Best Dispersed Camping near Viroqua, WI

Dispersed camping near Viroqua, Wisconsin centers on several primitive sites in the surrounding region, primarily in neighboring Minnesota and Wisconsin public lands. Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit in Minnesota permits free dispersed camping with hike-in and walk-in access. The forest features steep terrain with significant drop-offs and provides views overlooking the Driftless Area and Mississippi River. Crater Island offers boat-in primitive camping opportunities, while Root River Canoe Campsite provides another option accessible by boat or on foot.

Access to these dispersed sites varies considerably by location. Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest requires hiking to reach camping areas, which are not well marked according to visitors. Crater Island is exclusively accessible by boat, making watercraft necessary for campers. The Root River site can be reached via a bike trail with a fork leading directly to the campground, or by canoe and kayak. None of these locations offer drinking water, electric hookups, or other amenities typical of developed campgrounds. All sites permit campfires and allow pets and alcohol.

These primitive camping areas each provide distinct experiences based on their location and access methods. "This is an awesome place to hike, not a very long hike but it's steep with drop offs. Not for those that are scared of heights," notes one visitor about the Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest. Crater Island tends to attract larger gatherings, with a review mentioning "Big parties in the cove. No bathrooms no showers, just sand and water. Very busy on weekends in the summer." The Root River Canoe Campsite has historical significance as a former Boy Scout campsite and offers more amenities than the other locations, including picnic tables and pit toilets, though "the river changed course and is further away than it once was." These sites remain free options for campers seeking primitive experiences near Viroqua.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Viroqua, Wisconsin (3)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Viroqua, WI

3 Reviews of 3 Viroqua Campgrounds


  • Michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2022

    Root River Canoe Campsite

    Old Boy Scout Campsite

    This was used and built by Boy Scouts ages ago. It’s still exist, however the river changed course and is further away than it once was. There is a bike trail that had a fork in the road that leads right to it someone could walk, hike, canoe or kayak to access this campground. I haven’t camped here since the 90’s, but have visited it in the last 5 years via bike, walking, and kayak. It’s free to stay here, and doesn’t seem like people really camp here anymore. Has a pit toilet, picnic tables, and a fire ring. Ideal for tent camping via bike, kayak or canoe.

  • Michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful hikes overlooking the driftless and Mississippi

    This is an awesome place to hike, not a very long hike but it’s steep with drop offs. Not for those that are scared of heights.

    This is a hike in camping spot, camp spots are not well marked I stayed in the old rock Cory when I camped here, years ago.

  • Michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Crater Island

    Great place for camping via Boat

    Big parties in the cove. No bathrooms no showers, just sand and water. Very busy on weekends in the summer, as long as there is no dredging operations going on, otherwise it’s closed. If it is closed, there are plenty of islands and beaches near by to set up for camping.


Guide to Viroqua

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Viroqua, Wisconsin, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors in a more rustic setting.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Viroqua, Wisconsin

  • Make sure to bring your own water and firewood, as locations like Crater Island do not provide these amenities.

Dispersed campers should check out Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit

  • This area offers stunning hikes with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, making it a perfect spot for those who enjoy both camping and exploring nature trails, as highlighted by visitors of Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit.

Root River Canoe Campsite for dispersed campers

  • Ideal for those who enjoy water activities, Root River Canoe Campsite provides access for canoes and kayaks, allowing you to explore the river while enjoying a peaceful camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Viroqua, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Viroqua, WI is Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Viroqua, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Viroqua, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.