Best Dispersed Camping near Cable, WI

Dispersed camping near Cable, Wisconsin includes several primitive sites on public lands with varying accessibility and amenities. FlowMama Trail Head offers free camping with drive-in access suitable for tents and RVs. The site features a small parking lot off well-maintained gravel roads and provides direct access to mountain bike trails. Afterhours Meadow, located north of Cable, provides boondocking opportunities in an open field setting accessible via gravel roads. Foster Falls offers secluded primitive camping approximately 100 feet from a waterfall. Chinty Lake provides roadside camping options, though some visitors note it feels more like a pull-off than a designated site.

Access conditions vary significantly between sites. Foster Falls requires an 8-mile drive from the main road on mostly paved surfaces with some gravel sections. Afterhours Meadow is accessible via a 2-track road that visitors report is manageable even with low-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities—no drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups are available. Fire regulations differ by location, with fires prohibited at FlowMama Trail Head but permitted at Foster Falls. Permits may be required at certain locations such as Foster Falls. Campers should prepare for self-sufficient stays with all necessary supplies.

These primitive camping areas offer varying levels of seclusion and natural experiences. Foster Falls provides a wilderness experience with the sound of falling water nearby, though visitors occasionally stop by to view the falls. Wildlife encounters are possible, with one camper noting, "Got a bit nervous hearing timber wolves in the distance for a few hours at night then again in the early morning." FlowMama Trail Head offers quiet camping with no cell service, making it ideal for disconnecting. Afterhours Meadow features open spaces surrounded by seasonal wildflowers, with one visitor describing it as "a beautiful, quiet spot at the end of a forest spur road. Surrounded by wildflowers in mid July." Chinty Lake's roadside location means more traffic noise, with one reviewer noting it's "literally just a roadside pull off not really a campsite."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cable, Wisconsin (5)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cable, WI

7 Reviews of 5 Cable Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    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 🙏

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Chinty Lake Roadside Camp

    Literally roadside camp

    This is literally just a roadside pull off not really a campsite (and the road was kinda busy), two girls traveling did not feel comfortable spending the night here and went somewhere else

  • Irvin N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Foster Falls

    Alone in the woods

    8 Mile drive off the main road. Mostly paved, some gravel, but all smooth. We had the place to ourselves. A short walk down to the waterfall. Quiet and serene, towering trees and only a few mosquitoes.

  • Michael G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2022

    Foster Falls

    Foster Falls

    This is a nice, secluded site about 100 feet from the falls. We did get several visitors to the falls each day, but most were only there for a few minutes and left us alone. The mosquitoes were somewhat bad. Also got a bit nervous hearing timber wolves in the distance for a few hours at night then again in the early morning. But we practiced good camp hygiene and they left us alone.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2023

    Foster Falls

    Peaceful

    It was the most relaxing, peaceful, enjoyable campsite. I love the wilderness.


Guide to Cable

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cable, Wisconsin, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Waterfalls for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the stunning views at Foster Falls, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere just a short walk from the waterfall, surrounded by towering trees.

Access to Mountain Bike Trails While Free Camping Near Cable

  • The FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed site provides easy access to mountain bike trails, making it an ideal spot for biking enthusiasts looking for a quiet retreat.

Secluded Spots for Nature Lovers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Cable, Wisconsin?

Cable offers several excellent dispersed camping options. FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed provides a small parking lot off well-maintained gravel roads with flat terrain. This quiet site has no facilities but offers easy access to mountain bike trails. Afterhours Meadow is another popular option, featuring a beautiful open field at the end of a forest spur road. The site is accessible via an easy gravel road - follow the two-track road (manageable in 2WD vehicles with low clearance) to reach a large clearing perfect for camping. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles at all dispersed sites near Cable.

Are there any free camping areas near Cable that have water access?

Foster Falls offers free camping with excellent water access. Located about 8 miles off the main road on mostly paved surfaces with some smooth gravel sections, this dispersed site is approximately 100 feet from beautiful waterfalls. The falls are accessible via a short walk from the camping area, providing both scenic views and water access. The site is secluded and surrounded by towering trees, though you may encounter day visitors checking out the falls. For backcountry water access, Brule River State Forest Backpacking Sites offer hike-in free camping options along the scenic Brule River, though these require more effort to reach.

What are the rules for dispersed camping in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Cable?

When dispersed camping in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Cable, you must camp at least 100 feet from water sources, trails, and developed recreation areas. Stays are typically limited to 14 consecutive days. Pack out all trash and use existing fire rings when possible. At sites like Chinty Lake Roadside Camp, remember you're camping in designated roadside pull-offs. No facilities are available at dispersed sites, so bring your own water and prepare for proper waste disposal. Always check the current fire restrictions before your trip, and obtain any necessary permits from the Forest Service website or local ranger stations.