Best Dispersed Camping near Amberg, WI
Dispersed camping near Amberg, Wisconsin centers primarily on several primitive sites within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed, Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, and Farr Lake Wooded Camp provide free or low-cost primitive camping options. These sites are typically situated along waterways or forest roads, offering varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. Most locations feature minimal amenities consistent with true dispersed camping, though some sites include basic facilities like fire rings and picnic tables.
Access to these dispersed sites often requires careful navigation of forest roads with varying conditions. Several campers report challenging entrances, particularly at McCaslin Brook where "entrances need a lot of TLC, washed out and large drop from paved road" according to visitor feedback. The Oconto River site presents similar challenges, with one review noting "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily." Most sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs, though vehicle size limitations exist. The McCaslin Brook site includes three distinct camping areas, with the largest able to accommodate larger campers or RVs, while others are more suitable for tents or smaller setups.
The camping experience varies across these primitive locations. McCaslin Brook features three sites along a waterway, each with a table and fire pit, with a $5 nightly fee payable at Wheeler Walker Beach. Mountain Lakes Road provides a "rustic camping" experience with a picnic table and fire ring in a location suitable for ATV users. The Oconto River site sits alongside a "deep and steadily moving stream" with cold water flowing from an upstream aquifer. Cell service is generally unavailable, with one visitor specifically noting "AT&T: No Service" at the Oconto River location. Pioneer Park, while accessible, receives less favorable reviews, with one camper describing it as "buggy and noisy" due to highway proximity and mosquito presence. Most sites feature wilderness toilets, though maintenance varies, with some reported as "pretty full."