Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Chippewa Flowage, a 15,300-acre impoundment, is located in central Sawyer County, 15 miles east of Hayward. Dotted with about 200 undeveloped islands, it is Wisconsin's third-largest lake and boasts a highly irregular, wooded and generally undeveloped 233-mile shoreline. Boat-in to camp at one of several primitive campsites or explore the seemingly endless maze of islands, points, bays, floating bogs and channels.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Chippewa Flowage?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in September–October, boating & paddling in June–September and ATV / UTV / off-road in June–October.
What can you do at Chippewa Flowage in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing and ATV / UTV / off-road. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, boating & paddling, fishing and ATV / UTV / off-road. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing and ATV / UTV / off-road.
Do you need a state park sticker at Chippewa Flowage?
No. Chippewa Flowage doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
Can you camp at Chippewa Flowage in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. The DNR's pages for this property don't list winter camping.
What state parks and trails are near Chippewa Flowage?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Tuscobia State Trail (11 mi), Flambeau River State Forest (26 mi) and Wild Rivers State Trail (30 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Snowmobiling
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · June · July · August · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is not required at the Chippewa Flowage.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Phone: 715-634-7433
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Tuscobia State Trail (11 mi)
- Flambeau River State Forest (26 mi)
- Wild Rivers State Trail (30 mi)
- Totogatic Wild River (37 mi)
- Copper Falls State Park (40 mi)
Closures and alerts for Chippewa Flowage: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.