Remote state natural area

Camp Five Lake State Natural Area

About 22 mi south near Lakewood

Extend a Northwoods forestry day at a quiet, undeveloped natural area protecting cedar forest, sedge meadow, floating mats, and Camp Five Lake.

The place

About Camp Five Lake State Natural Area

Camp Five Lake State Natural Area protects 69 acres within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest south of Lakewood. Wisconsin DNR highlights its northern wet-mesic white-cedar forest, black-spruce and tamarack wet forest, sedge meadows, floating mats, and shallow drainage lake.

The site’s value is ecological rather than recreational infrastructure. DNR describes State Natural Areas as often isolated, with few or no facilities, and does not identify a developed trail, restroom, picnic area, or staffed entrance here.

The lake itself is about 21 acres and reaches a published maximum depth of 15 feet. Its wetland setting supports uncommon plant habitat, including dragon’s-mouth orchid and slender sedge.

Access policies beyond basic public visitation come from the U.S. Forest Service as landowner. Confirm current fire, hunting, road, pet, camping, and seasonal restrictions before making this a dedicated trip.

What stands out

Read the wet-forest transition

Look for changes among white cedar, black spruce, tamarack, hemlock, and open sedge habitat without leaving durable access.

Observe the floating-mat lake edge

View the shallow lake and emergent plant beds from a safe distance; saturated margins can be fragile and hazardous.

Protect uncommon plants

Dragon’s-mouth orchid and slender sedge are among the rare plants reported here. Photograph without touching or collecting.

Make remoteness part of the plan

Treat the absence of facilities as a firm planning constraint: carry water, pack out waste, and leave if access is unclear.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Lumberjack Steam Train & Camp 5 Museum trip

Drive roughly 22 miles south from the Lumberjack Steam Train depot toward Lakewood. Use the DNR directions and property map rather than the place name alone, and make this an optional ecology stop only for travelers equipped for remote, undeveloped access.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • AccessFrom Lakewood, drive south on State Highway 32 nearly 3 miles to the First South Branch of the Oconto River; the site lies east of the highway
  • FacilitiesNo dependable restroom, trash, picnic, visitor-center, or developed-trail facilities are published
  • AdmissionDNR is unaware of an entrance or vehicle fee on this non-DNR-owned natural area; confirm with the U.S. Forest Service
  • Site size69-acre natural area surrounding a roughly 21-acre shallow lake
  • NavigationDownload the DNR property map and carry GPS or a detailed map; remote State Natural Area access can be hard to identify
  • SeasonAccess lanes and parking areas are not assured or plowed in winter; weather and road conditions can limit access
  • AccessibilityNo developed accessible route is published; call the Forest Service before travel for current access details
  • Landowner rulesHunting, trapping, pets, camping, bicycling, and other activities follow current U.S. Forest Service rules

Return to the railroad guide

Add Lumberjack Steam Train & Camp 5 Museum

Plan the steam ride, Camp 5 museum day, and remaining 2026 event.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Camp Five Lake a developed park?

No. It is a State Natural Area on U.S. Forest Service land. DNR does not publish a visitor center, restroom, picnic area, or developed trail for this site.

How do I reach it?

From the Highway 32 and County Highway F junction in Lakewood, go south on Highway 32 nearly 3 miles to the First South Branch of the Oconto River. The site is east of the highway. Use the official property map.

Is there an entrance fee?

Wisconsin DNR says it is unaware of a vehicle or admission fee for this non-DNR-owned natural area, but advises contacting the landowner for current information.

What habitats does it protect?

The site includes northern wet-mesic cedar forest, black-spruce and tamarack wet forest, sedge meadow, floating mats, emergent lake vegetation, and hemlock.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No developed accessible route is published. Contact the U.S. Forest Service before travel for current road, parking, and mobility-access conditions.

Can I bring a dog or camp there?

Do not assume. Pets, camping, bicycling, hunting, trapping, and similar activities follow U.S. Forest Service rules; verify them before arrival.

Are there restrooms or trash cans?

None are published. Bring what you need and pack out everything.

How far is it from the Lumberjack Steam Train?

It is about 22 miles south by straight-line distance, near Lakewood. Road distance and conditions vary, so check navigation before leaving Laona.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-25. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.