Haws Memorial - American Legion State Forest

Morning light filters through a canopy of maples, birches, and aspens, casting dappled shadows on the quiet roads of Haws Memorial - American Legion State Forest. Crisp leaves drift lazily with the breeze, rustling softly as they fall, a gentle reminder of Wisconsin’s changing seasons. The air carries the fresh scent of pine and damp earth, punctuated by the rhythmic tapping of woodpeckers echoing through the woods. This forest campground offers a serene pause, where the hum of daily life fades into the symphony of nature’s subtle sounds.

Explorers can follow the winding Stone Lake route, where colorful foliage spills over narrow, shaded roads, inviting slow drives and spontaneous stops. Hiking trails weave through dense woods, though their markers remain modest—small blazes or natural signs—encouraging attentiveness and discovery. Canoes and kayaks glide silently across the motor-restricted lake, while loons call out, diving beneath the surface to catch fish and feed their young. Families gather near the small sandy beach, their laughter blending with the splash of swimmers and the quiet lapping of water. Fishing yields bluegill, perch, and bass, offering a rewarding challenge away from the crowded, larger lakes nearby.

Haws Memorial’s campground embraces simplicity, with electric hookups catering to RVs seeking a peaceful stay amid towering trees. Tent campers find soft, wooded sites that provide privacy and the chance to fall asleep to the sounds of nature’s night shift. Showers aren’t on-site but a short drive to Clear Lake Campground delivers hot water and clean facilities when needed. The forest’s calm is rarely disturbed, save for the occasional phone alarm piercing the night—an unwelcome visitor in an otherwise undisturbed wilderness. Amid the quiet, families appreciate the space for children to roam safely, while birdwatchers scan the treetops for elusive Pileated Woodpeckers, often hearing their distant drumming but catching only glimpses.

Evening shadows lengthen as loons continue their calls over the lake, and the woods settle into a hushed stillness. Campers return year after year, drawn by the forest’s gentle rhythms and the simple joys of paddling, fishing, and watching leaves swirl across the road. Here, the world’s noise softens, replaced by the steady pulse of life beneath the trees.