Dispersed camping sites dot the forest areas surrounding Wausaukee, Wisconsin, where campers find primitive spots nestled along rivers and creeks. The Nicolet National Forest offers several rustic camping options, with most sites located on unpaved forest roads. During spring and early summer, rain often creates challenging access conditions for standard vehicles, while fall brings drier ground and cooler temperatures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road provides access to cold-water fishing. One visitor noted the river "is very cold, and flows from an aquifer upstream," making it ideal for trout fishing during season.
Waterfall exploration: Several campers mention a waterfall near Mountain Lakes Road dispersed sites. "The campsite is right along a deep, and steadily moving stream. Water is very cold...the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away," explains one reviewer at Oconto River sites.
ATV/UTV trail access: Mountain Lakes Rd Dispersed camping area connects directly to local trail systems. As one camper describes it as a "Big site for ATV campers right off trail can probably get toy hauler in here easy."
What campers like
Peaceful river settings: Many dispersed sites feature direct water access. A camper at Oconto River - South Branch described their experience as "Peace for $5" and noted there are "2 campsites at this trailhead, pretty well spaced apart."
Natural quiet: Despite proximity to forest roads, several sites offer remarkable quiet. One camper reported that at Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road, "the first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall."
Multiple site options: Free camping near Wausaukee includes various pull-off areas on forest roads. A visitor to McCaslin Brook mentioned "There are three sites two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in."
What you should know
Access challenges: Most forest roads require cautious driving. At Oconto River, a reviewer warned, "Do not follow road past campsites, either way unless your vehicle is lifted" and "The entrance was doable for my sedan, but was tricky."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by carrier and location. At McCaslin Brook Dispersed site, one camper found "There was no AT&T to speak of, but TMobile had 20 down/1 up."
Fee structure: While some sites are free, others require payment. For Oconto River - South Branch, "Unless you have the Golden or Access pass, it is $5/day."
Toilet availability: Basic vault toilets exist at select locations. One camper at Oconto River - South Branch mentioned "There is a clean and maintained vault toilet."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for shade: Many forest sites provide dense tree cover. One camper at McCaslin Brook noted they "ultimately decided not to stay here simply because it was so shaded. While that made it nice and cool, it made solar & Starlink impossible."
Campsite spacing: When seeking privacy with children, specific sites offer better separation. At McCaslin Brook, one review mentioned the third site is "a deep, large site away from the road" and "is so spacious and could easily be for a large group."
Water safety: Stream and river sites require supervision. The Oconto River has "deep, and steadily moving stream" conditions according to reviewers.
Tips from RVers
Access clearance issues: Forest road entrances often present challenges. A McCaslin Brook camper warned, "Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road" and another mentioned they "bottomed our minivan coming in."
Site size considerations: Not all dispersed camping near Wausaukee accommodates larger rigs. One camper at McCaslin Brook advised the "Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."
Four-wheel drive recommendation: Forest road conditions typically require appropriate vehicles. A reviewer at Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road stated "4x4 recommended. 2wd truck couldn't make it easily."
