Horn Lake Camping offers rustic dispersed camping near Merrill, Wisconsin, situated within the Lincoln County Forest approximately 25 miles north of town. The primitive camping area requires self-sufficient preparation with no amenities on site. Campers must navigate forest roads to access this remote location where fishing and lake activities are popular during warmer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Horn Lake provides access for anglers seeking a quiet fishing location. According to Charles N., "We camped here in May not much for skeeters, good sites on the lake with a fire pit on a dead end road with a boat landing."
ATV trail access: The camping area is located near ATV trails for those bringing off-road vehicles. Jay S. notes, "A few mosquitoes, but the wind kept them to a minimum! Great view of the lake and very private. About 2 miles of dirt road to get there. Turn right when you get to ATV trail."
Shoreline exploration: The lakefront location allows for shoreline hiking and nature observation. Multiple sites offer direct water views with minimal development along the shore.
What campers like
Privacy factor: Despite having multiple sites in proximity, the area offers seclusion. "It's a beautiful spot. Very quiet. Land to the north is private property, so keep that in mind. You'll see a few houses on the way in," explains Skip H..
No-cost camping: The free camping appeals to budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Jarrett G. reports, "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."
Lake views: The waterfront setting creates scenic camping spots with direct lake access. Many campers mention the quality of the views as a primary draw for this location.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access requires navigating unpaved forest roads that may become challenging in wet conditions. The final approach involves narrow dirt roads that limit vehicle size and type.
Limited site availability: With only two main established sites at the main cul-de-sac, arriving early or having a backup plan is recommended, especially during summer weekends. Jay S. mentions, "Two camp sites 10 yards apart."
Fire ring conditions: While stone fire rings are provided, their condition may vary. Skip H. advises, "I'd suggest using your own firepit/grill if you have one as some moron decided burning tires in the firepit was a good idea."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: No cell service may exist in parts of the Lincoln County Forest, requiring advance planning for emergency situations.
Water activities: The boat landing provides access for canoes, kayaks, or small boats, making water recreation an option for families with children.
Insect preparation: Pack adequate insect repellent as mosquito activity varies by season. As Charles N. experienced, "We camped here in May not much for skeeters, good sites on the lake with a fire pit on a dead end road with a boat landing."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Larger RVs and trailers face significant access challenges. Skip H. cautions, "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. Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are."
Alternative camping areas: Secondary camping spots exist beyond the main area but lack established amenities. These spots might accommodate smaller rigs but require careful navigation on narrow forest roads.
Self-contained requirements: No water, toilet facilities, or hookups exist at this dispersed camping location, requiring completely self-contained camping setups and strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
