Best Dispersed Camping near Arbor Vitae, WI

The Arbor Vitae area of northern Wisconsin offers several dispersed camping options on public lands, primarily within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. These primitive sites include Three Johns Lake, McKinley Lake, Wolf Lake, and Robinson Lake campsites. Most locations provide basic amenities such as fire rings, with some featuring picnic tables. The majority of these sites are free to use, though Three Johns Lake requires a $5 National Forest parking fee. According to reviews, Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite allows stays up to 14 days and features two sites on the lake "some distance apart" with sand bottom shorelines.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Many access roads are unpaved and may become difficult during wet weather. Several campers noted that Bose Lake Campsite has "narrow and pot-holed" access roads, while FR 2140 features "gravel, very dusty" roads during summer months. Vehicle size limitations apply at most sites. Wolf Lake can accommodate up to 20-foot RVs, while Harriet Lake is suitable only for small campers under 15 feet. Three Johns Lake is a walk-in, tent-only site requiring a short hike from the parking area.

These dispersed sites lack amenities like drinking water, trash service, and most have no toilets. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fires are permitted at designated fire rings when no fire bans are in effect. Cell service is extremely limited, with only occasional single-bar reception at certain sites. Wildlife encounters are common; proper food storage is essential. The camping season typically runs May through October, with winter access possible at some locations but requiring appropriate cold-weather gear and possibly snow travel equipment.