.
There is a $5 day use fee. The Forest also has an annual pass available for $30. Individual campsite fee is $5, or $2.50, per night 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.
Pass information can be found on the Passes and Permits page.
- Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation areas.
- Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas.
Address: 1247 E. Wall St. Eagle River, WI 54521
Phone: 715-479-2827
Hours: Monday - Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 45.92416667
Longitude: -88.49694444
Directions
From Florence:
- Take State Highway 70 west 12 miles to FR 2154.
- Turn left and go south 1/4 mile to the trailhead on the right.
- Parking for 12 vehicles is on the left.
Or, from Florence:
- Take State Highway 70 west 15-1/2 miles to FR 2450
- Turn left and go south 1 mile to FR 2156.
- Go southeast 2 miles to trailhead.
- Parking for 4 vehicles is on left (east).
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking
Biking
Winter Sports
Outdoor Science and Learning
Picnicking
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Water Activities
Day Hikes Info
The Lauterman National Trail traverses some hilly terrain and offers good hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The trail connects with Perch Lake Trail to the north and the Assessor's and Ridge trails as well as the Chipmunk Rapids Campground to the south.
The Perch Lake Trail is Located just west of Whisker Lake Wilderness, this 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.
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. This trail also connects to Ridge Trail.
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.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Biking - Mountain Info
Enjoy mountain biking on the hilly high terrain on The Lauterman National Recreation Trail.
The trail connects to the Perch Lake and Ridge Trail through short connectors.
The Perch Lake Trail is located just west of Whisker Lake Wilderness, this 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 has bluegills and bass.
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 aspen, spruce-fir, northern hardwood and hemlock forest.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
The Lauterman National Recreation Trail traverses some hilly terrain and is groomed for cross-country skiing (traditional) during the winter. It includes three loops with one loop for beginning skiers. A trail map is available at the trailhead.
Viewing Scenery Info
The Lauterman National Recreation Areas rich loamy soil supports a wonderful canopy of majestic old hardwood trees. The richest stands are on the south end of Porcupine Lake and in the flatter areas along its shores. Yellow birch, sugar maple, basswood, and hemlock are found throughout the esker area as well as rock elm, and hop hornbeam, both somewhat uncommon in this part of the National Forest.
Picnicking - Single Info
An added feature is an Adirondack-style shelter that provides a rest or picnic stop for hikers and skiers alike.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
For the adventurous - you can hike into Lauterman Lake and try your luck to catch a northern pike, bass, perch, bluegill and panfish.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
You can carry-in your canoe or kayak and paddle the quiet waters of Lauterman Lake.