Camping in the County Forest

Sawmill Lake Campground:

Washburn County operates a campground on Sawmill Lake, which is approximately 8 miles north of Birchwood. Sawmill lake campground is a secluded campground within a County Forest Primitive area. It is surrounded by many small kettle moraine glacial lakes, which are connected by a canoe portage system. The campground has 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. No electricity is available. Facilities include a dock, open-air shelter, vault toilets, and hand pumps for water. A boat launch is located on Sawmill Lake, although motors are not allowed on this lake.

Click here for Sawmill Lake Campground Map
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Totogatic Campground:

The Totogatic Campground is located in the northwest part of Washburn County, on the Minong Flowage approximately 8 miles west of Minong. The campground has 71 sites, most of which provide electricity. Nearly one-half of the sites provide direct access to the flowage. Campground facilities include a beach, boat ramp and dock, fish cleaning station, picnic areas, flush and vault toilets, dump stations, water, firewood, and a public telephone. A park ranger resides on site.

Click here for Totogatic Park Map
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County Forest Camping:

Camping on the County Forest is allowed with the prior permission of the Forest Administrator and with a tent or lesser facility. Camping during the nine-day gun deer season is allowed with larger facilities within 200 feet of a town road or County Forest Road. A dispersed camping permit is required. Camping reservations and dispersed camping permits are availabe at www.washburncountyparks.us

Leisure Lake Youth Camp:

The County owns a lodge and several cabins on Leisure Lake northwest of Trego. The camp is available for use on a reservation system. The Youth Camp gives first priority of use to Washburn County youth groups and outside youth groups as a second priority. This is a beautiful facility that provides an excellent opportunity for recreation and education for children and young adults. There is a ball field, picnic area, and beach. A self-guided nature trail also adds to the experience of this camp. Contact Forestry Department for more information on reserving the Youth Camp.

Day use areas:

The County Forest has picnic areas at the Slim Creek Flowage, Leisure Lake, Harmon Lake, and Totogatic Park. We also have boat landings on Slim Creek, Leisure Lake, Harmon Lake, Loyhead Lake, Wolf Lake, Sawmill Lake, Big McKenzie Lake, Spider Lake, Elbow Lake, Long Lake, and at the Birchwood dam.