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Best Dispersed Camping near Tomahawk, WI

13 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Tomahawk in northern Wisconsin, primarily concentrated around small lakes within Lincoln County Forest. Horn Lake Camping offers two primitive sites with stone fire rings approximately 40 feet apart at a cul-de-sac near a boat launch. The site requires traveling about 2 miles on dirt roads to access. A camper noted, "Great spot right on the water. Anyone up to 20' would be OK going to the right where the established 2 sites are."

The Nicolet-Chequamegon National Forest area northeast of Tomahawk provides additional lakeside dispersed options including Woodbury Lake, Wolf Lake, Three Johns Lake, and McKinley Lake. Most sites feature fire rings, with some including picnic tables. These primitive sites lack facilities such as toilets, drinking water, or trash service. Road conditions vary, with several sites noting rough access roads. A review mentioned, "Small campsite along paved road, fire ring and picnic table. I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp." Most locations accommodate tent camping with limited space for small trailers under 15 feet, and many sites provide direct lake access for paddling or fishing.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Tomahawk, Wisconsin (11)

    1. Horn Lake Camping

    4 Reviews
    Irma, WI
    13 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
    13 miles

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

    3. Woodbury Lake Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Hiles, WI
    41 miles

    "This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer."

    "Tent spot by lake boat access."

    4. Wolf Lake Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Three Lakes, WI
    41 miles

    "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."

    5. Three Johns Lake Dispersed

    1 Review
    Three Lakes, WI
    47 miles

    "Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest."

    6. McKinley Lake Dispersed

    1 Review
    Three Lakes, WI
    48 miles

    "A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake"

    7. Indian Lake

    1 Review
    Three Lakes, WI
    48 miles

    "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."

    8. Harriet Lake Campsite

    1 Review
    Three Lakes, WI
    46 miles

    "On small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake"

    9. Bose Lake Campsite

    1 Review
    Three Lakes, WI
    48 miles

    "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."

    10. FR 2140 Dispersed off Hidden Lakes Trail

    1 Review
    Three Lakes, WI
    48 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Tomahawk, WI

20 Photos of 11 Tomahawk Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tomahawk, WI

13 Reviews of 11 Tomahawk Campgrounds

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Three Johns Lake Dispersed

    Walk in campsite

    Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest.

  • 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.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Jan. 10, 2025

    FR 2140 Dispersed off Hidden Lakes Trail

    Nice Spot in National forest

    Winter 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.

  • 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.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Wolf Lake Campsite

    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. 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.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 4, 2024

    McKinley Lake Dispersed

    McKinley lake camp site

    A single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Woodbury Lake Campsite

    Sweet spot on small lake

    This remote site has a sandy beach great for swimming or paddling. There is space for a trailer.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Woodbury Lake Campsite

    Out of the way spot

    Nice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wolf Lake Campsite

    Beautiful small lake

    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. Many hiking trails are nearby.

Guide to Tomahawk

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.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Tomahawk, Wisconsin

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Horn Lake Camping, offer a peaceful environment with no fees, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; sites often lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets, so plan accordingly and bring your own supplies.
  • Always check local regulations, as some areas may have specific rules regarding campfires and waste disposal to preserve the natural beauty.

Fishing and boating opportunities while free camping near Tomahawk

  • Horn Lake and Lincoln County Forest provides access to fishing and boating, perfect for those looking to spend their days on the water.
  • The nearby Woodbury Lake Campsite features a boat access point, allowing campers to easily launch their boats and enjoy a day of fishing or exploring the lake.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Wolf Lake Campsite, where you can fish in a tranquil setting away from the crowds.

Scenic views and wildlife encounters while dispersed camping

  • Enjoy breathtaking views at McKinley Lake Dispersed, where you can set up camp right next to the water and soak in the natural beauty.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife while camping at Three Johns Lake Dispersed, where the serene environment attracts various birds and animals.
  • The Harriet Lake Campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the sounds of nature.

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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