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Best Dispersed Camping near Oconto, WI

10 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Oconto, Wisconsin are primarily located in the surrounding forests, with several primitive sites scattered along Mountain Lakes Road and near water features. The Mountain Lakes Road Dispersed site offers free camping with fire rings and picnic tables, suitable for both tents and RVs, including ATV campers. Oconto River sites provide riverside camping with some having picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, though several reviews mention rough access roads. A camper noted, "Turn off is rough. 4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily."

McCaslin Brook Dispersed sites feature three camping areas along the brook, each with a table and fire pit. These sites require a $5 nightly fee paid at Wheeler Walker Beach and include access to a wilderness toilet. A visitor wrote, "There 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." Most sites in the region have limited or no cell service, with the Sturgeon Bay Canal area being one exception where visitors reported good WiFi access. The 14-day public land camping limit typically applies throughout the area.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Oconto, Wisconsin (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Oconto, WI

2 Photos of 8 Oconto Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oconto, WI

10 Reviews of 8 Oconto Campgrounds

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 22, 2024

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Nice sites along brook

    There 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.

  • Robyn B.
    Jun. 14, 2025

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Hidden little gem by the brooke

    There 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Shady, Creek-Side, $5 Fee

    There 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.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed

    Rustic camping

    Small pull off little ways off 64 on mountain lakes Rd. Pick nik table and fire ring. Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy.

  • Zachary S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2023

    Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road

    Quaint and quiet. (Two campsites, dispersed from each other)

    Loved this spot. Stayed two nights, and the first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away. The campsite is right along a deep, and steadily moving stream. Water is very cold, and flows from an aquifer upstream.

    There is an outdoor toilet, and I've attempted to point it out in the pictures.

    The entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky. I believe a camper could make it going slowly. The second campsite entrance may have an easier time in.

    Do not follow road past campsites, either way unless your vehicle is lifted my sedan would have gotten stuck if I tried.

    Both campsites are accessed from the main road and have a brown "campsite" sign.

    AT&T: No Service.

  • C
    Mar. 22, 2024

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Easy access near town

    The McCauslin Brook runs through Townsend and Lakewood. There are a total of 3 sites in this location and all are on the Brook.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2024

    Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road

    Very cool spot

    Very cool spot right on the river. In ground fire pit. Decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic. No service :)

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road

    River off mountain lakes Rd

    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.

Guide to Oconto

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Oconto, Wisconsin, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Oconto, Wisconsin

  • Make sure to pack out what you pack in, as sites like Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road have limited trash disposal options, ensuring the area remains pristine for future visitors.

Enjoying the river while free camping near Oconto

  • For a serene experience by the water, check out McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the brook and take in the natural beauty surrounding you.

Dispersed campers should check out Farr Lake Wooded Camp

  • If you're seeking a more secluded experience, consider Farr Lake Wooded Camp, which offers a drive-in access point and a chance to connect with nature away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Oconto County?

Oconto County offers several dispersed camping options. Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road provides riverside camping with primitive sites accessible by vehicle, though 4x4 is recommended for some areas. Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed offers a small pull-off area not far from Highway 64 with space for ATV campers and toy haulers. Other options include Sturgeon Bay Canal and McCaslin Brook, each with their own unique setting. Most sites are primitive with varying levels of accessibility, so prepare accordingly for your vehicle type.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Oconto?

Dispersed camping in Oconto offers basic amenities that vary by location. Sturgeon Bay Canal provides a gravel parking area with a mowed section for tents and good WiFi connectivity. Pioneer Park offers easy access and large sites, though it's located near a highway. Most dispersed sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with some locations like McCaslin Brook offering vault toilets. Many sites are positioned near water sources such as brooks or rivers, but don't expect electricity, running water, or shower facilities. Come prepared with everything you need for self-sufficient camping.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Oconto?

Dispersed camping in Oconto generally follows national forest regulations. At McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, there's a $5 per night fee that must be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach. Most sites have a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Octonto River - South Branch requires a recreation pass, with options including Golden or Access passes. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all sites, and campers should maintain a clean campsite. Always check with the local ranger district for the most current regulations as they may change seasonally.

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