Best Dispersed Camping near Brule, WI

Dispersed camping in the Brule area of Wisconsin occurs primarily on public forest lands with several established primitive sites. Afterhours Meadow offers a large clearing accessible via gravel roads and a two-track path suitable for vehicles with low clearance. The Brule River State Forest provides backpacking sites for hikers seeking more remote experiences, while FlowMama Trail Head serves as another dispersed option. Several additional sites like Carrol Truck Trail and Castle Danger are located within driving distance across the border in Minnesota, providing alternatives for those willing to travel slightly farther.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary in quality and difficulty. Most primitive areas are reached via unpaved forest roads, some requiring careful navigation. Afterhours Meadow can be accessed by standard vehicles despite being at the end of a forest spur road. Castle Danger features more challenging access with "a skinny road with lots of rocks/hills and puddles," where 4WD is recommended. None of these dispersed sites offer amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, or hookups. Campfires are permitted at some locations but not all, and campers should check seasonal restrictions and fire danger levels before visiting.

The dispersed sites near Brule provide varying experiences based on location and terrain. Afterhours Meadow features an open field environment that becomes particularly scenic during sunset. "Surrounded by wildflowers in mid July," noted one camper, though another mentioned the ground can be "all sticks and thorns." The FlowMama Trail Head offers direct access to mountain biking trails but has "no facilities or cell service." Wildlife is common throughout the region, with Carrol Truck Trail campers reporting encounters with local wildlife. Castle Danger provides a more secluded experience with sites that are "well hidden in the woods" and reportedly fewer insects than other areas. Most locations offer abundant natural firewood from surrounding forests.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Brule, Wisconsin (5)

    1. Afterhours Meadow

    4 Reviews
    Brule, WI
    2 miles

    "Boondocking great spot! Drive back in to open field."

    "Easy gravel road to the pin, there is one or two small sites on the left side of the road but we turned right and went down the 2 track (which was fine in 2wd vans w low clearance) and you end up in a"

    3. FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Cable, WI
    32 miles

    "Small parking lot located off well-maintained gravel roads. Nice and quiet flat no facilities."

    "No facilities or cell service. Easy access to mountain bike trails. Keep it clean if you use it 🙏"

    4. Castle Danger

    4 Reviews
    Two Harbors, MN
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 834-2700

    "DO NOT COME HERE UNLESS YOU HAVE A HIGH CLEARANCE 4x4. The “road” up to the campsite is basically a jeep trail."

    "This spot is pretty well hidden in the woods with a tight trail in. There are a few spots you could camp with stone firepits. Didn't look to be visited often, but I came in winter."

    5. Carrol Truck Trail

    7 Reviews
    Knife River, MN
    44 miles

    "Upon reaching the end of the trail, there is a small dirt road that leads to a public Canoe/Kayak launch. No amenities, but you can filter your water."

    "It's a fine place to go to get away from everything. No reason to drive all the way out unless you're trying to camp. There are 3 campsites at the end of the road where the GPS takes you."

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Brule, WI

4 Photos of 5 Brule Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Brule, WI

14 Reviews of 5 Brule Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Hidden Gem for Hike in/Drive in

    Upon reaching the end of the trail, there is a small dirt road that leads to a public Canoe/Kayak launch. No amenities, but you can filter your water. Surrounded by woods, so there is no shortage of wood for a campfire. Service is a measly 2 bars through ATT. Overall, a lovely hidden gem if you pack accordingly. Recovery gear would be beneficial.

  • Anna P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Buggy, limited spots

    Very buggy (mosquitos, ticks), no cell service. Approx three spots for tents or cars/trucks/vans, not suitable for larger vehicles. River access. There were multiple pull offs along the long road to get to the site, but most of them are not on public land.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Secluded! But nothing else

    It's a fine place to go to get away from everything. No reason to drive all the way out unless you're trying to camp. There are 3 campsites at the end of the road where the GPS takes you. There are a few other pull offs along the way. I'm guessing all the forest roads around here have sites so even if this one is occupied, there are others close.

    BRING BUG SPRAY! the mosquitoes are no joke

  • Chris P.
    Aug. 8, 2024

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    CAMBA flow mama trailhead

    Small parking lot located off well-maintained gravel roads. Nice and quiet flat no facilities.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Castle Danger

    Awesome extremely private and primitive camping

    DO NOT COME HERE UNLESS YOU HAVE A HIGH CLEARANCE 4x4. The “road” up to the campsite is basically a jeep trail. But if you can get to it I recommend taking the first right if you have a pickup truck or going immediately left if you have anything else. The spot on top of the hill is a great spot.

  • M
    Oct. 28, 2024

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    Great access to bike trails

    Nice clean and quiet site. No facilities or cell service. Easy access to mountain bike trails. Keep it clean if you use it 🙏

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    Free parking, no water, no gray dump, no trash.

    This is the trailhead for a very beautiful mountain biking trail and the roads that lead up to this area are incredibly gorgeous especially in the fall. The red building in the pictures is an emergency cabin. You can go in it and look around if you want. It's not at the trailhead, it's about 10 minutes from it on your way in.

  • Jasmine L.
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Hidden Gem!

    Beautiful! Absolutely dispersed, we went all the way down the gravel road 5 miles in by SUV to the landing. Couple spots where you could clearly tell people were here before. (garbage, but we picked up as we came across) no one else out there but us! Couple fire pits already built. No bugs! Lots of wildlife for sure. But a pack of yoties or wolves was making our dog very alert they ran right next to us when we had our fire going. We had to pack up and take off they were not scared of the car horn or anything. Our dog wouldn’t sleep so had to take off. Otherwise definitely going back again!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2024

    Castle Danger

    Great dispersed camping!

    This spot is pretty well hidden in the woods with a tight trail in. There are a few spots you could camp with stone firepits. Didn't look to be visited often, but I came in winter. There are low sites, and if you have 4x4, you can drive up to another plateau of sites. There's plenty of wood, but depending on location, you'll have to walk for it.


Guide to Brule

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Brule, Wisconsin, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in serene landscapes and enjoy a true back-to-nature experience. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers

Adventure Awaits: Mountain Biking and More

  • For those seeking adventure, the FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed provides easy access to mountain bike trails, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy cycling through beautiful landscapes.

Secluded Spots for a Quiet Getaway

  • If you're looking for a hidden gem, the Castle Danger is a well-reviewed location that offers a secluded atmosphere, perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life while enjoying a campfire under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rules and regulations apply to dispersed camping in Wisconsin state forests?

When dispersed camping in Wisconsin state forests, you must practice Leave No Trace principles. At sites like FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed, there are no facilities, so be prepared to pack out all trash and waste. Campfires are generally permitted in established fire rings only. Sites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservations. Many dispersed camping areas in Wisconsin have limitations on stay duration, usually 14 days maximum. Vehicle access may be restricted to designated roads and parking areas. Some sites aren't suitable for larger vehicles or RVs due to narrow access roads. Cell service is often limited or nonexistent, so plan accordingly for safety. Always check current regulations before your trip as rules may change seasonally.

Are there maps available for dispersed camping areas in Wisconsin's Brule region?

Maps for dispersed camping in the Brule region are available through the Wisconsin DNR website and at forest headquarters. For specific sites like Afterhours Meadow and Castle Danger, GPS coordinates are more reliable than traditional maps as these dispersed sites often aren't marked on standard forest maps. The Dyrt app provides user-submitted GPS coordinates and driving directions to help locate these hidden gems. Many dispersed sites are located along forest service roads and logging trails, with multiple pull-offs available. For the most accurate navigation, download offline maps before your trip, as cell service is limited in the region. Forest ranger stations can provide the most up-to-date information on accessible dispersed camping areas.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Brule River State Forest?

Dispersed camping is available at several locations in the Brule area. Carrol Truck Trail offers primitive camping with river access at the end of a gravel road. The site has approximately three camping spots suitable for tents or smaller vehicles, with established fire pits. For backpackers, Brule River State Forest Backpacking Sites provide free hike-in options throughout the forest. Most dispersed sites in the area are primitive with no facilities, so come prepared to filter water and practice Leave No Trace principles. These sites offer solitude and natural surroundings, making them perfect for campers seeking to escape crowds and connect with nature.