The Nicolet National Forest surrounding Lakewood, Wisconsin features numerous dispersed camping options along waterways and small lakes. McCaslin Brook Dispersed Site offers three primitive sites with basic amenities including fire rings and wilderness toilets, while nearby Mountain Lakes Road and Oconto River sites provide similar rustic experiences. Most sites in this region are free or low-cost ($5 at some locations) and accommodate both tent and small RV camping. The area is characterized by small, secluded sites typically situated along brooks, rivers, or small lakes, creating a network of primitive camping opportunities within 30-45 minutes of Lakewood.
Road conditions and site access vary significantly throughout the region, with many entrances requiring careful navigation. As one camper noted, "Entrances need a lot of TLC, washed out and large drop from paved road." Several sites, particularly along Mountain Lakes Road, have received reviews warning that "4x4 is recommended" as "2WD trucks couldn't make it easily." Most dispersed sites feature minimal amenities, typically limited to fire rings and occasionally picnic tables. Wilderness toilets are available at some locations but may not be regularly maintained. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with visitors reporting limited or no coverage at most sites. Weather considerations include dusty conditions on gravel roads during summer and potential access limitations during spring thaw.
Waterfront access represents a primary draw for campers in the Lakewood area. Sites along McCaslin Brook, Oconto River, and various small lakes like Wolf Lake, Woodbury Lake, and McKinley Lake consistently receive higher ratings from visitors. One camper described their experience at Oconto River as "almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall about a mile away." Many sites accommodate small campers or pop-ups (typically under 20 feet), though several are better suited for tent camping only. Visitors frequently mention fishing opportunities, with varying reports of success. Some locations experience UTV and off-road vehicle traffic, particularly along established trails, which can affect the otherwise quiet atmosphere. Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas, especially at sites like Pioneer Park which one reviewer described as "buggy and noisy" due to highway proximity.
"Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."
"The first site, east side, is a pull in right off the road with the pit and table a few steps down from the parking pad. The second site is a pull through facing west right off the road."
"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."
"Decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic. No service :)"
"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."
"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 can probably get toy hauler in here easy."
"This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
"Tent spot by lake boat access."
"I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp. Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water."
"The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach. The parking area is adequate, I’ve seen small trailers set up here. Many hiking trails are nearby."
"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. Many hiking opportunities are nearby."
"A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake"
GuideThere are three sites two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in. Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max. One site I would say is tent only very tight. Wilderness toilet but they look pretty full.
TravelerThere are 3 sites each with a table, fire pit, a toilet pit and right off the brooke. The cost is $5 a night to be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach. The first site, east side, is a pull in right off the road with the pit and table a few steps down from the parking pad. The second site is a pull through facing west right off the road. The easements were a little washed out. The third site is a deep, large site away from the road facing west, with a bad easement. There was some occasional traffic on the main road and a quite a few UTVs.
No one else was here so we chose the third site away from the road. The only con we found to this site was the easement was really washed out and we bottomed our minivan coming in but were able to leave going out on the far right edge. The site is so spacious and could easily be for a large group.
GuideTents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest.
GuideWinter camped here, was a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite,but no water access to butternut lake or it would have been 5 star. There is access down the road.Did get one bar of cell (cricket) full with 20 foot ant. Note I've been through here in summer and the road is gravel very dusty from traffic.
GuideSmall campsite along paved road,fire ring and picnic table ,wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet fishing was so so. I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp. Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water.
GuideThe McCauslin Brook runs through Townsend and Lakewood. There are a total of 3 sites in this location and all are on the Brook.
GuideThere are three pull-in areas, with picnic tables and fire rings just off the road. Two *may* be large enough to handle more than 1 small rig/tent/popup. They are shaded and right by the creek, which gurgled along happily (and had some bugs in mid-August, but that was to be expected).
We ultimately decided not to stay here simply because it was so shaded. While that made it nice and cool, it made solar & Starlink impossible.
There was no AT&T to speak of, but TMobile had 20 down/1 up.
GuideA single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake
LegendThis remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer.
Dispersed camping options surround Lakewood, Wisconsin throughout the Nicolet National Forest, with sites situated at elevations between 1,500-1,700 feet. The area includes approximately 20-30 small, rustic sites spread across public forest lands within a 45-minute radius. Most dispersed camping areas remain accessible from May through October, with prime fishing season occurring from June through August.
Fishing opportunities: Both Woodbury Lake and Wolf Lake offer sandy beaches for casting lines. One camper at Woodbury Lake Campsite noted it has "a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling," while Wolf Lake features resident wildlife as "the small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach."
Waterfall exploration: The Oconto River contains several small cascades within hiking distance of camping areas. A visitor to Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road mentioned "the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away" while describing the area as having "a deep, and steadily moving stream. Water is very cold, and flows from an aquifer upstream."
Trail access: Several dispersed sites serve as trailheads for hiking and ATV routes. The Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed site was described as having a "big site for ATV campers right off trail" that "can probably get toy hauler in here easy."
Secluded lake access: Small lakes with minimal development attract campers seeking quiet water experiences. A visitor to Wolf Lake Campsite shared: "I love this campsite. The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach."
Multiple site options: Some locations offer different camping spots with varying characteristics. At Indian Lake, 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."
Brook and riverside spots: Sites along flowing water receive consistently positive feedback. McCaslin Brook Dispersed site offers "three sites each with a table, fire pit, a toilet pit and right off the brooke. The cost is $5 a night to be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach."
Entrance condition challenges: Many sites require careful navigation to access. One camper noted at Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road: "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily."
Seasonal bug activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at certain sites. A visitor to Pioneer Park reported it was "buggy and noisy" because "you're right next to the highway and the area is covered in mosquitoes."
Payment systems: While many sites offer free camping near Lakewood, Wisconsin, some require payment. At Octonto River - South Branch, a camper noted "Unless you have the Golden or Access pass, it is $5/day."
Best beach areas: Certain sites feature better swimming access for children. Regarding Woodbury Lake Campsite, one visitor mentioned "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Some locations offer reliable wildlife sightings. Wolf Lake campers report consistent loon sightings on the water, making it ideal for wildlife education opportunities.
Toilet availability: Wilderness toilets exist at select sites but maintenance varies. One McCaslin Brook Dispersed site visitor observed "Wilderness toilet but they look pretty full."
Size constraints: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller rigs. A camper at McCaslin Brook Dispersed site noted "the middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."
Solar and connectivity concerns: Dense tree cover affects power options. One camper at McCaslin Brook stated "We ultimately decided not to stay here simply because it was so shaded. While that made it nice and cool, it made solar & Starlink impossible."
Cell service reality: Limited connectivity exists throughout the region. At Octonto River - South Branch, a visitor found "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lakewood, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lakewood, WI is McCaslin Brook Dispersed site with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lakewood, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Lakewood, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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