One of the most remote and scenic rivers in the Nicolet NF is
the Brule River. It has the highest water level and is a good
choice year-round canoeing. Especially in the fall when the
other rivers are generally too low for transit. The popular Brule
River Campground (11 sites, 10 mi SW of Iron River on Hwy 55) is
also an excellent choice to camp, fish, and explore. The Oconto,
Pine, and Popple Rivers are recommended for spring and summer
canoeing.
WI, Nicolet National Forest, the National Wild and Scenic Wolf River
White-water enthusiasts find the Class III, National Wild and
Scenic Wolf River (below Lily) a challenge. Twenty miles of
white-water that becomes a raging torrent in the spring. And on
its banks are some of the country's finest wilderness scenery.
There are take-outs at the Hwy 64 bridge in Langlade and at the
Boulder Lake Campground just before entering the reservation. The
Wolf River below Markton is part of the Menominee Indian
Reservation and permits are required to run its rapids.
Nicolet's largest animal is the black bear. While bald eagles
and ospreys search for prey from their perches on tree branches
high above nearby lakes and rivers. Carefully scanning the waters
for their next meal.
WI, Nicolet National Forest, One of over 500 lakes contained in this National Forest.
In total there are 22 developed campgrounds in Nicolet which
contain over 500 campsites. The campgrounds are open from May 15
through Oct 15. Two of the most scenic are Spectacle Lake
Campground (34 sites, 5 mi SE of Phelps) and the adjacent Kentuck
Lake Campground. Spectacle Lake has 174 acres with
a 500 foot sandy beach and 2.5 mile hiking trail that connects it to Kentuck Lake. Kentuck Lake is much larger with
955 acres, 31 newly renovated campsites, and trophy muskie. The Kentuck Campground is located 16 mi E. of Eagle River on Hwy 70. Both Spectacle Lake and Kentuck Lake Campgrounds have boat ramps.
WI, Nicolet National Forest, Spectacle Lake
Other scenic campgrounds include the 900 acre Franklin Lake (80 sites, 15 mi NE of Eagle River on FR 2178) and 100 acre Lost Lake (27 sites, 17 mi W of Florence on Hwy 70). Lost Lake is stocked regularly with brown and rainbow trout but no motors are permitted.
There are no electrical or water hookups
in Nicolet, but the rustic scenery is refreshing and camping fees are minimal. Nicolet National
Forest, Federal Bldg, 68 South Stevens Street, Rhinelander, WI
54501 (715) 362-1300. Campground reservations call (800)
746-6505.
www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf
