Nelson Lake · Hayward, WI

Four seasons.
Endless adventure.

Trails run right through the resort, and the lake is just steps away. Whether you’re riding, boating, or just getting out for the day—it all starts right here at DJ’S Dockside.

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Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter

World-Class Fishing

Nelson Lake is
loaded.

Nelson Lake has a reputation for a reason. There’s a lot of fish out here! From northern pike and walleye, to large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bullhead catfish and bluegill… it doesn’t take long to get into them.

DJ’S Dockside sits right on the lake with a public launch at the end of Dam Rd, adjacent to the dam, so you can pull up, get your gear together, and be out fishing in minutes.

Species Northern Pike · Walleye · Largemouth Bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Smallmouth Bass · Bullhead Catfish

Access Public launch at the end of Dam Rd, adjacent to the dam

Rentals Pontoon boats available · Fishing guides optional

Season Late Spring through Fall · Ice fishing in winter

Ask About Fishing Guides

ATV & UTV Trails

The trails run
right through us.

DJ’S Dockside is right on the trail system. No trailering, no extra planning. You show up, unload, and ride. Fuel up on-site, head out, and come back to a good meal when you’re done.

The trails around Hayward run for miles through woods, past lakes, and across some of the best riding in the area. You can ride all day and still have more to see.

Trail Access Direct from the resort · No trailering needed

Fuel On-site fueling available

Trail Network Hundreds of miles · Hayward area system

Season Spring through Fall

Get Trail Info

Spring · Summer · Fall

Summer Season

Boating & Water Sports

The most docks
on the lake.

DJ’S Dockside has more dock space than anywhere else on Nelson Lake, so it’s easy to pull in, tie up, and walk straight up for food or a drink.

Staying here? Pontoon rentals, kayaks, and paddleboards are all right on-site, so getting out on the water is about as simple as it gets.

Rentals Pontoon boats · Kayaks · Paddleboards

Docking Most public dock space on Nelson Lake

Fuel Boat fuel available on-site

Season Memorial Day through Labor Day

Ask About Rentals

Snowmobile Trails

Snowmobile
heaven.

When the snow hits, DJ’S Dockside becomes an easy stop on the trail. Ride right in, warm up, grab something to eat, fuel up, and head back out.

The Hayward trail system runs for miles, and you can get to it right from here. No trailering. No extra stops. From here, you’ve got miles of groomed trails in every direction.

Trail Access Direct from resort · Groomed trails

Fuel On-site snowmobile fueling

Lodging Stay on-site · All rooms available year-round

Season December through February

Book a Winter Stay

Winter Season

Summer Season

Beach & Sandy Shoreline

Not into fishing?
No problem.

DJ’S Dockside has a sandy beach right on Nelson Lake. It’s an easy place to spend the afternoon with kids in the water, feet in the sand, and nowhere you need to be.

Clear water, a gentle shoreline, and plenty of space to spread out, relax, and stay as long as you want.

Beach Sandy shoreline · Direct lake access

Swimming Clear, clean lake water · Shallow entry

Amenities Playground on-site · Game room nearby

Pets Dog-friendly · On-site dog park

Beyond the Resort

10 minutes from
everything Hayward has.

DJ'S Dockside is just a short drive from downtown Hayward and all the area's best attractions. Stay with us and explore the whole region.

Golf Courses

Multiple championship and resort courses within a short drive of the property.

10–20 min away

Waterfalls

The Northwoods is dotted with scenic waterfalls — perfect for a morning hike or afternoon drive.

15–30 min away

Downtown Hayward

Shops, galleries, local restaurants, and Hayward's famous small-town charm. Just down the road.

10 min away

Giant Muskie Hall of Fame

The iconic freshwater fishing museum — a Hayward landmark worth the visit for any angler.

10 min away

Mini Golf & Go-Karts

Family-friendly amusements in town — great for afternoons with the kids.

10 min away

Lumberjack Show

Hayward's famous live lumberjack competition — a Northwoods tradition the whole family loves.

10 min away

Late Spring through Winter

Every season has
a reason to come back.

Spring

Fishing opener
ATV trails open
Boating season begins
Quiet before the rush

Summer

Peak fishing season
Beach & swimming
Pontoon & water sports
Live music & events
Kids' programming
World Lumberjack Championships
Musky Festival

Peak Season

Fall

Fall color tours
ATV trail riding
Hunting season
Quiet lake mornings

Winter

Snowmobile trails
Ice fishing
New Year's events
American Birkebeiner

Four seasons.Endless adventure.

Nelson Lake isloaded.

The trails runright through us.

The most dockson the lake.

Snowmobileheaven.

Not into fishing?No problem.

10 minutes fromeverything Hayward has.

Golf Courses

Waterfalls

Downtown Hayward

Giant Muskie Hall of Fame

Mini Golf & Go-Karts

Lumberjack Show

Every season hasa reason to come back.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Pick your season.We'll handle the rest.

Four seasons.
Endless adventure.

Nelson Lake is
loaded.

The trails run
right through us.

The most docks
on the lake.

Snowmobile
heaven.

Not into fishing?
No problem.

10 minutes from
everything Hayward has.

Every season has
a reason to come back.

Pick your season.
We'll handle the rest.