Rustic camping near Dresser, Wisconsin provides access to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a federally protected waterway spanning 252 miles through Wisconsin and Minnesota. The river corridor features sandstone formations, mixed forest, and abundant wildlife habitat including more than 100 bird species. Weather patterns can vary significantly with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night, while spring and fall camping often encounters temperature fluctuations of 30+ degrees within 24 hours.
What to do
Hiking access: At Sandrock Cliffs, trails follow the riverbank with elevated views. "The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service," notes Emily, who visited in June.
Fishing opportunities: Grace Lake Road Dispersed offers shoreline fishing access within steps of campsites. A camper reports, "You're about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good," making it ideal for anglers seeking easy access without a boat.
Wildlife observation: The riverway corridor hosts diverse bird species, particularly during migration periods. County Road O Landing provides early morning opportunities with one visitor describing "amazing bird calls" during their pre-dawn departure.
What campers like
Natural quiet: County Road O Landing receives praise for its peaceful setting. According to Jennifer H., "We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect!"
Riverside views: The elevated position at Sandrock Cliffs provides scenic vistas. Cody M. notes it offers "Nice scenery, trails, location" and is situated "on the sandstone cliffs, beautiful area."
Multiple site options: Grace Lake Road Dispersed features various camping locations throughout the area. Julia D. reports, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Mosquitoes can be particularly intense during early summer. Marie G., who stayed at County Road O Landing, observed, "The spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes."
Site cleanliness concerns: Popular areas may suffer from trash accumulation, particularly during peak summer season. Bring bags to pack out waste and consider reporting excessive trash to park authorities.
Navigation challenges: Some dispersed areas have inaccurate location details or difficult access. At Grace Lake Boat Access, Christopher W. warns, "Public water access. No camp sites at this location," highlighting the importance of verifying locations before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible campsites: Some riverside locations offer disability-friendly features. At Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, Travis B. noted, "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."
Avoid peak season crowds: School break periods bring higher visitor numbers. One camper at Sandrock Cliffs observed, "Since this spot is accessible by road I'm assuming that its best not to visit in the summer."
Water level awareness: Spring camping requires monitoring river conditions. Travis B. reports from Sandy Cove, "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."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle access restrictions: Several dispersed sites have narrow entrances limiting RV access. At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, Michael S. warns, "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."
Parking options: County Road O Landing provides boat ramp parking suitable for overnight stays when dedicated sites are full. Aly E. shares, "I pulled into the campsite late at night and was really confused where to go. We ended up staying in the parking lot near the boat ramp."
ATV traffic awareness: Some Minnesota dispersed sites experience recreational vehicle traffic. According to Lizzy K. at Grace Lake Road Dispersed, there was "A lot of ATV traffic but super friendly people, really buggy but a few nice spots to pull into for the night."
