Arbor Vitae Campground

The Great Outdoors

Camping at the Arbor Vitae Campground is a good base for exploring the Bittersweet Lakes State Natural Area, which encompasses four soft water seepage lakes that provide habitat for several unusual plant species. Each of the lakes is separated by an isthmus and can be explored by canoe or kayak, with short overland portages that are well marked. An old-growth forest of hemlock, yellow birch, and red oak dominate the landscape, with diving ducks and common loons regularly visiting the area. Fishing is another popular activity in the park, with walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass all for the taking.Drive in the other direction, and you’ll arrive at the Finnerud Pine Forest State Natural Area, an old-growth red pine forest along the southern shores of Kawaguesaga Lake. White pine, red oak, paper birch, and aspen trees also pepper the forest while herbaceous wintergreen, bunchberry, and trailing arbutus dominate the understory. Aside from its hiking and recreational trails, a section of the Finnerud Pine Forest State Natural Area is owned by the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a scientific research area.Also nearby is the Wildwood Wildlife Park And Nature Center, a family-friendly zoo and safari park that’s always a hit with kids. It’s home to hundreds of animals that include giraffes, mountain lions, tigers, and emus, as well as hyenas, camels, marmosets, and capybaras. Animal feeding encounters are held throughout the day, where you can learn more about highlighted species, and there’s a safari-style tram that offers a narrated journey as you pass by roaming zebras, elands, and oryx.

Exploring the City

Campsites at the Arbor Vitae Campground are just five minutes' drive from Woodruff, where you’ll find a couple of supermarkets if you need to stock up on groceries. There are also gas stations here if you need to fill up your RV rental and several restaurants, pizzerias, and cafes for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking.While you’re in Woodruff, don’t miss a visit to the Dr. Kate Museum, which celebrates the life and work of Kate Pelham Newcomb, a prominent physician in northern Wisconsin. It’s housed within her former office and features a 15-foot penny that commemorates the Million Penny Parade, a 1950's initiative that helped to raise funds for a much-needed hospital in the area. Learn about the “Angel on Snowshoes” and how she managed to reach patients when the winter roads in the region were impassable.Continue driving south, and you’ll arrive in Minocqua, which is often referred to as the “Island City” due to its location in the middle of Minocqua Lake. Delve into the local history at the compact Minocqua Museum, where the city’s early years are detailed through old photographs and artifacts. It’s located opposite the Campanile Center For the Arts where changing exhibitions are regularly held. It's also a short stroll from the Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club, where a long-established water skiing show is presented.Wine enthusiasts should make the 40-minute drive east to the winery in Three Lakes, where cranberry wine has been made since 1972. Rather than grapes, the winery uses whole fruits and berries to create unique flavors, which you can sample during guided tastings. Join one of their complimentary tours to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the wine-making process, then peruse the gift store that’s well stocked with artisan produce from the surrounding region.Whether you want to get active in the reserves of northern Wisconsin or discover the cultural sights of Woodruff and Minocqua, book an RV rental in Oneida County and start planning your next vacation.