Best Dispersed Camping near Westby, WI

The Driftless Region surrounding Westby, Wisconsin features unique camping opportunities characterized by steep bluffs, river valleys, and forested terrain. Within an hour's drive, campers can access several dispersed camping areas including Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit in neighboring Minnesota and Crater Island in Wisconsin. These sites primarily offer primitive, no-facility camping experiences in scenic natural settings. The region's topography, shaped by ancient glacial activity that bypassed this area, creates distinctive camping environments with dramatic overlooks of the Mississippi River valley and secluded riverside locations.

Access to camping areas varies significantly by location and transportation method. Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest requires hiking in, while Crater Island is accessible only by boat. According to visitor Michael V., "This is a hike in camping spot, camp spots are not well marked," referring to the Reno Unit which features "beautiful hikes overlooking the driftless and Mississippi." Many sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the river valleys, with summer weekends being particularly busy at water-accessible sites. The Root River Canoe Campsite exemplifies the region's rustic options, described as "free to stay here, and doesn't seem like people really camp here anymore."

Water-based camping represents a significant draw in the area. Crater Island attracts boaters seeking a social atmosphere, with one visitor noting it can host "big parties in the cove" during summer weekends. The island offers "just sand and water" with no facilities, though visitors should be aware of potential closures during dredging operations. For those seeking quieter experiences, the Root River Canoe Campsite provides a more secluded option with basic amenities including "a pit toilet, picnic tables, and a fire ring." This former Boy Scout camp remains "ideal for tent camping via bike, kayak or canoe," though visitors note the river has changed course over time, placing the campsite farther from the water than in previous decades.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Westby, Wisconsin (3)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Westby, WI

3 Reviews of 3 Westby 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 Westby

Dispersed camping near Westby, Wisconsin takes visitors into the unique Driftless Area landscape characterized by steep ridges, deep valleys, and hardwood forests. This region offers primitive camping opportunities within proximity to the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge and various state forest lands. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, while summer camping conditions typically feature high humidity with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F.

What to do

Hiking access required: Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit requires some preparation as one camper notes, "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." The terrain presents challenging elevation changes typical of the unglaciated Driftless topography.

Riverside exploration: Root River Canoe Campsite provides access points for water recreation though the river position has shifted over time. The campsite 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."

Boat camping: Crater Island requires watercraft for access and offers shoreline camping without facilities. During summer weekends, expect a social atmosphere as the island attracts boaters seeking sand beaches and protected coves.

What campers like

Primitive solitude: The rustic camping spots near Westby provide minimal infrastructure and maximum connection to nature. Root River Canoe Campsite "has a pit toilet, picnic tables, and a fire ring. Ideal for tent camping via bike, kayak or canoe."

River valley views: Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit offers exceptional vistas of the Mississippi River valley from elevated positions. According to visitor reports, the area features "beautiful hikes overlooking the driftless and Mississippi."

No reservation needed: Free dispersed camping opportunities throughout the region allow for spontaneous trips without advance planning. At Root River, "it's free to stay here, and doesn't seem like people really camp here anymore," making it a reliable option even during busy seasons.

What you should know

Pack out all trash: No garbage service exists at these primitive camping locations. Campers must bring their own waste bags and carry out everything they bring in.

Limited marking: Finding suitable camping spots can require exploration and prior research. At Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest, "camp spots are not well marked I stayed in the old rock Cory when I camped here."

Water access considerations: Many sites have changing water conditions. One visitor to Crater Island reports, "If it is closed, there are plenty of islands and beaches near by to set up for camping," referring to potential closures during dredging operations.

Tips for camping with families

Multi-use trail access: Several camping areas connect to regional bike paths and hiking routes. At Root River, "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."

Safety precautions: The steep terrain in the Driftless Area requires careful supervision of children. At some locations like Richard J Dorer, trails follow bluff edges with significant drops that are "not for those that are scared of heights."

Alternative locations: For families seeking more amenities, consider established campgrounds within 30-45 minutes of Westby instead of the more primitive dispersed options.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: The dispersed camping options near Westby are not suitable for RVs due to access limitations and terrain. Crater Island is "boat-in" only, while other locations require hiking in or have limited vehicle access.

Nearby alternatives: RV campers should look to established campgrounds with designated parking areas and appropriate facilities within the broader region rather than attempting to access these primitive sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Westby, 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 Westby, WI?

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