Dispersed camping near Amery, Wisconsin centers around the St. Croix River with several rustic camping options outside designated campgrounds. The area sits within the transition zone between Wisconsin's northern forests and southern prairies, creating diverse ecosystems for campers to explore. Most sites receive limited maintenance with few amenities beyond basic vault toilets, requiring visitors to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.
What to do
Boat access camping: The County Road O Landing provides direct boat ramp access to the St. Croix River. Jennifer H. reports, "We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect!"
Birdwatching: Several sites offer excellent viewing of migratory birds, particularly during spring and fall. Aly E. noted that County Road O Landing provided "amazing bird calls" during an early morning stay, making it worthwhile even for a quick overnight trip.
Hiking trails: The Ice Age Trail connects with Sandy Cove camping area, providing both maintained gravel trails and natural footpaths. Travis B. describes, "Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north," making this location suitable for day hikes directly from camp.
What campers like
Accessible river views: The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway provides numerous points to camp with water views. At Sandrock Cliffs, Emily noted, "You hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service. There is a pit toilet by the parking lot."
Quiet weekday camping: Most dispersed sites experience significantly lower usage during weekdays. Jennifer H. found County Road O Landing "quiet and easy to find" despite some hunting activity in the area, noting "there were a few hunters out but they weren't anywhere near us."
Wheelchair accessible options: Some sites include accessibility features for disabled visitors. Sandy Cove provides a specially designed picnic table that Travis B. observed has "an extra long side for those in a wheelchair," along with improved trail access to nearby facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding impacts: Spring runoff can dramatically alter camping conditions, especially at river-adjacent sites. Travis B. reported at Sandy Cove: "We visited in April after historic snowfall and thaw causing the river to flood. I'd imagine when the river is lower with the fire ring and table where they're supposed to be this would be a nice place for the night."
Insect preparedness: Mosquitoes present a significant challenge, particularly in summer months. Marie G. stated about County Road O Landing: "We camped here on our way to the badlands starting from michigan. It was easy to find, and the spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes."
Variable site conditions: What constitutes a "campsite" varies significantly across locations. Some visitors to Chinty Lake were disappointed, with Aly E. warning, "This is literally just a roadside pull off not really a campsite (and the road was kinda busy)."
Permit requirements: Some but not all sites require camping permits. Joslyn H. noted: "I first went to the National Park Service Scenic Riverway Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls to obtain a permit and learned that I don't need one for Sandrock Cliffs, I was already there so I got one anyway."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for safety: Choose locations with appropriate terrain and facilities when camping with children. Emily found that at Sandrock Cliffs "you could probably fit three or more tents at each site," providing adequate space for family camping arrangements.
Limited facilities: Most rustic camping near Amery lacks developed facilities. Bring portable toilet options for young children as many sites have only vault toilets or no facilities at all. Emily confirmed that at Sandrock Cliffs there is "No trash, showers or water that we saw."
Accessibility considerations: Some sites require hiking to reach campsites. Cody M. described Sandrock Cliffs as "on the sandstone cliffs, beautiful area," but other reviewers note the climb required to access sites.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large RVs cannot access most dispersed sites in the region. County Road O Landing does accommodate smaller recreational vehicles, though Aly E. found navigation confusing: "I pulled into the campsite late at night and was really confused where to go."
Limited hookups: No electrical, water, or sewer connections exist at dispersed sites. Marsha Y. found Chinty Lake "peaceful" despite its roadside location, but the site offers no hookups or services of any kind.
Parking logistics: RV parking often means occupying designated lots rather than traditional campsites. At County Road O Landing, Aly E. reported they "ended up staying in the parking lot near the boat ramp" rather than in a designated camping area.
