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Best Dispersed Camping near Danbury, WI

13 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Danbury, Wisconsin concentrates around several sites along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which spans both Wisconsin and Minnesota. The area features multiple primitive sites along forest roads and waterways, particularly around Grace Lake in Minnesota and various access points along the St. Croix River. Campers can find free, undesignated sites at Grace Lake Road Dispersed, while river-based dispersed camping is available at locations like Sandrock Cliffs, County Road O Landing, and Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River. Some sites require permits, especially those managed within the National Scenic Riverway system.

Access roads to most dispersed sites vary significantly in quality. Several camping areas have gates or narrow access points that may challenge larger vehicles, as noted in reviews of Grace Lake Road where "the gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through." County Road O Landing accommodates larger rigs with boat ramp access to the St. Croix River. Most sites lack amenities, though some riverway locations like Sandrock Cliffs and County Road O Landing provide pit toilets and picnic tables. Water access varies, with some locations offering drinking water while others require campers to bring their own supplies. Fire regulations differ between sites, with some permitting campfires while others prohibit them.

These backcountry areas attract visitors seeking riverside camping experiences with varying levels of seclusion. Proximity to the St. Croix River provides opportunities for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. According to one visitor, fishing at Grace Lake is good with campsites "about 20 foot from the water." Seasonal factors significantly impact the camping experience, with summer bringing both higher usage and more challenging conditions. A review mentioned, "We camped here on our way to the badlands starting from Michigan. It was easy to find, and the spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes." Some locations show signs of overuse, with reports of trash at more accessible sites. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with reviews noting "1 bar of Verizon" at County Road O Landing and no T-Mobile service in the area.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Danbury, Wisconsin (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Danbury, WI

2 Photos of 9 Danbury Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Danbury, WI

13 Reviews of 9 Danbury Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Very quiet and beautiful

    I absolutely love this campground. You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail. Each one has a fire pit and a picnic table, and you could probably fit three or more tense at each site. We were there in June and there was only one other group there. The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service. There is a pit toilet by the parking lot. No trash, showers or water that we saw. 

  • Julia D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Location is inaccurate

    This spot was super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here.

  • Christopher W.
    Jun. 20, 2023

    Graces Lake Boat Access

    Not a camp site

    Public water access. No camp sites at this location

  • Travis B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River

    Hard to say

    The spot is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north.

    There is a pad at the bottom of the path up to the open air vault toilet, a fire ring, and a table. The table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair. The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy.

    The ease of access probably makes this a hangout spot as we saw a good amount of refuse around the pad. The pictures are probably worst case scenario. We visited in April after historic snowfall and thaw causing the river to flood. I'd imagine when the river is lower with the fire ring and table where they're supposed to be this would be a nice place for the night. Right on the beautiful st.croix river.

  • 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

  • Joslyn H.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Trashed, No peace or quiet.

    This campsite is about an hour away from where I live. The listing here on The Dyrt seemed promising, and I hoped that by getting out there early I would find a nice spot. I first went to the National Park Service Scenic Riverway Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls to obtain a permit and learned that I don't need one for Sandrock Cliffs, I was already there so I got one anyway. About 40 minutes later I arrived at Sandrock Cliffs. The campsites all have a fire ring and are decently spaced apart, but most of the sites were full of trash and broken tent poles. There was a large group of kids that arrived by canoe/kayak just after I did. Soon the parking lot was also full of cars of some shady looking people who appeared to be looking for a spot to party. The kids seemed to have deterred these people from staying. I set up my camp and started to read a book. The kids began running through my campsite and upset my dog. After 3 times of them running through my campsite I just packed up and went home. Since this spot is accessible by road I'm assuming that its best not to visit in the summer, it seems to be a place that gets abused by the locals as a party area. I may consider visiting again in the fall when it is hopefully less busy.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good

Guide to Danbury

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Danbury, Wisconsin, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Danbury, Wisconsin

Dispersed campers should check out Sandrock Cliffs

  • Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is accessible by both boat and foot, providing a unique experience for those who enjoy hiking or paddling to their campsite.
  • While some visitors have reported issues with litter, others have praised the scenic views and spacious sites, making it a worthwhile destination for nature lovers.
  • The nearby hiking trails along the Saint Croix River offer stunning vistas and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.

Norway Point for dispersed campers

  • Located within the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, Norway Point provides a free camping experience with no reservations required, perfect for spontaneous trips.
  • The area is known for its peaceful environment, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • With easy drive-in access, it’s a convenient option for families or groups wanting to enjoy a weekend getaway in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Danbury, Wisconsin?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Danbury. Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway offers beautiful sites along hiking trails, each equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Multiple tent spaces are available at each site. Another option is County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp, which provides spots near the boat ramp and bathroom facilities. Some campers prefer to park near the trailhead for more seclusion. Both locations are part of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway system, providing access to the river and natural surroundings.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Danbury area?

Dispersed camping in the Danbury area typically requires permits for sites along the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. Visitors should obtain these from the National Park Service Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls before camping. At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, camping is permitted in designated pull-off areas, though the access gate can be narrow for larger vehicles. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River has established facilities including a fire ring, table, and open-air vault toilet. Most sites follow standard dispersed camping rules: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings, and respect quiet hours.

Is there year-round dispersed camping available in Danbury?

Year-round dispersed camping is technically available in the Danbury area, but accessibility and comfort vary dramatically by season. During winter, many forest roads may become impassable due to snow and ice. Norway Point — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway remains accessible in milder winter conditions. Chinty Lake Roadside Camp provides a roadside option that might be reachable year-round, though it offers minimal amenities and less privacy. Summer and fall are the optimal seasons for dispersed camping in this region, with spring often bringing muddy conditions and insects. Always check current road conditions before attempting winter camping trips.

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