Dispersed camping near Three Lakes, Wisconsin centers around several small lakeside sites in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Free primitive campsites can be found at Wolf Lake, Woodbury Lake, Three Johns Lake, Harriet Lake, McKinley Lake, Bose Lake, Robinson Lake, and Two Sisters Lake. Most sites are single-unit areas with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, offering direct lake access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. The sites provide opportunities for backcountry camping experiences while remaining accessible by vehicle.
Access roads to many dispersed sites require careful navigation, with several campers noting narrow, potholed, or washed-out entrance roads. Most sites accommodate small trailers or popup campers (under 20 feet), while a few can only fit tents. Sites generally include fire rings and picnic tables but lack drinking water, restrooms, or hookups. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in these off-grid locations. Some areas like Three Johns Lake require a $5 parking fee for National Forest access, though most sites remain free.
These lakeside dispersed camping areas provide quiet, secluded experiences with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and water activities. Many sites sit on small, motor-free lakes ideal for paddling and fishing. The remote settings offer peaceful natural surroundings with minimal crowds. Campers particularly appreciate the sandy beaches at some locations like Woodbury Lake, which one reviewer described as "a remote site with a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling." Another noted that Wolf Lake "belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach." Several hiking trails connect to these camping areas, enhancing recreational opportunities for backcountry visitors.
"I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp. Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water."
"The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach. The parking area is adequate, I’ve seen small trailers set up here. Many hiking trails are nearby."
"This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
"Tent spot by lake boat access."
"Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest."
"On small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake"
"A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake"
"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. Many hiking opportunities are nearby."
"Single campsite on small lake. Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot. Fire ring and picknick table. Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
"Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days."
GuideThere 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.
TravelerThere 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.
GuideTwo sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days.
GuideTents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest.
RangerGreat 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.
GuideWinter camped here, was a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite,but no water access to butternut lake or it would have been 5 star. There is access down the road.Did get one bar of cell (cricket) full with 20 foot ant. Note I've been through here in summer and the road is gravel very dusty from traffic.
TravelerA 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.
GuideStunning, got here on a Monday night and no one was here. Sites are right on the water. Dirt road was fine for our older 29’ rv
GuideSmall campsite along paved road,fire ring and picnic table ,wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet fishing was so so. I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp. Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Three Lakes, Wisconsin extend throughout the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where sites average 2,000-foot elevations among mixed northern hardwood forests. The camping season typically runs May through October, with July temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day and 55-60°F at night. Most sites require navigating Forest Service roads that can become challenging after heavy rainfall.
Paddle non-motorized lakes: McKinley Lake Dispersed offers excellent kayaking opportunities with easy lake access. "A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake," notes one camper who rated the experience highly.
Wildlife photography: At Wolf Lake Campsite, loons are frequently spotted. "The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach," reports one visitor who appreciates the natural setting.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple forest service trails connect these camping areas. At FR 2140 Dispersed off Hidden Lakes Trail, campers can access hiking paths directly from their site. "There is hiking trail access from campsite," mentions one winter visitor who noted getting "one bar of cell (cricket)" service.
Sandy beaches for swimming: Woodbury Lake Campsite features a natural beach area popular with swimmers. As one reviewer notes: "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
Secluded fishing spots: Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite offers peaceful fishing opportunities away from crowds. "Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring," according to a camper who valued the seclusion.
Easy road access: Some sites balance seclusion with accessibility. "Indian Lake 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," explains one reviewer.
Multiple lakeside options: Free camping near Three Lakes, Wisconsin includes numerous small-lake sites where visitors can find solitude. "I love this campsite. The small lake belongs to a pair of loons that will share their fish and sandy beach," notes one Wolf Lake visitor.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to many dispersed sites require careful driving. Regarding Bose Lake Campsite, one camper warns: "Road to get in is narrow and pot holed."
Seasonal considerations: During summer months, dust can be an issue on some access roads. A camper at FR 2140 noted: "I've been through here in summer and the road is gravel very dusty from traffic."
Limited amenities: Most sites offer basic facilities only. At Harriet Lake Campsite, expect "fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10 to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake," according to a recent visitor.
Parking fees apply at select sites: While most sites offer no-cost camping near Three Lakes, Wisconsin, some require day-use permits. At Three Johns Lake Dispersed, there's a "5 dollar parking national Forest" fee according to visitor reports.
Choose sites with beach access: For family-friendly swimming, Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite provides suitable shorelines. "Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days," notes one visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reviews like for Three Lakes dispersed camping areas?
The Three Lakes dispersed camping areas receive consistently positive reviews, with most sites rated 4-5 stars. McCaslin Brook Dispersed site features three sites with tables, fire pits, and toilet facilities for $5/night, with varying sizes to accommodate different camping setups. Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite offers two lakeside sites with sand-bottom shores, picnic tables, and fire rings at no cost, with a 14-day stay limit. Many dispersed sites throughout the area provide direct water access, peaceful settings, and basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, making them ideal for campers seeking a more primitive experience with natural surroundings.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Three Lakes, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Three Lakes, WI is Wolf Lake Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Three Lakes, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Three Lakes, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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