Dispersed camping near Hatley, Wisconsin occurs primarily across Lincoln, Langlade, and Oconto counties in the dense northern mixed forest region. The average elevation in this area is approximately 1,550 feet, with most camping areas situated near small lakes, rivers, and ATV trail networks. Spring conditions typically include temperatures between 40-65°F, while summer camping experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing access: Horn Lake Camping provides direct water access for anglers without requiring boat launches. "As a primitive camper who hates paying to sleep on the ground somewhere, this is my new favorite spot. Two sites, fire rings, no bathroom, water, electric," notes Jarrett G. about this cost-free location.
River exploration: Paddle or wade in the South Branch of the Oconto River. "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," according to Rebecca B. who camped at Oconto River - South Branch.
ATV trail riding: Connect directly to local trail systems from several dispersed camping locations. "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," reports a camper about Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed.
What campers like
Quiet water settings: Waterfront dispersed sites offer peaceful environments. "A few mosquitoes, but the wind kept them to a minimum! Great view of the lake and very private. About 2 miles of dirt road to get there," shares Jay S. about Horn Lake.
Rustic isolation: Limited connectivity creates genuine wilderness experiences. "Very cool spot right on the river. In ground fire pit. Decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic. No service," explains Nick H. about his Oconto River stay.
Budget-friendly camping: Most dispersed sites in the region remain free or very low cost. "Peace for $5. There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart. Unless you have the Golden or Access pass, it is $5/day," notes Rebecca B. about Oconto River - South Branch.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require appropriate vehicles for safe access. "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily," warns Michael U. about the turn-off to Oconto River sites.
Site conditions: Established fire rings exist at most locations, but maintenance varies. "We camped here in May not much for skeeters, good sites on the lake with a fire pit on a dead end road with a boat landing," reports Charles N. about Horn Lake Camping.
Facility limitations: Expect minimal facilities at most sites. "There is an outdoor toilet, and I've attempted to point it out in the pictures. The entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky," explains Zachary S. about Oconto River camping.
Tips for camping with families
Early season timing: May offers fewer insects for more comfortable family camping. "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," notes hesselinkj@yahoo.com about Oconto River locations.
Site spacing: Horn Lake offers two sites with good separation for multiple families. "Great spot right on the water. There are 2 camp spots with stone rings. They are about 40' apart on a cul-de-sac at the end of the road where the boat launch is," details Skip H.
Water safety: Rivers in the area can have strong currents and cold temperatures. "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," cautions Zachary S.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "I would not recommend going to the left unless the max your hauling is a teardrop. Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are," advises Skip H. about Horn Lake Camping.
Road conditions: Unmaintained forest roads require careful navigation. "There is a clean and maintained vault toilet," notes Rebecca B. about Oconto River - South Branch, one of the few sites with established facilities.
Trail access sites: Some locations specifically cater to ATV users with trailers. "Small pull off little ways off 64 on mountain lakes Rd. Big site for ATV campers right off trail," states hesselinkj@yahoo.com about Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed.
