The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Hayward, WI

9 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Hayward, Wisconsin include several primitive sites on public lands. FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed offers a small, flat parking area accessible via well-maintained gravel roads. This site provides direct access to mountain bike trails in the CAMBA trail system but lacks all facilities. Chinty Lake Roadside Camp consists primarily of roadside pull-offs rather than established campsites. Grace Lake Road Dispersed, located slightly farther in Minnesota, features multiple dispersed camping spots along Tamarack Forest Road.

These free camping areas require self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services exist at any of these locations. According to recent visitors, FlowMama Trail Head has "no cell service" and campers should "keep it clean if you use it." Pack out all waste and bring sufficient water for your stay. Fire regulations vary by site and season; check current restrictions before your visit. During summer months, prepare for significant mosquito activity, particularly at Grace Lake where reviews mention it being "really buggy."

Road conditions to these sites vary considerably. FlowMama Trail Head is accessible via "well-maintained gravel roads" suitable for most vehicles. Chinty Lake experiences moderate traffic, potentially affecting the camping experience. Safety considerations include limited emergency services in these remote areas. The Brule River State Forest also offers backpacking sites for hikers seeking more secluded experiences. All dispersed camping in this region operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation systems in place.

Map showing campgrounds near Hayward, WisconsinExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hayward, Wisconsin (6)

Show More
Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Hayward Contest

Enter to Win

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hayward, WI

9 Reviews of 6 Hayward Campgrounds

  • Chris P.
    Aug. 8, 2024

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    CAMBA flow mama trailhead

    Small parking lot located off well-maintained gravel roads. Nice and quiet flat no facilities.

  • M
    Oct. 28, 2024

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    Great access to bike trails

    Nice clean and quiet site. No facilities or cell service. Easy access to mountain bike trails. Keep it clean if you use it 🙏

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    Free parking, no water, no gray dump, no trash.

    This is the trailhead for a very beautiful mountain biking trail and the roads that lead up to this area are incredibly gorgeous especially in the fall. The red building in the pictures is an emergency cabin. You can go in it and look around if you want. It's not at the trailhead, it's about 10 minutes from it on your way in.

  • Julia D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Location is inaccurate

    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.

  • Christopher W.
    Jun. 20, 2023

    Graces Lake Boat Access

    Not a camp site

    Public water access. No camp sites at this location

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Chinty Lake Roadside Camp

    Literally roadside camp

    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

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    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

  • Lizzy K.
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Good place to stay the night

    A lot of ATV traffic but super friendly people, really buggy but a few nice spots to pull into for the night

Guide to Hayward

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hayward, Wisconsin, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers

Activities While Free Camping Near Hayward

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of the Grace Lake Road Dispersed, where you can cast a line and enjoy the peaceful waters.
  • The Chinty Lake Roadside Camp is ideal for those who enjoy roadside access, allowing for quick trips to nearby attractions while still enjoying a camping experience.
  • For those who love to explore on foot, the FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed provides a quiet site with access to various hiking trails.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Hayward, Wisconsin

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Hayward area?

Dispersed camping in the Hayward area follows standard national forest regulations. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles - pack out all trash, dispose of human waste properly, and leave sites cleaner than found. At Brule River State Forest Backpacking Sites, free camping is permitted but may require registration at trailheads. Most dispersed sites have a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Campfires may be permitted depending on seasonal fire restrictions, but use existing fire rings when available. Gates or access points might have specific restrictions - some campers noted narrow entrances at certain sites. Vehicles must stay on established roads and designated parking areas. Be aware that ATV traffic is common on some forest roads. Always check current regulations with the local ranger district before your trip.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Hayward?

Dispersed camping sites around Hayward are truly primitive with minimal to no amenities. FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed offers flat terrain suitable for camping but has no facilities and no cell service, though it provides easy access to mountain bike trails. Similarly, Chinty Lake Roadside Camp is a basic roadside pull-off without developed amenities. Most dispersed sites in the area have no restrooms, running water, picnic tables, or trash services. Campers should bring their own water, portable toilet solutions, and pack out all trash. Some locations may offer natural features like lake access for fishing or proximity to recreational trails, but you'll need to be completely self-sufficient with supplies and waste management.

Where can I find free camping near Hayward, Wisconsin?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Hayward. Grace Lake Road Dispersed offers peaceful sites along Tamarack Forest Road with lake access for fishing. For those seeking a secluded meadow experience, Afterhours Meadow provides a beautiful open field accessible via gravel roads, suitable for multiple vehicles with level spots surrounded by wildflowers in summer. Both locations are free and don't require reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Just ensure you follow Leave No Trace principles, especially since these areas lack facilities. These sites are particularly popular during warmer months but may be accessible year-round depending on road conditions.

Keep Exploring