Best Dispersed Camping near Rothschild, WI

Dispersed camping near Rothschild, Wisconsin centers primarily around Horn Lake in Lincoln County Forest, approximately 60 miles north of Rothschild. This area provides free primitive camping opportunities on public forest land with no established facilities or reservation systems. Two main camping spots with stone fire rings are located at the end of a forest road near a boat launch, offering direct lake access for campers seeking a no-fee wilderness experience.

Access to Horn Lake camping requires navigation along approximately 2 miles of dirt road. Most vehicles can reach the main sites by turning right at the ATV trail junction, though larger RVs exceeding 20 feet may have difficulty. The left fork at the road's T-intersection features additional potential camping areas but involves narrow, twisting roads suitable only for smaller vehicles like teardrop trailers. These primitive sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

The Horn Lake area provides a secluded lakeside camping experience with opportunities for fishing and boating. "Great spot right on the water," noted one camper who appreciated the quiet setting. The sites are relatively close together, separated by about 40 feet on a cul-de-sac at the end of the access road. Another visitor mentioned, "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." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist, though campers should respect private property boundaries to the north of the camping area. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with some reviewers noting manageable mosquito populations, particularly when lake breezes help keep insects at bay.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Rothschild, Wisconsin (2)

    1. Horn Lake Camping

    4 Reviews
    Irma, WI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 539-1034

    "Land to the north is private property, so keep that in mind. You'll see a few houses on the way in.
    If you travel to the left where the road "T's" off, take care."

    "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."

    2. Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest

    1 Review
    Irma, WI
    29 miles

    "Dirt road was fine for our older 29’ rv"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rothschild, WI

11 Photos of 2 Rothschild Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rothschild, WI

4 Reviews of 2 Rothschild Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2024

    Horn Lake Camping

    Excellent camp spot

    Great spot right on the water. There are 2 camp spots with stone rings. They are about 40' apart on a cul-de-sac at the end of the road where the boat launch is. 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. 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.
    If you travel to the left where the road "T's" off, take care. The road is tight and very twisty. There are numerous spots to camp, but no pits to the left. 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Horn Lake Camping

    Great Little Spot

    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Horn Lake Camping

    Great spot

    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.

  • Jarrett G.
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Horn Lake Camping

    Simple and Free

    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.


Guide to Rothschild

Dispersed camping options near Rothschild, Wisconsin extend beyond Horn Lake to several primitive sites throughout Lincoln County Forest. The area sits within Wisconsin's Northern Highland region at elevations between 1,500-1,600 feet, characterized by mixed hardwood forests and numerous small glacial lakes. Winter temperatures can drop below -20°F, while summer highs typically reach 75-85°F with moderate humidity compared to southern Wisconsin.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Horn Lake Camping provides direct water access for anglers seeking bass, northern pike, and panfish. "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," reports Jarrett G. about this free lakeside camping area.

Explore ATV trails: The forest road system connecting to camping areas includes designated ATV trails. "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," advises Jay S.

Wildlife observation: The Lincoln County Forest area hosts white-tailed deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Campers at Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest can explore surrounding woodland habitat for wildlife viewing opportunities while respecting boundaries between public forest and private property.

What campers like

Lakefront access: The proximity to water makes Horn Lake appealing for primitive camping. "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," notes Skip H.

No-fee camping: Budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the free camping available. "Simple and Free" titled one review, highlighting the appeal of basic accommodations without cost.

Seasonal mosquito variations: Timing your visit can significantly impact insect encounters. One camper reported, "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."

What you should know

Fire pit conditions: Previous visitor behavior occasionally impacts site quality. "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," warns Skip H.

Distance between sites: Limited privacy exists between the main camping areas. The two established spots at Horn Lake are separated by approximately 40 feet on the cul-de-sac at the road's end near the boat launch.

Road navigation challenges: Access roads narrow significantly in some areas. According to experienced campers, "If you travel to the left where the road 'T's' off, take care. The road is tight and very twisty. There are numerous spots to camp, but no pits to the left."

Tips for camping with families

Water safety precautions: Horn Lake's immediate shoreline access requires vigilance with children. No lifeguards or designated swimming areas exist at these rustic camping near Rothschild locations.

Supply planning: The remote nature of these sites requires thorough preparation. All drinking water, food, and safety supplies must be packed in as no potable water sources exist on site.

Campfire alternatives: Consider bringing a portable propane stove during dry conditions or if existing fire rings are unsuitable. This provides cooking options while minimizing environmental impact in these primitive camping areas.

Tips from RVers

Vehicle length restrictions: RV accessibility varies significantly by location within the forest. "I would not recommend going to the left unless the max you're hauling is a teardrop. Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are," advises one experienced camper.

Turnaround space: The cul-de-sac at Horn Lake provides limited maneuvering room for larger vehicles. Smaller trailers and campervans handle the forest roads better than full-size motorhomes or travel trailers.

Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at these dispersed sites by bringing leveling blocks or jacks. The primitive nature of this rustic camping near Rothschild means no graded or designated parking pads exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rothschild, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rothschild, WI is Horn Lake Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.