Searching for the best camping near Tomahawk, WI? Tomahawk is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Tomahawk, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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."
"This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."
"Tent spot by lake boat access."
"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."
"Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest."
"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."
"On small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake"
"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."
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.
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.
GuideA single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake
LegendThis remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer.
GuideNice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access.
LegendI 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. Many hiking trails are nearby.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of freedom. With various spots available, you can find the perfect place to unwind and connect with the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Tomahawk, Wisconsin?
The Tomahawk area offers several excellent dispersed camping options in the surrounding national forest. Horn Lake Camping provides two primitive campsites with fire rings right on the water at a cul-de-sac with boat access. For a more secluded experience, try Woodbury Lake Campsite which features a sandy beach perfect for swimming or paddling. Many dispersed sites are located along forest roads or near small lakes throughout the Nicolet-Chequamegon National Forest, providing peaceful nature experiences with varying amenities like fire rings and wilderness toilets.
Are there any free camping spots in the Tomahawk area?
Yes, the Tomahawk area offers several free dispersed camping options. Wolf Lake Campsite is a small, free site along a paved road with amenities including a fire ring, picnic table, and wilderness toilet - perfect for tent camping or small pop-ups. Indian Lake provides easily accessible free camping just off a paved road, designed primarily for tents but with parking that might accommodate a small trailer. Most dispersed sites in the national forest are free, though some may have minimal parking fees (around $5) for certain locations.
What permits are required for dispersed camping in Tomahawk?
Dispersed camping in the Tomahawk area generally requires minimal permits. Some sites like Three Johns Lake Dispersed have a $5 national forest parking fee, but no camping-specific permit. Harriet Lake Campsite and similar dispersed sites in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest follow standard national forest guidelines, which typically allow up to 14 days of camping with no advance reservation required. Always check the latest regulations with the USFS Eagle River-Florence Ranger District office before your trip, as permit requirements may change seasonally or annually.
When is the best season for dispersed camping in Tomahawk?
Late spring through early fall offers the best dispersed camping experience in Tomahawk. May through September provides ideal conditions at sites like McKinley Lake Dispersed, with May featuring fewer mosquitoes according to campers. Bose Lake Campsite and similar locations are most accessible during summer months when forest roads are dry and well-maintained. Fall brings beautiful colors and fewer crowds. While winter camping is possible at locations like FR 2140 Dispersed, it requires specialized gear and experience. Summer visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes, especially during calm weather, though sites near water often benefit from natural breezes.
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