Best Dispersed Camping near Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
The extensive Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest has numerous dispersed camping areas throughout its one million plus acres in northern Wisconsin. Most backcountry sites require campers to bring everything they need since no facilities exist in these primitive locations. Forest Service rules require camping at least 150 feet from any water source and 100 feet from trails or roads. The gravel forest roads leading to many dispersed sites can become rutted after rain, making higher clearance vehicles necessary in some sections. Campers should bring their own water or proper filtration equipment, as the nearest towns with supplies might be 30-45 minutes away. Stay limits typically cap at 14 days in any 30-day period throughout the forest. Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent in many parts of the forest, so downloading offline maps beforehand helps. Fire regulations change seasonally based on conditions, with complete bans possible during dry periods. The Forest Service doesn't maintain these sites, so proper waste disposal and thorough campfire extinguishing are essential responsibilities for anyone using these areas.
