Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Undisturbed, wooded shorelines and islands offer the opportunity to boat, camp, fish and enjoy the outdoors in wild and rugged northern Wisconsin. Spread across 40,000 acres in Iron County, the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offers 66 remote campsites accessible by water only.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September; fall color in September–October; boating & paddling in June–September; and horseback riding in June and September–October.
What can you do at Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, boating & paddling, fishing and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, horseback riding and hunting.
Do you need a state park sticker at Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area?
No. Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
Can you camp at Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. Reservations for the 2026 camping season can be made beginning June 1, 2025.
What state parks and trails are near Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Northern Highland American Legion State Forest (29 mi), Willow Flowage (29 mi) and Copper Falls State Park (30 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is not required at Turtle-Flambeau SWA.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: Mercer Ranger Station 5291 N. State House Circle Mercer, WI 54547
- Phone: 715-614-5120
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
- Northern Highland American Legion State Forest (29 mi)
- Willow Flowage (29 mi)
- Copper Falls State Park (30 mi)
- Bearskin State Trail (35 mi)
- Flambeau River State Forest (36 mi)
Closures and alerts for Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area: 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.