Dispersed camping options surround Oconto Falls, Wisconsin within the Nicolet National Forest. This area features hilly terrain with elevations ranging from 700-1200 feet and numerous water features including rivers, brooks, and small lakes. Camping sites typically have variable cell coverage, with many locations reporting limited or no service.
What to do
Water activities: Access points along streams provide opportunities for fishing and swimming. At Oconto River - South Branch, two well-spaced campsites near a maintained vault toilet offer convenient water access. One camper notes, "There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart."
ATV trail exploration: The extensive trail system connects multiple camping areas, making it ideal for off-road enthusiasts. The Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed area provides "Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy."
Stargazing: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities. One camper at Sturgeon Bay Canal shared, "Overall really nice, the stars were beautiful. Built a small fire and toasted marshmallows!"
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many sites feature direct water access, with McCaslin Brook Dispersed site offering "three sites each with a table, fire pit, a toilet pit and right off the brooke." Another camper described it as "shaded and right by the creek, which gurgled along happily."
Affordability: Most sites require minimal or no fees. McCaslin Brook costs "$5 a night to be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach," while other locations are completely free.
Privacy between sites: Despite being primitive, many areas offer good separation between campsites. At Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, one camper described "two sites, dispersed from each other" and noted it was "quaint and quiet."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access roads can become challenging, especially after rainfall. At Oconto River sites, campers report entrance issues: "Small site little rough to get into a lot of trash left. Short path to river this is a two site spot good distance between them."
Vehicle requirements: Standard passenger cars may struggle on forest roads. One McCaslin Brook camper warned, "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."
Site sizes and configurations: Pioneer Park offers "easy access and large site" but campers note it can be "buggy and noisy" due to highway proximity. McCaslin Brook has three distinct sites with "two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in."
Limited amenities: Most sites offer fire rings but little else. One McCaslin Brook reviewer mentioned "wilderness toilet but they look pretty full." Pack out all trash and bring necessary supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Best family sites: Locations with toilet facilities and tables work better for family groups. One camper described McCaslin Brook's third site as "so spacious and could easily be for a large group."
Bug preparedness: Insects can be prevalent, especially near water. A Pioneer Park camper warned, "the area is covered in mosquitos." Another camper at Sturgeon Bay Canal mentioned, "the longer grass near the gravel lot had a lot of ticks but would still be camp-able."
Safety considerations: While generally safe, appropriate precautions should be taken. At Sturgeon Bay Canal, campers reported feeling secure: "We're both young females so as far as safety for us it was good!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At McCaslin Brook, a camper noted, "Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."
Turn radius considerations: Forest roads often lack adequate turn-around space for larger rigs. One Sturgeon Bay Canal camper noted it has a "good gravel road, easy turn around" making it more accessible than other dispersed sites.
Leveling challenges: Many forest sites feature uneven terrain. One Oconto River camper described their experience: "Loved this spot. Stayed two nights" but warned "do not follow road past campsites, either way unless your vehicle is lifted."
