Pine Lake is one of the largest and most stunning lakes in the area. It offers abundant fishing opportunities for Walleye, Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. Access to Johnson Falls and the Border Route Trail make it an excellent place to basecamp. The 10 campsites that line the shores of this massive lake are amongst the best in the area. Here is what we think of them.
Campsite #1
Tent Pads: 1 | Landing: D | Fire Grate Area: B | Overall: D-
This site is almost almost impossible to find due to a rocky landing and steep climb up a rugged hill into completely hidden campsite. The nice benches around the fire pit are the only thing this spot has going for it. There was not one flat spot to be found and even hammock spots were far and few between. Avoid, if you can find it.
Campsite #2
Tent Pads: 2 | Landing: C+ | Fire Grate Area: C+ | Overall: C+
The second site on the north side of Pine is a pretty average spot. There is really nothing wrong with it, but there is nothing special about it either. It is definitely secluded which can be a plus, but it may be a little too out of the wind making for a buggy night.
Campsite #3
Tent Pads: 2 | Landing: A | Fire Grate Area: B | Overall: B
The nice sloping rocking makes this site easy to spot, and makes for an even better landing. A couple of nice tent pads and a fire pit with views of the lake make this a desirable spot.
Campsite #4
Tent Pads: 3 | Landing: B- | Fire Grate Area: A+ | Overall: A-
The only site on the south side of the lake is an outstanding one. With towering white pines, 180 degree views of the lake and plenty of spots for tents this is one of the nicest spots on the lake. The only negatives are a tough landing, and a lack of fire wood due to the Ash Tree forest that surrounds the camp.
Campsite #5
Tent Pads: 3 | Landing: A+ | Fire Grate Area: B | Overall: A-
Almost directly across the lake from #4 this is another great spot. A massive sloping rock makes for a perfect canoe landing and excellent spot to star gaze or a morning dip. The site offers plenty of flat spots for tents, and tons of trees for almost unlimited hammock options. The only downside is the lack of fishing from camp due to the sloping rock.
Campsite #6
Tent Pads: 2 | Landing: B- | Fire Grate Area: B+ | Overall: B
This spot sits in a beautiful stand of old growth Red Pines. It is a very large site, but unfortunately only offers two solid tent spots. The tree cover helps make this one feel like you’re the only one on the lake.
Campsite #7
Tent Pads: 3 | Landing: A+ | Fire Grate Area: A+ | Overall: A+
This is one of the nicest spots in the whole area. There is nothing wrong with this campsite; a perfect landing on a small rocky peninsula with a fire pit area that looks out onto the massive expanse of Pine. Lots of flat space in the back of the campsite make this one easy to see spending a couple of days at.
Campsite #8
Tent Pads: 2 | Landing: B | Fire Grate Area: C+ | Overall: B-
This is a pretty basic, large, open site. The long hot days of July may make this one a scorcher with the lack of shade. A simple fire grate area and two small tent pads make this a serviceable spot.
Campsite #9
Tent Pads: 4+ | Landing: B+ | Fire Grate Area: B+ | Overall: B
This is a massive campsite with almost unlimited tenting options. It sits on a spit of land between Pine and McFarland Lakes which means you may encounter more motorboats than you would like; you can also see a cabin or two from the site.
Campsite #10
Tent Pads: 2 | Landing: B+ | Fire Grate Area: A | Overall: A-
The last spot on the far east end of Pine is another beauty. A nice landing rock and a fire grate that looks out over almost the entire expanse of the lake makes for the best view on the lake. It faces west which means perfect views for sunsets, but on windy days may be unbearable.
