Northern Wisconsin's forested landscape surrounding Gleason features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within a 30-mile radius. Council Grounds State Park Campground near Merrill provides year-round access with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and boat launch facilities along the Wisconsin River. More rustic options include Horn Lake Camping, which offers free dispersed sites for those seeking a more primitive experience, and Camp New Wood County Park with its small collection of peaceful riverside sites. The region encompasses both county-managed recreation areas and state forest lands that accommodate tent camping, RV setups, and occasional cabin rentals.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Gleason area. The primary camping season runs from May through October, with some facilities like Council Grounds remaining open year-round. Winter access becomes limited as unplowed forest roads may be impassable except by snowmobile. According to camper Amanda K., "Camp New Wood County Park includes the scenic Wisconsin River segment of the Ice Age Trail, with only pit toilets and no showers." Insect activity peaks in late spring and early summer, with multiple reviewers mentioning the need for mosquito protection, particularly during dawn and dusk hours. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better connectivity near larger towns like Merrill and more limited coverage in remote forest areas.
Lakefront and riverside sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors to the Gleason area. Many campgrounds feature waterfront access, with campers particularly valuing sites that offer direct water views or private paths to shorelines. As one reviewer noted about nearby Council Grounds State Park, "The campsites were wooded and well spaced out, with trails to the beach and boat ramps." Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, are frequently mentioned in reviews. Campers seeking quieter experiences often recommend visiting during weekdays or in early fall when crowds thin out but temperatures remain comfortable. Local regulations typically require purchasing firewood on-site or from nearby vendors to prevent the spread of invasive insects.
"Stayed here one night while driving home from Lake Superior. I found this to be a pricey evening as you have to pay for a day use fee as well as a camping fee."
"Beautiful forest, boating, dam views along the Wisconsin River."
"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."
"Very ample space except near the water. Multiple small lakes around the area. Can set up camp anywhere but the road really."
$22 - $37 / night
"Plenty of walking gravel roads on camp grounds. Family and ATV riders oriented."
"This campground is right on Jack Lake and Game Lake."
"On the ice age trail. Bike trails. Near ATV trails and they offer disc golf. Ill be back here for sure."
"Along both sides of the river are some of the best walking trails in the area. The scenery is beautiful such as the natural rock formations. There is also a playground for kids."
"The hiking trails are great and go all the way out to the Ice Age trails. It goes along the river. Very scenic. Ran into a bear around Xmas time, during a warm winter!"
"The park includes the scenic Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail. There is only pit toilets here, no showers. There is only 7 sites."
"The sites are a decent size and it's right on the Ice Age Trail with lots of hiking to be enjoyed right from your camp site."
"There is a dump station nearby behind the city garage for $10. There are vault toilets with free showers. The sites have immediate access to the river for fishing."
RangerScott Lake is not listed on the U.S. Forest Service dispersed page. This location is just off the forest service Road. A small parking area and a small walk to the lake with a fire pit and picnic table.
RangerMayflower Lake is another free dispersed site that is set back in the deep woods. There is a picnic table and fire pit you drive right up to. The trail leading in a little rough and I would advise having an SUV or truck.
RangerThis site is located a few miles off the main Forest Service Road. There is a camping location hidden under the large pines next to the lake. Nothing but you and nature here. Part of the trail is decent for most vehicles, however I would advise an SUV or truck as the trail gets a little technical closer to the lake
Ranger2 sites located on an island accessible by boat. Took the shoreline by kayak to get to the sites.
RangerBoulder Lake is one of the busiest and most popular federal campgrounds in the CNNF. Showers, running water, electricity, great beach, and trails. This campground has been one my family has gone to for generations. So much to do nearby.
RangerMy family has been going here for generations. Many memories were made here. Boot Lake offers a nice little beach, fishing and recreation and close to Townsend and Lakewood as well as other lakes and recreation in the CNNF.
RangerThis site is simply a parking area for camping. No pit or table. Boat landing down the road
RangerNice single site in the trees with picnic table and fire pit. Trail leads to to the Oconto River.
RangerPark in the lot and walk to the 3 sites along the Oconto River.
The Gleason area sits within Lincoln County's forested terrain at elevations averaging 1,500 feet above sea level. The region's numerous small lakes and waterways create distinct microclimates with average summer temperatures in the mid-70s during peak camping season. The surrounding Northern Highland forests consist primarily of mixed hardwoods and pine, with camping options typically situated near water features or connecting to the extensive Ice Age Trail system.
Disc golf course access: Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through wooded terrain. As Nathan R. notes, it's a "nice campground with a nice beach area and fantastic disc golf course!"
Kayak and paddleboard rentals: Council Grounds State Park provides affordable watercraft rentals for exploring Alexander Lake. According to Tate T., "We enjoyed being able to rent kayaks and paddleboards and relax on the beach."
Ice Age Trail hiking: Camp New Wood County Park connects directly to scenic portions of this historic trail. "The park includes the scenic Wisconsin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail," explains Amanda K., describing the peaceful setting of this smaller campground.
Fishing opportunities: Sara Park's riverside location makes it ideal for anglers seeking direct water access. "The sites have immediate access to the river for fishing," reports Sharen, who appreciated how convenient the setup was for water activities.
Private waterfront sites: Horn Lake Camping offers secluded camping directly on the water. As Skip H. explains, "Great spot right on the water. There are 2 camp spots with stone rings. They're about 40' apart on a cul-de-sac at the end of the road where the boat launch is."
Free primitive camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate Horn Lake's cost-free sites with basic amenities. "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," notes Jarrett G.
Family-friendly beach areas: Several campers highlight Council Grounds' swimming options. Tina D. shared, "It has a nice beach, and boat launch area. Campers and Tents can camp there. There are all the hookups you need."
Wooded privacy between sites: Many campers value the natural separation at Council Grounds. "The campsites were wooded and well spaced out," explains one reviewer who appreciated the privacy despite being in an established campground.
Limited facilities at smaller campgrounds: Camp New Wood County Park offers a more basic experience. Kendra N. points out, "The pit toilets are not in the best shape and have no lighting so bring a flashlight. There are no showers but that didn't bother us for the 2 nights we were there."
First-come, first-served availability: Some local campgrounds don't accept reservations. "Others we spoke to that stayed there before said it's hardly ever full and you can easily get a spot. For $15 a night, it was a decent stay," mentions Kendra N. about Camp New Wood.
Seasonal closures affect access: Many campgrounds in the region operate from May through October. Langlade County Veterans Memorial Park's season runs "May 1 to December 1," with potential for early winter weather affecting late-season camping.
Wildlife considerations: Bears are present in the region. One camper at Dells of the Eau Claire mentioned, "Ran into a bear around Xmas time, during a warm winter!" when hiking the connected trails.
Group site options: For larger family gatherings, Council Grounds provides designated group areas. Amanda G. reports, "For this particular trip, we reserved group sites A and B. They each have concrete pads for 3 campers and TONS of space to spread out and/or set up tents."
Kid-friendly water activities: Several campgrounds feature shallow swimming areas. As Tina D. explains about Council Grounds, "We would bike there, and around the whole thing, and back home. It has a nice beach, and boat launch area."
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. At Dells of the Eau Claire, Jeremy W. notes, "There is a beach area perfect for kids. Along both sides of the river are some of the best walking trails in the area. There is also a playground for kids."
Bug protection essential: Biting insects can be problematic, particularly in early summer. Amanda G. warns, "Watch out for the biting deer flies as the sun goes down! Three kids got attacked in one of the trails and had huge welts and lots of tears."
Dump station availability: While many sites lack sewer hookups, some provide dump facilities. At Sara Park, Sharen found that "There is a dump station nearby behind the city garage for $10."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. One RVer at Great Northern Campground commented, "The site we had was extremely unlevel and had a low spot that filled up with water/mud in the rain."
Electric hookup limitations: Several campgrounds offer electric but with restricted amp service. Council Grounds provides thirty-amp hookups but no fifty-amp service, important for larger RVs with high power requirements.
Road conditions to remote sites: Access to more primitive camping spots may require careful navigation. Skip H. advises about Horn Lake, "If you travel to the left where the road 'T's' off, take care. The road is tight and very twisty. I would not recommend going to the left unless the max you're hauling is a teardrop. Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gleason, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gleason, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Gleason, WI and 34 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gleason, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gleason, WI is Council Grounds State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gleason, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Gleason, WI.
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