Primitive camping near Tomahawk, Wisconsin centers primarily on small forest lakes within the Nicolet-Chequamegon National Forest and Lincoln County Forest lands. Most dispersed sites sit on sandy soil typical of the northern Wisconsin glacial landscape, where elevation ranges from 1,450 to 1,650 feet. Many campsites feature access roads that become severely rutted during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall, making high-clearance vehicles necessary for some locations.
What to do
Fishing on small lakes: The numerous small lakes provide fishing opportunities with minimal competition. At Indian 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," reports Kay K.
Paddling quiet waters: Non-motorized lakes offer peaceful paddling experiences. Woodbury Lake Campsite provides "a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer," according to Kay K.
Wildlife observation: The remote nature of these sites creates excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Wolf Lake Campsite visitors often report loon sightings: "I love this campsite. 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," notes Kay K.
What campers like
Direct water access: Most primitive sites provide immediate lake access without crowds. At Harriet Lake Campsite, you'll find a "fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake," according to hesselinkj@yahoo.com.
Solitude and privacy: The remote locations ensure minimal disruption. At Horn Lake Camping, one visitor noted: "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." (Jarrett G.)
No reservation hassles: Sites operate on first-come, first-served basis. During off-peak seasons, availability improves significantly. Charles N. reports about Horn Lake Camping: "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
Limited facilities: Prepare for truly primitive conditions. Three Johns Lake Dispersed offers a "walk in campsite. Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest," notes hesselinkj@yahoo.com.
Road conditions vary: Many access roads deteriorate significantly during wet periods. Regarding Bose Lake Campsite, one camper warned, "Road to get in is narrow and pot holed" (hesselinkj@yahoo.com).
Site limitations: Most sites accommodate only small camping setups. McKinley Lake Dispersed has a "single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake," according to hesselinkj@yahoo.com.
Tips for camping with families
Choose lakeside sites with sandy beaches: Some lakes offer natural swimming areas with gradual entry points. At Wolf Lake Campsite, "Small campsite along paved road,fire ring and picnic table, wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet fishing was so so," reports hesselinkj@yahoo.com.
Pack insect protection: Mosquito populations vary seasonally but can become intense. Jay S. noted about Horn Lake Camping: "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."
Bring portable toilet facilities: No established restroom facilities exist at these sites. For winter camping at FR 2140 Dispersed, hesselinkj@yahoo.com reports it's a "nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite, but no water access to butternut lake."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions are significant: Most sites accommodate only small trailers. At Woodbury Lake Campsite, "Nice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access," notes hesselinkj@yahoo.com.
Check access routes before committing: Road conditions determine accessibility for towed vehicles. At Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest, Justine I. found: "Stunning, 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."
Pack leveling blocks: Sites are rarely level or graded. When camping at Wolf Lake Campsite, hesselinkj@yahoo.com advised, "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."
