Dispersed camping near Grantsburg, Wisconsin offers seclusion in the surrounding state forests and along the St. Croix River. Sites typically have minimal or no facilities, with campers responsible for carrying water and supplies. The area features mixed hardwood forests and river valleys with elevations ranging from 700-1,100 feet, creating varied terrain for backpackers seeking remote experiences.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Grace Lake Road Dispersed camping area provides direct water access for fishing. One camper 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 the Ice Age Trail: Straight Lake State Park Campground connects to the famous Ice Age Trail, offering primitive camping near both Straight Lake and Rainbow Trout Lake. A visitor mentioned, "The Ice Age Trail also runs next to this park. The amount of mosquitos seemed higher than other Wisconsin locations."
Kayaking the St. Croix: The river provides excellent paddling routes with multiple access points near dispersed camping areas. Middle St. Croix — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway offers free boat-in camping along the waterway, allowing paddlers to create multi-day river trips with riverside camping spots.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many backpackers appreciate the isolation at William O'Brien State Park Campground, especially during weekdays. As one camper shared, "My first time solo camping was at William O'Brien State Park on a Sunday evening... it felt like I had the place to myself."
Natural surroundings: Trade River Equestrian Camp in Governor Knowles State Forest offers walk-in tent camping in a serene setting. A camper noted, "Just a nice quiet campground and the sites are fairly private. Lots of hiking and close to the river for some kayaking etc."
Wildlife viewing: The wetland areas and forests support diverse wildlife. At William O'Brien, a camper reported, "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Spring camping brings significant insect activity and potential muddy conditions. One visitor to Governor Knowles State Forest Remote Camping reported, "Ticks were extremely heavy in the spring. Between the mud and ticks, I would never recommend camping in spring."
Trail conditions: Access to remote sites can be difficult during certain seasons. A camper described, "The hike in was not easy. Downed trees over uphill sections, large sections of mud and some overgrown brushy spots."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities. At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, visitors noted, "A lot of ATV traffic but super friendly people, really buggy but a few nice spots to pull into for the night."
Cell service: Connectivity is limited in more remote areas. At William O'Brien, a visitor mentioned, "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot."
Tips for camping with families
Site accessibility: Cedar Point Resort and Campground offers family-friendly camping with convenient features. A visitor commented, "Nice campground with easy access sites. Shuttle is nice, takes you right to the park. Great place for kids, highly recommend a stay if you are going to the park."
Wildlife education: Teach children about local flora and fauna before visiting. At William O'Brien, families can experience diverse habitats: "This is a great place to see all the various landscapes of the St. Croix River Valley."
Equipment transport: Some parks provide assistance with gear. At Straight Lake State Park, "The park offered carts to help pack in camping supplies," making walk-in sites more accessible for families with younger children.
Food storage: Secure all food items to prevent wildlife encounters. One camper at William O'Brien warned, "Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most dispersed camping near Grantsburg is tent-only with few RV accommodations. For RV camping, Spring Creek offers basic facilities but requires careful planning as amenities are minimal.
Alternative nearby sites: William O'Brien State Park does accommodate RVs with amenities like electric hookups and a sanitary dump station. One visitor noted, "We planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers."
Parking limitations: Some dispersed sites have narrow access roads. At Grace Lake, a camper warned, "Gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through," indicating larger vehicles may struggle with access.
