Best Dispersed Camping near Roberts, WI

Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River offers a primitive dispersed camping option near Roberts, Wisconsin, situated along the Ice Age Trail. This public site on the St. Croix River provides backcountry camping access with minimal facilities. The site requires a permit for overnight stays and falls under regulations for primitive camping areas. While technically dispersed, the site has a designated camping pad and basic infrastructure not typically found at completely undeveloped locations.

Access to Sandy Cove requires hiking in from nearby trail access points, as the area does not permit vehicle entry. The site features a fire ring and picnic table with wheelchair accessibility features, including an extra-long side on the table. An open-air vault toilet is available up a path from the main camping area. No drinking water is provided, and campers must pack in all necessary supplies. Alcohol is permitted, but standard leave-no-trace principles apply, especially given the site's riverfront location and proximity to the Ice Age Trail.

The campsite's position directly on the St. Croix River provides scenic views and river access, though conditions may vary seasonally. The location's easy accessibility from nearby trails appears to make it a popular spot, which has occasionally led to litter issues. According to a visitor, "The ease of access probably makes this a hangout spot as we saw a good amount of refuse around the pad." Flooding can affect the site during spring thaw periods, potentially displacing the fire ring and picnic table. The nearby Lions Park offers additional recreational opportunities, accessible via a well-maintained crushed gravel path that connects to the southern portion of the Ice Age Trail.