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Dispersed camping near Long Lake, Wisconsin centers around several primitive sites in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The area features multiple lakeside camping options including McKinley Lake, Three Johns Lake, Bose Lake, Harriet Lake, Wolf Lake, Woodbury Lake, and Robinson Lake dispersed sites. Most locations permit tent camping with some accommodating small RVs or pop-up campers. These primitive sites typically include fire rings and some have picnic tables, though amenities remain minimal throughout the forest.
Access roads to many sites require careful navigation, with several campers reporting washed-out entrances and rough conditions. The FR 2140 dispersed site off Hidden Lakes Trail features gravel roads described as "very dusty from traffic" during summer months. Most sites can accommodate small to medium-sized camping setups, though larger vehicles may have difficulty at certain locations. A recent review noted, "The entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky. I believe a camper could make it going slowly." Many sites lack drinking water, toilets, and other facilities, though some locations like McCaslin Brook have wilderness toilets available.
The dispersed sites around Long Lake provide direct water access, with many campsites positioned along lakes or streams. Camping is free at most locations, though some sites like McCaslin Brook require a $5 per night fee. Campers can stay up to 14 days at sites like Robinson Lake. The region offers varying levels of privacy and seclusion between sites. A visitor to Robinson Lake wrote, "Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picnic table and fire ring." Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many locations, with one camper reporting "No AT&T to speak of, but TMobile had 20 down/1 up" at McCaslin Brook. Wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking opportunities abound, with several sites providing direct trail access from the camping area.
"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"
"This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
"Tent spot by lake boat access."
"Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest."
"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."
"This site is located a few miles off the main Forest Service Road. There is a camping location hidden under the large pines next to the lake. Nothing but you and nature here."
"Nice location deeper in the woods. 2 sites next to a nice lake"
"Single campsite on small lake. Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot. Fire ring and picknick table. Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
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.
GuideTwo sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days.
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.
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 near Long Lake, Wisconsin offers primitive options across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at elevations averaging 1,500-1,700 feet. Winter camping remains possible in this region where temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer brings relatively mild 70-80°F temperatures. Most dispersed sites in this area feature small, tranquil lakes with sandy shorelines suitable for swimming and paddling.
Wildlife observation: The small lakes around the Long Lake area provide excellent opportunities for loon watching. At Wolf Lake Campsite, campers regularly encounter resident loons. "I love this campsite. The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach," reports Kay K. about Wolf Lake Campsite.
Paddling: Many of the dispersed sites feature non-motorized lakes perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The peaceful waters and sandy shores make for excellent paddling conditions. Woodbury Lake offers "a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling," according to Kay K., who visited Woodbury Lake Campsite.
Hiking: The forest service roads connect to numerous hiking trails throughout the area. "Many hiking opportunities are nearby," notes Kay K. about Indian Lake. Winter camping can provide access to seasonal trail activities with fewer crowds.
Secluded waterfront sites: Campers appreciate the privacy found at many dispersed locations in the Long Lake area. "Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days," writes hesselinkj@yahoo.com about Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite.
Simple amenities: While basic, many sites offer more amenities than typical dispersed camping locations. At Harriet Lake, campers can find "fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake," according to hesselinkj@yahoo.com about Harriet Lake Campsite.
No reservation required: Unlike developed campgrounds, these dispersed sites operate on a first-come basis. Most remain open year-round depending on road conditions, though summer weekends see higher demand. Weekday camping offers better site availability during peak season.
Site limitations: Most sites accommodate only one camping group with limited parking. "Single campsite on small lake. Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot. Fire ring and picknick table. Road to get in is narrow and pot holed," explains hesselinkj@yahoo.com about Bose Lake Campsite.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. Forest roads may deteriorate during spring thaw or after heavy rainfall. Gravel roads can become dusty in summer months. High-clearance vehicles handle these conditions best.
Cell service: Connectivity remains unreliable throughout the Nicolet National Forest. Pack paper maps and download offline navigation before arrival. Winter campers should prepare for complete isolation when snow affects roads.
Beach access sites: Several dispersed sites feature sandy lake access ideal for children. Woodbury Lake offers a small beach area with gradual water entry. "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer," notes Kay K.
Pack extra water: With no potable water sources at these sites, families should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day. Small water filters can supplement supplies from lake water for non-drinking purposes.
Campsite selection: Arrive early (before 2pm) on summer weekends to secure desired sites. The single site at McKinley Lake Dispersed offers good lake access with a flat tent area. "A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake," explains hesselinkj@yahoo.com.
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small trailers or pop-ups under 15 feet. "I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp," notes hesselinkj@yahoo.com about Wolf Lake Campsite. Larger RVs should consider developed campgrounds instead.
Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack adequate turn-around areas for trailers. Back-in skills prove essential, as does scouting sites before attempting access with any towed vehicle.
Winter considerations: Some sites remain accessible year-round with proper vehicle preparation. "Winter camped here, was a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite," reports hesselinkj@yahoo.com about FR 2140 Dispersed camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Long Lake, WI is Indian Lake with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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