Dispersed camping near Ringle, Wisconsin offers several primitive sites throughout Lincoln County Forest and surrounding public lands. Most locations sit between 1,200 and 1,500 feet elevation in a mixed northern hardwood forest ecosystem. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 50-60°F at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Horn Lake provides smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing accessed directly from waterfront campsites. According to visitor Jarrett G., "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."
Wildlife viewing: The Oconto River South Branch area offers excellent bird watching opportunities along the river corridor. Camper Rebecca B. notes, "There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart. The first has more of an opening if solar and Starlink matter to you. The second was tucked in the back where the road turns around."
ATV trail access: Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed camping provides direct access to regional ATV trail networks. Review by hesselinkj@yahoo.com states, "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."
What campers like
Waterfront location: Horn Lake Camping offers direct lake access with shoreline campsites. Jay S. reports, "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. Two camp sites 10 yards apart."
Secluded atmosphere: Many primitive camping sites near Ringle remain uncrowded even during summer months. Charles N. shares about Horn Lake, "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."
River sounds: The flowing water at Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road creates a natural soundtrack for campers. Nick H. comments, "Very cool spot right on the river. In ground fire pit. Decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic. No service."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. Michael U. warns about Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily."
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping offers fewer insects but potential for muddy conditions. Zachary S. describes Oconto River, "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."
Fire safety: Always check current fire restrictions before visiting as regulations change seasonally based on drought conditions. Some established fire rings may need cleaning before use as hesselinkj@yahoo.com noted about one river site: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: River sites have variable water depths and currents. Children should be supervised near water at all times especially at Oconto River where deep pools exist.
Site selection: Choose the more established sites for easier family camping. At Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest, the cul-de-sac location provides natural boundaries for younger children.
Toilet facilities: Most primitive sites lack restroom facilities. The Oconto River South Branch location does provide maintained vault toilets, which Rebecca B. describes as "clean and maintained."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Ringle accommodate smaller rigs only. Horn Lake Camping can handle units up to 20 feet when taking the right fork at the T-intersection.
Leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling blocks as many sites feature uneven terrain. Oconto River sites particularly require careful positioning for trailers.
Turnaround space: Several locations have limited space for turning larger vehicles. Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed camping provides more open area suitable for toy haulers accessing ATV trails.
