Best Dispersed Camping near Mercer, WI
Dispersed camping near Mercer, Wisconsin centers primarily around Foster Falls, located approximately 8 miles off the main road. This primitive camping area sits within public forest land and requires no reservations, though permits are necessary. The area features natural waterfall access about 100 feet from the main camping zone. Campers should note that while Foster Falls offers free camping, it provides no amenities such as drinking water, toilets, showers, or trash service.
Access roads to Foster Falls consist mostly of paved surfaces with some gravel sections, generally smooth enough for standard vehicles. The site accommodates both drive-in and walk-in camping, with areas suitable for larger recreational vehicles. Seasonal restrictions may apply, particularly during winter months when road conditions deteriorate. Fire rings are not provided, though fires are permitted when no fire bans are in effect. Campers must practice proper food storage and waste management as the area has documented wildlife activity, including timber wolves in the vicinity.
The camping experience at Foster Falls provides notable seclusion despite occasional day visitors who come to view the waterfall. The surrounding forest features towering trees and relatively manageable mosquito populations during summer months. Wildlife encounters add to the primitive camping experience, with wolves occasionally heard in the distance. For those seeking additional dispersed camping options, Crowned Creek on South Boundary Road across the Michigan border provides another primitive site with drive-in access. "A short walk down to the waterfall. Quiet and serene, towering trees and only a few mosquitoes," noted one visitor. Another camper mentioned, "We did get several visitors to the falls each day, but most were only there for a few minutes and left us alone."
