Dispersed camping in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest around Arbor Vitae provides remote access to northern Wisconsin's ecosystem of small glacial lakes and conifer forests. The region sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation with annual precipitation averaging 30-35 inches. Several rustic camping sites throughout the national forest lands connect directly to the region's extensive snowmobile and ATV trail network.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Horn Lake Camping offers direct lake access from two sites located near the boat launch. As one camper notes, "We camped here in May not much for skeeters, good sites on the lake with a fire pit on a dead end road with a boat landing."
Wildlife observation: Indian Lake provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. A visitor mentions, "The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It's intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area. Many hiking opportunities are nearby."
Winter camping adventures: The area supports year-round camping access with specific considerations. A winter camper at FR 2140 Dispersed reports, "Winter camped here, was a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite, but no water access to butternut lake."
What campers like
Remote lake swimming: Woodbury Lake Campsite receives positive reviews for its swimming opportunities. One camper states, "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
Budget-friendly options: Horn Lake Camping appeals to cost-conscious campers. As one visitor explains, "As a primitive camper who hates paying to sleep on the ground somewhere, this is my new favorite spot. Two sites, fire rings, no bathroom, water, electric."
Loon watching: Wolf Lake Campsite attracts wildlife enthusiasts, with one camper sharing, "The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach. The parking area is adequate, I've seen small trailers set up here."
What you should know
Road quality varies significantly: Bose Lake Campsite has challenging access. One camper warns, "Single campsite on small lake. Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot. Fire ring and picknick table. Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal infrastructure. At McKinley Lake Dispersed, a reviewer notes, "A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake."
Seasonal considerations: Summer conditions differ from other seasons. A visitor to FR 2140 Dispersed mentions, "Note I've been through here in summer and the road is gravel very dusty from traffic."
Tips for camping with families
Site spacing for privacy: Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite offers good separation between sites. A camper shares, "Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days."
Swimming access: Several lakes feature sandy shorelines ideal for children. Regarding Woodbury Lake, a visitor notes, "Nice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access."
Space limitations: Plan accordingly for the limited site space. At Harriet Lake Campsite, a camper advises, "On small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10 to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Wolf Lake Campsite accommodates modest-sized RVs. One RVer shares, "Small campsite along paved road, fire ring and picnic table, wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet fishing was so so. I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp."
Parking area limitations: Horn Lake can accommodate certain RVs. A camper advises, "Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are."
Access road considerations: Road conditions affect RV accessibility. At FR 2140 Dispersed, a visitor notes their experience with, "Did get one bar of cell (cricket) full with 20 foot ant."
