Hiking Otter Lake County Park

Otter Lake is a Lincoln County Park that includes a picnic and swimming area on the south end of the lake and a small campground on the north end. An easy 1.3-mile hiking trail encircles the lake which connects the recreation area to the campground. Camping is first-come-first-serve and self-registration.

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Campsites on the north end of Otter Lake

I had been visiting Lincoln County to hike some of the Ice Age Trail and was camping at Council Grounds State Park. One day was mostly rained out, but a friend of mine was also in Merrill visiting family and he took me on a driving tour of Merrill and the surrounding area. This tour included a stop and a walk around Otter Lake, and the rain let up long enough for us to enjoy the walk and stay dry.

This quiet and peaceful lake is set far back into the deep woods. We began our walk around the lake at a picturesque picnic area and headed counterclockwise around the lake. From the picnic area there is a short section of boardwalk through a thickly forested swamp. The pine forest at Otter Lake gives it all the up-north feels.

We reached the campsites after a quick 1/2-mile. The sites are exceptional, with large fire rings and most with views of the lake. There is a steep bank down to the lake on this side and I didn’t notice that any of the sites were directly lake side, but a few had generous unobstructed views. These sites appear to be better suited for tents, but there are at least two along the camp road that you could drive an RV into.

From the campground the trail follows Otter Lake Road back to the picnic area to complete the loop. This easy and short loop walk is suitable for families with young children.

This campground and recreation area is not as well known and off the beaten path. But, its location is close to ideal for day hikers who want to set up a base camp for day hikes on the Ice Age Trail which courses through the Underdown and Harrison Hills nearby.

Otter Lake Nature Trail

COUNTY
LINCOLN
COMMUNITIES
IRMA, GLEASON
TOTAL MILES
1.3-MILE LOOP
DIFFICULTY
VERY EASY
LOWEST ELEVATION
1620 AMSL
HIGHEST ELEVATION
1657 AMSL
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
144 FT
TOTAL ELEVATION LOST
145 FT

CAMPING
Self Registration Campground on North end of Otter Lake

Directions and Trail Map

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If viewing on a mobile device, open the trail map above to load into Google Maps App by touching the expand rectangle in the upper right corner.

Address for your GPS: 8896 Otter Lake Rd Gleason, WI 54435

| coordinates: 45.437840, -89.544465 |