Hi, outdoors enthusiasts,
What are some good canoe rental, lake canoeing and camping areas in Wisconsin? We love the idea of portaging in the Boundary Waters, but this trip needs to be more local. We're thinking 5 or fewer hours away from Chicago, portages less than a mile, canoeing less than 5 miles in one day, trip 3-4 days. We are not interested in river canoeing unless the river is gentle.
Anyone know of a good group of lakes for us?
Thanks,
B.
Just one hour from Chicago is Rock cut State park. They only have one very large lake - Pierce lake. You can rent canoes, kayaks or paddle boats there. Beautiful picnic grounds, campgrounds with all facilities - tent only sites along the lake. We enjoy camping there.
I would recommend against the Chain of Lakes. It's very popular with motor boats and would not be safe in a canoe!
We have property at Apple Canyon Lake near Galena. The lake is very calm and big. It's not wide, but goes foreve with lots of "fingers". They also have camping. Nice place and not far.
applecanyonlake.org
Try the chain-of-lakes region of Illinois. I know this isn't WI, but it is beautiful and is only 1 1/2 hours north of Chicago. Near Antioch, IL there are 7 beautiful lakes all interconnected by channels. I don't know if there are campsites off the lakes, or how expedient it would be to canoe it all, but you can see it all in a few hours by jetski. Also, Silverlake, WI, and I think you can camp near there.
Eagle River, Wi is about 6 hours, maybe less from you.
It is a fun resort type town with lots of lakes and the river nearby.
