Best Dispersed Camping near Grantsburg, WI
Dispersed camping in the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway surrounds Grantsburg, Wisconsin, with several primitive sites located along riverbanks and forest access points. Free camping opportunities include Sandrock Cliffs and County Road O Landing along the St. Croix River, with additional options at Grace Lake Road Dispersed across the border in Minnesota and Rum River State Forest about an hour southwest. Most sites are unmaintained primitive areas with fire rings and minimal facilities, accessible via forest roads or hiking trails.
Access to many dispersed sites requires careful planning, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Several locations like Sandrock Cliffs involve walking upstairs from parking areas to reach campsites, while others like County Road O Landing offer drive-in options near boat ramps. Vault toilets are available at some locations, but most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, trash removal, or shower facilities. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas requiring permits. "The spot is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north," noted one visitor about Sandy Cove. Sites in Rum River State Forest feature roadside pull-offs with space for larger vehicles, though winter access may require four-wheel drive.
These primitive camping areas typically provide quiet experiences away from developed facilities. Sites within the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway offer river access and scenic views, though summer months bring increased usage. A camper at Sandrock Cliffs described it as having "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 tents at each site." Wildlife encounters are common in the region, with visitors to Rum River State Forest reporting deer sightings and wolf howls at night. Cell service varies considerably, with some locations maintaining adequate coverage while others have limited or no signal. Mosquitoes and ticks can be abundant during warmer months, particularly near water.
