Best Dispersed Camping near Long Lake, WI

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.