Dispersed camping near Crivitz, Wisconsin provides opportunities for visitors seeking primitive outdoor experiences in the Nicolet National Forest. This area sits within the northern Wisconsin forest region where elevations range from 600-800 feet and summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow accumulation that can exceed 50 inches annually.
What to do
Fishing access: Multiple dispersed sites offer direct river and stream fishing opportunities. At Pioneer Park, campers can fish despite some drawbacks. "You're right next to the highway and the area is covered in mosquitos. Easy access and large site, but I wouldn't stop here unless you have to," notes Jack H.
ATV trail exploration: The extensive trail system connects many campsites to riding areas. At Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed, hesselinkj@yahoo.com observed it's a "Small pull off little ways off 64 on mountain lakes Rd. Pick nik table and fire ring. Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy."
Star gazing: Clear nights offer excellent viewing conditions away from light pollution. At Sturgeon Bay Canal, Abigail K. shared, "We stayed here the night of the Fourth of July and it was pretty quiet... Overall really nice, the stars were beautiful. Built a small fire and toasted marshmallows!"
What campers like
Water features: Many dispersed sites provide direct stream or river access. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, Nick H. commented, "Very cool spot right on the river. In ground fire pit. Decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic. No service :)"
Natural sounds: The moving water creates peaceful ambient noise at many sites. Zachary S. observed that his campsite was "right along a deep, and steadily moving stream. Water is very cold, and flows from an aquifer upstream."
Site spacing: Most areas provide adequate separation between campsites. At Octonto River - South Branch, Rebecca B. noted, "There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. Michael U. warned about Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road: "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily."
Limited services: Most sites lack amenities beyond basic toilet facilities. At Sturgeon Bay Canal, Scott S. described, "Easy to find. Plenty of room. Good gravel road, easy turn around. Mostly gravel parking lot with a mowed area for tenting... No hiking trails, no amenities, just a place to stay."
Fee collection: Several sites require payment even without staffed entrances. At McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, Robyn B. explained, "The cost is $5 a night to be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach."
Connectivity limitations: Cell coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. Rebecca B. reported of McCaslin Brook, "There was no AT&T to speak of, but TMobile had 20 down/1 up."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with safer water access for children. Abigail K. shared about Sturgeon Bay Canal: "There's another spot slightly up the road and we saw a couple people RV camping. It's a loose gravel road that isn't lit but we felt safe!"
Tick prevention: Some areas report significant tick populations in tall grass. At Sturgeon Bay Canal, campers were advised, "a couple told us that the longer grass near the gravel lot had a lot of ticks but would still be camp-able. Neither my friend or I got any ticks but we did spray pretty heavily."
Group accommodations: Select larger sites when camping with multiple family members. Michael U. observed about McCaslin Brook Dispersed site: "Tent and some pull through sites spaced down the road. Maybe 4-6 total."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal (BLM), Scott S. noted, "Im in a van/RV. Parked in the lot overnight. Flat, serviceable."
Solar considerations: Tree coverage affects solar panel effectiveness. Rebecca B. shared about Octonto River - South Branch: "The first has more of an opening if solar and Starlink matter to you. The second was tucked in the back where the road turns around."
Ground clearance: Entrance roads often have challenging sections requiring careful navigation. Regarding McCaslin Brook, hesselinkj@yahoo.com warned, "Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."
