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Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ellison Bay, WI

3 Reviews

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Ellison Bay, look no further. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Ellison Bay's most popular destinations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ellison Bay, WI (1)

    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    1. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    •18 Photos•
    84 Saves

    Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. The following restrictions apply: Your stay is limited to 16 days. After this period, your camping equipment and all persons must move to another site at least one mile away, for an additional stay, not to exceed 16 days. Do not block any roads or restrict access to National Forest lands by others. Follow “Leave No Trace” principles (See https://lnt.org/why/7-principles) so that public lands will remain clean and attractive for others to enjoy. Camping in areas posted closed is prohibited. Camping within fifty (50) feet of a body of water is prohibited, unless otherwise posted. (Exceptions include Grand Island National Recreation Area (100 feet from water, cliff edge, private property, trails, other campsites, special use recreation residences or recreation developments) and Big Island Lake Wilderness (200 feet from water). Do not camp at boat launches. Permits are required for these sites: Bass Lake, Bear Lake, Camp Cook, Carr Lake, Chicago Lake, Cookson Lake, Council Lake, Crooked Lake, East Lake, Ewing Point, Gooseneck Lake, lronjaw Lake, Jackpine Lake, Lake Nineteen, Leg Lake, Lyman Lake, McKeever Cabin, Minerva Lake, Mowe Lake, Steuben Lake, Swan Lake, Toms Cabin, and Triangle Lake. On lakes with designated campsites, you may not set up your campsite within 400 feet of the shoreline anywhere on the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ellison Bay

3 Reviews of 1 Ellison Bay Campgrounds

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    A beautiful location when I went!

    Stayed for 6 nights and loved all of it. I was in the camp more south on the left. I can confirm that there is a trailhead, national campground, private campgrounds, and boat launches down this road. Another review mentioned a site, that now has a no camping sign on it. I believe that was the site, but there is 2 sites. Some very light traffic as there is a lighthouse/ restrooms down the road from both of these. Not really walking distance for most, but manageable in any form. Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day.

  • evi L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Aug. 28, 2021

    Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    Beautiful but very limited camping sites

    This area is gorgeous, it's surrounded by lake superior, and there is a really neat old lighthouse with pit toilets at the end of the road.. It's a one lane road btw, with multiple cutouts in the road for passing. I stayed here 2 nights in what appears to be an established campsite (with a fire ring, on the right side of the road heading towards the lighthouse) before meeting a local ranger this morning, who informed me that there are only 2 dispersed campsites available here, and both are on the left side of the road (heading towards the lighthouse.) But she did say that you are allowed to stay up to 14 days at either of those sites, before asking me to promptly gtfo. I would have rated 5 stars if there were more sites available, but if you manage to snag one of the permitted ones, lucky you!

Guide to Ellison Bay

Camping near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Newport State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "With rugged shorelines and over 26 miles of gorgeous trails to explore, I can't wait to go back."
  • Beach Time: Spend a day at the beach near North Nicolet Bay Campground. A visitor noted, "North Nicolet has no power sites, all are no hookups... Campground is very close to the beach."
  • Kayaking: Rent kayaks nearby and paddle around the stunning waters. One reviewer at Wagon Trail Campground said, "Nearby kayak and SUP rentals. There is much to do in Door County for active and less active pursuits."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A review for Wagon Trail Campground stated, "The shower... had nice hot water and plenty of hooks to hang clothes and toiletries. They were clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Daisy Field Campground — Potawatomi State Park mentioned, "The sites were a little less secluded than we expected but weren't on top of each other by any means."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Tranquil Timbers have plenty for kids. A visitor shared, "We love this place. Quiet. Lots to do for kids. Pool, mini golf, game room..."

What you should know:

  • No Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Newport State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "Potable water is only offered at the Park Office... Be prepared to haul in your water."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Expect crowds in summer. A reviewer at Daisy Field Campground — Potawatomi State Park said, "The camp store is fantastic... but this isn't a reflection of the park at all -- of course it's a popular campground."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites may lack certain amenities. A camper at Baileys Woods Campground mentioned, "Not much for kids," indicating fewer activities for younger campers.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Wagon Trail Campground that have playgrounds and recreation areas. One family said, "The campground itself has much to offer: playground, recreation area with volleyball net..."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Potawatomi State Park noted, "VERY VERY noisy campground. Lots of screaming kids and barking dogs."
  • Pack for All Weather: Be ready for changing conditions. A camper at Tranquil Timbers mentioned, "We loved that they have a social gathering spot with movies and DJs," suggesting fun indoor options if the weather turns.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Wagon Trail Campground said, "This site would not have been suitable for a large RV."
  • Use Dump Stations: Make sure to utilize dump stations available at campgrounds like Daisy Field Campground — Potawatomi State Park. A visitor noted, "There is a dump station and water fill near this campground."
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty reception. A reviewer at Tennison Bay Campground mentioned, "Cell service is minimal here, both for Verizon and ATT."

Camping near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, offers a great mix of nature and activities, making it a fantastic spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions