Primitive camping near Gillett, Wisconsin primarily concentrates in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area where campsites feature varying terrain from riverside locations to wooded settings. Dispersed camping options range in elevation from 800-1,200 feet with sandy soil common throughout the region. Most sites require self-registration and fee payment ranging from free to $5 per night.
What to do
Water recreation access: Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed site provides proximity to ATV trails and water. "Small pull off little ways off 64 on mountain lakes Rd. Pick nik table and fire ring. Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy," notes one camper.
Fishing opportunities: The South Branch of the Oconto River offers fishing spots near camp. Rebecca B. describes the area: "There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart. The first has more of an opening if solar and Starlink matter to you. The second was tucked in the back where the road turns around."
Star gazing: Clear skies make several locations ideal for night sky viewing when weather permits. At Sturgeon Bay Canal, one visitor reported "the stars were beautiful. Built a small fire and toasted marshmallows!"
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many campers appreciate sites along flowing water. At McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, Rebecca B. found: "There are three pull-in areas, with picnic tables and fire rings just off the road. Two may be large enough to handle more than 1 small rig/tent/popup. They are shaded and right by the creek, which gurgled along happily."
Digital disconnection: Limited connectivity appeals to many visitors seeking solitude. Zachary S. noted about Oconto River locations: "Loved this spot. Stayed two nights, and the first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away. The campsite is right along a deep, and steadily moving stream. Water is very cold, and flows from an aquifer upstream."
Space between sites: Campers value privacy at primitive locations. At Octonto River - South Branch, sites are "pretty well spaced apart" according to reviews, allowing for more seclusion than developed campgrounds.
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access roads present significant obstacles for standard vehicles. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, hesselinkj@yahoo.com found: "Small site little rough to get into a lot of trash left. Short path to river this is a two site spot good distance between them."
Variable toilet facilities: Restroom options range from none to basic vault toilets. Zachary S. reported: "There is an outdoor toilet, and I've attempted to point it out in the pictures."
Site entrance difficulties: Many campsites have problematic access points. Christopher R. observed: "The McCauslin Brook runs through Townsend and Lakewood. There are a total of 3 sites in this location and all are on the Brook."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose larger sites when camping with children. At McCaslin Brook, Robyn B. found: "The third site is a deep, large site away from the road facing west, with a bad easement. There was some occasional traffic on the main road and a quite a few UTVs. No one else was here so we chose the third site away from the road."
Safety considerations: Some areas present fewer hazards for younger campers. At Pioneer Park, the open layout allows better visibility of children, though Jack H. warns: "You're right next to the highway and the area is covered in mosquitos. Easy access and large site, but I wouldn't stop here unless you have to."
Insect preparation: Pack appropriate repellent as sites near water bodies experience significant mosquito activity during summer months. The shaded sites at McCaslin Brook are particularly noted for bugs with Rebecca B. mentioning they "had some bugs in mid-August, but that was to be expected."
Tips from RVers
Power considerations: Solar-dependent campers should assess site positioning. Rebecca B. notes about McCaslin Brook: "We ultimately decided not to stay here simply because it was so shaded. While that made it nice and cool, it made solar & Starlink impossible."
Size restrictions: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. hesselinkj@yahoo.com advises about McCaslin Brook: "There are three sites two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in. Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."
Cell service variance: Mobile connectivity differs substantially between locations. Rebecca B. reports: "There was no AT&T to speak of, but TMobile had 20 down/1 up" at McCaslin Brook, while Scott S. found "Good WiFi" at Sturgeon Bay Canal.
