Dispersed camping sites around Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin are primarily located on Forest Service land within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Most sites require navigation through forest roads with varying degrees of maintenance. Winter access becomes limited when seasonal roads close after the first significant snowfall, typically in November. The region experiences heavy mosquito activity from late May through August, particularly near wetland areas.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Wolf Lake Campsite offers accessible shoreline fishing with a sandy beach area that's suitable for both fishing and swimming. As camper Kay K. notes, "The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach."
Waterfall exploration: Foster Falls provides a unique natural feature with a short walking trail to the falls. According to Irvin N., there's an "8 Mile drive off the main road. Mostly paved, some gravel, but all smooth... A short walk down to the waterfall."
Paddling on no-motor lakes: Harriet Lake Campsite restricts motorized watercraft, making it ideal for peaceful paddling. One visitor confirms it's a "No motor lake" with adequate space for both camping and water access.
Wildlife observation: Many sites offer opportunities to observe native Wisconsin wildlife in natural settings. One camper at Foster Falls reported interesting nighttime sounds, noting they "got a bit nervous hearing timber wolves in the distance for a few hours at night then again in the early morning."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront access: Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite offers quality shoreline features with "Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring."
Minimal development: Rustic camping near Lac du Flambeau maintains a wilderness feel with basic amenities. At Horn Lake Camping, Jarrett G. appreciates the simplicity: "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."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated sites. Charles N. describes Horn Lake as "good sites on the lake with a fire pit on a dead end road with a boat landing," while another camper notes the sites are "about 40' apart on a cul-de-sac."
Sandy beaches: Several lake access points feature natural sand beaches rather than mud or rocky shorelines. At Woodbury Lake Campsite, Kay K. highlights that "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many sites requires traveling unpaved roads. Jay S. mentions about Horn Lake: "About 2 miles of dirt road to get there. Turn right when you get to ATV trail." Another camper warns about Bose Lake Campsite: "Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
Size restrictions for campers: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller RVs. At Harriet Lake, one reviewer notes there's "Room for small camper 10 to 15 foot also tents," while Skip H. advises for Horn Lake, "Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are."
Limited facilities: Sites provide minimal amenities. As one camper at Wolf Lake states, there's a "Small campsite along paved road, fire ring and picnic table, wilderness toilet," but most locations have no toilet facilities at all.
Stay limits enforced: Camping duration is regulated at most sites. A Robinson Lake visitor notes "No fee for camping can stay 14 days," which is standard for most Forest Service dispersed sites in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with swimming access: Indian Lake offers family-friendly shoreline. According to Kay K., "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."
Consider sites with established facilities: Some primitive areas include basic amenities that make family camping more comfortable. At Wolf Lake, hesselinkj@yahoo.com reports finding a "fire ring and picnic table, wilderness toilet."
Select locations with short access trails: Three Johns Lake provides a manageable walk-in experience for families with children. A visitor notes it's a "Walk in campsite" with a "Short walk to campsite only one on lake."
Pack extra insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic but vary by location and timing. Michael G. at Foster Falls reports, "The mosquitoes were somewhat bad," while another camper at Horn Lake found "A few mosquitoes, but the wind kept them to a minimum!"
Tips from RVers
Small trailers only: Most dispersed sites near Lac du Flambeau accommodate only compact campers. At McKinley Lake Dispersed, the single campsite "can park next to tent only," limiting RV options.
Scout first without trailer: Given the narrow access roads, scouting locations before bringing in a camper is advisable. Skip H. warns about Horn Lake: "If you travel to the left where the road 'T's' off, take care. The road is tight and very twisty... I would not recommend going to the left unless the max your hauling is a teardrop."
Level parking areas limited: Finding flat spots for trailers can be challenging. At Woodbury Lake, one camper notes you "can fit trailer in parking area," but most sites have limited level ground suitable for RVs.
Consider seasonal road closures: Forest roads become impassable for trailers during spring thaw and after heavy rains. Many campers recommend visiting during late summer or early fall for optimal road conditions.
