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Best Dispersed Camping near Dresser, WI

11 Reviews

Dispersed camping exists along the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway near Dresser, Wisconsin, with several primitive sites located on public lands. These free camping areas include Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, County Road O Landing, Sandrock Cliffs, and Grace Lake Road Dispersed across the border in Minnesota. Most sites require permits for overnight stays, particularly those within the National Scenic Riverway. These areas provide basic accommodations with minimal amenities, primarily serving as access points to the St. Croix River.

Access varies significantly between sites, with some requiring boat access while others support drive-in camping. County Road O Landing accommodates both tents and RVs with big-rig friendly access, while Sandy Cove requires hiking in. Grace Lake Road Dispersed allows drive-in tent camping but may have narrow access points. According to a camper, "the gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through." Most sites have fire rings where fires are permitted, though some locations prohibit fires entirely. Toilet facilities exist at some locations, but drinking water is limited and available only at select sites.

The camping experience varies seasonally with significant challenges during summer months. Reviews indicate mosquitoes can be problematic in June, with one camper noting "the only problem was the mosquitoes" at County Road O Landing. Site conditions fluctuate, with some areas suffering from overuse. A Sandrock Cliffs visitor reported finding "sites full of trash and broken tent poles," suggesting popular areas may experience periods of misuse. Quieter experiences are possible during off-peak times or at less accessible locations. The proximity to water features provides fishing opportunities, with one Grace Lake Road camper reporting "You're about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good." Weather and river conditions can impact site availability, particularly at riverside locations that may flood during spring thaw.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Dresser, Wisconsin (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dresser, WI

2 Photos of 6 Dresser Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dresser, WI

11 Reviews of 6 Dresser 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.

  • 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

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Quick night

    I pulled into the campsite late at night and was really confused where to go. There are bathrooms and 1 bar of Verizon (no T-mobile service). We ended up staying in the parking lot near the boat ramp and woke up to amazing bird calls and left before 6am. Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river.

Guide to Dresser

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dresser, Wisconsin, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out County Road O Landing

  • Located in the scenic Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, County Road O Landing offers a peaceful environment for both tent and RV camping.
  • This site is pet-friendly and allows campfires, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to enjoy a cozy evening outdoors.
  • While there are no electric hookups, the availability of drinking water and restrooms enhances the camping experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Dresser, Wisconsin

  • When visiting Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, be prepared for a hike-in experience, which adds to the adventure and seclusion of your stay.
  • Ensure you bring your own firewood, as this site does not provide it, but you can enjoy a campfire in the designated fire ring.
  • Keep in mind that this area may attract visitors, so it's wise to pack out any trash you bring in to help maintain its natural beauty.

Grace Lake Road Dispersed for a peaceful retreat

  • For those seeking a quieter spot, Grace Lake Road Dispersed is known for its serene atmosphere and friendly fellow campers.
  • This location is accessible by both drive-in and walk-in routes, providing flexibility for how you want to arrive.
  • With no permit required and the freedom to enjoy campfires, it’s an ideal choice for spontaneous camping trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dresser, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dresser, WI is Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dresser, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Dresser, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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