Dispersed camping areas near Summit Lake, Wisconsin provide access to remote lakes and rivers within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The region contains numerous small lakes connected by forest roads, with many sites situated on waterfront locations. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer days typically reach 70-85°F. These primitive sites operate under standard National Forest dispersed camping regulations, requiring campers to pack out all waste.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Three Johns Lake offers a secluded paddling experience with a single tent-only site accessed by a short walk from the parking area. Visitors note the $5 National Forest parking fee required here. The quiet lake provides excellent wildlife viewing with minimal disruption.
Fishing access: Horn Lake Camping features spots directly on the water with a boat launch at the end of a cul-de-sac. A camper noted, "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."
Swimming spots: Woodbury Lake Campsite offers a sandy beach area ideal for cooling off during summer months. As one visitor mentioned, "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
Wildlife viewing: Wolf Lake Campsite provides excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife, especially birds. A reviewer shared, "I love this campsite. The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Mountain Lakes Road dispersed site provides seclusion despite being relatively accessible. A camper reported, "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."
Natural surroundings: Wolf Lake Campsite receives praise for its undisturbed setting. One visitor shared, "Many hiking trails are nearby," while another mentioned, "Small campsite along paved road, fire ring and picnic table, wilderness toilet."
Convenience to trails: Octonto River - South Branch provides campsites at a trailhead location with relatively well-maintained facilities. A reviewer commented, "There are 2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart. There is a clean and maintained vault toilet."
Budget-friendly options: Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest provides no-cost camping with water access. A camper noted, "Stunning, got here on a Monday night and no one was here. Sites are right on the water."
What you should know
Access challenges: Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road requires careful vehicle assessment. One camper warned, "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily," while another added, "Small site little rough to get into a lot of trash left."
Facility limitations: Primitive sites throughout the area have minimal facilities, typically just fire rings. One camper at Horn Lake noted, "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."
Fee structures: Some sites require payment despite being dispersed. At McCaslin Brook, a reviewer explained, "The cost is $5 a night to be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach," while others remain free.
Site configurations: McCaslin Brook offers varied site options with different privacy levels. A visitor detailed, "There are three sites two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in. Middle camp site has best access to brook."
Tips for camping with families
Lake selection: Indian Lake offers a single accessible site appropriate for families. A visitor noted, "The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It's intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area."
Swimming safety: Woodbury Lake provides a sandy beach area with gradual water entry suitable for children. As one reviewer mentioned, "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies dramatically across sites. At Oconto River, visitors report, "No service," while at other locations, limited data may be available.
Insect preparation: Mosquito activity varies by season and site. At Horn Lake, one visitor shared, "A few mosquitoes, but the wind kept them to a minimum! Great view of the lake and very private."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: McCaslin Brook Dispersed site offers varied options for different vehicle sizes. A reviewer specified, "Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."
Entrance conditions: Access points at several sites present challenges. At McCaslin Brook, a camper reported, "Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road."
Solar considerations: Sites with heavy tree cover impact solar capabilities. At Octonto River - South Branch, a visitor noted, "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."
Pull-through availability: Mountain Lakes Road dispersed site offers pull-through options convenient for trailers. As one camper observed, "Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy."
