Dispersed camping opportunities in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest surrounding Hiles, Wisconsin offer secluded sites on numerous small glacial lakes. The area sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation with a northern continental climate featuring cold winters and mild summers. The forest roads connecting these rustic sites vary significantly in condition, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet seasons.
What to do
Paddling quiet waters: Three Johns Lake Dispersed provides tent-only access to a pristine small lake. According to one visitor, it's a "tents only, short walk to campsite" with a "$5 dollar parking [fee for] national Forest."
Fishing for northern species: McKinley Lake Dispersed offers shoreline fishing access for species like northern pike and panfish. A camper notes it's "A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake."
Swimming in sandy-bottomed lakes: Many sites feature natural swimming areas with gradual entries. At Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite, campers enjoy "Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days."
What campers like
Solitude and wildlife viewing: Wolf Lake Campsite provides opportunities to observe loons and other water birds. One camper shares, "Small campsite along paved road,fire ring and picnic table, wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet."
Easy lake access: Indian Lake offers shoreline camping with convenient water access. A reviewer states, "The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It's intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area."
Versatile camping options: Woodbury Lake Campsite accommodates both tent and small trailer camping. As one visitor describes, "Nice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Bose Lake Campsite can be challenging in wet conditions. A camper warns, "Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
Cell service is limited: Most sites have minimal to no connectivity. At FR 2140 Dispersed, a visitor reports getting "one bar of cell (cricket)" during winter camping.
Motorized restrictions on lakes: Many of the small lakes prohibit gas motors. At Harriet Lake Campsite, a visitor notes it's a "No motor lake" with basic amenities including "fire ring and picknick table."
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming beaches: Look for sites with gradual entries and sandy bottoms. At Woodbury Lake Campsite, families enjoy "a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling."
Sites with wilderness toilets: Some rustic sites include basic sanitation. Wolf Lake Campsite offers a "wilderness toilet" along with standard amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.
Pack extra water containers: No potable water is available at any sites. Each vehicle should carry at least one gallon per person per day, with additional containers for cooking and dishwashing needs.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Most sites accommodate only small trailers. At Harriet Lake Campsite, there's "Room for small camper 10 to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet."
Level parking areas: Some sites offer better parking for small trailers. One camper at FR 2140 Dispersed reports that the "road is gravel very dusty from traffic" but the site accommodated a "20 foot ant [antenna]."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping is possible but requires preparation. A winter visitor to FR 2140 found it "a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet" with "hiking trail access from campsite."
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