Dispersed camping near Frederic, Wisconsin centers around the border area between Wisconsin and Minnesota, where numerous primitive sites lie within public forest lands. The region's dense northern forests contain significant wetland areas that affect access during spring snowmelt periods. Several dispersed sites sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet, experiencing dramatic seasonal transitions from humid summers to frigid winters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, campers have water access approximately 20 feet from designated camping spots. One visitor noted, "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."
Hiking access: The Ice Age Trail connects to several camping areas, providing day hiking options directly from camp. A camper at Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River described the trail access: "Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north. The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy."
Bird watching: Early morning birding proves rewarding at several riverfront locations. One camper at County Road O Landing mentioned waking to "amazing bird calls" before 6am, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who rise early to observe native species.
What campers like
Solitude on weekdays: Weekday camping typically offers more peaceful experiences with fewer crowds. A visitor to Sandrock Cliffs shared: "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."
Accessible water views: Multiple sites feature proximity to lakes or the St. Croix River. At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, one camper described it as "super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots." Another visitor to Grace Lake recommended: "Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here."
ATV trail access: Some sites connect to regional ATV trail networks. A camper at Grace Lake Road noted: "A lot of ATV traffic but super friendly people," making it suitable for those bringing off-road vehicles for daytime adventures.
What you should know
Narrow access points: Some sites have challenging entry points requiring vehicle modifications. At Grace Lake Road, a camper warned: "Gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through."
Variable site conditions: Quality varies significantly between locations and seasons. At County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp, a visitor stated: "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!"
Location discrepancies: GPS coordinates may not match actual camping areas. One camper at Grace Lake Road advised: "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."
Roadside exposure: Some designated "campsites" offer minimal privacy. A visitor to Chinty Lake Roadside Camp warned: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for safety: Choose locations with established facilities when camping with children. Sandy Cove offers "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."
Wildlife education opportunities: The riverside environments provide natural science learning experiences. Multiple riverfront sites allow children to observe aquatic wildlife and native birds in their natural habitat.
Weather preparedness: Rapid weather changes affect river levels throughout the season. A visitor to Sandy Cove observed: "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
Parking limitations: Many dispersed sites have restricted vehicle access unsuitable for larger rigs. At County Road O Landing, confused about where to camp, one RVer reported: "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."
Boat ramp access: Several sites offer boat launch facilities for those towing watercraft. County Road O Landing features a "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river" according to one visitor, making it suitable for RVers with kayaks or small fishing boats.
Overnight stopping points: Several roadside areas serve as convenient overnight pauses for travelers. One camper described Chinty Lake as "Outside peaceful" despite its roadside location, making it an option for self-contained RVers needing a quick stop.
