Best Dispersed Camping in Wisconsin

With the well-known water borders of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Mississippi River, and the natural wonders of The Dells, stunning island sea caves, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the hardest part about camping in Wisconsin is deciding where to go.

There are over 5,000 campsites in the state park system, and many more options for remote rustic camping, family campgrounds, and wilderness cabins. It’s important to think about what kind of experience you want. Trust that the Badger State will live up to its outdoor recreation reputation – but for those looking for a tame trip camping in Wisconsin’s forests, hopefully not its nickname.

Factoid: Wisconsin got its nickname, The Badger State, because of lead miners in the 1800s that often lived in tunnels burrowed in the hillsides to shelter in the winter. The miners were nicknamed “badgers.” Actual badger encounters are incredibly rare in Wisconsin.

For those who might be mildly disappointed by the lack of badger action, you’re probably the type looking for a rustic wilderness experience. Some of the best options for more remote camping in Wisconsin include Bagley Rapids Campground, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Rock Island State Park, Big Bay State Park, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

One of the most visually stunning and unique places to experience in Wisconsin is the Apostle Islands archipelago off the southern shore of Lake Superior, with camping available on 19 of the 21 islands. Great options are available for all levels of tent or wild camping, with traditional sites, group campsites, and remote backpacking zones. One of the main attractions is the sea caves. They’re best viewed by a kayak, and unless you know the area, it would be smart to get a guide or take part in a tour to find the best spots, and more importantly, stay safe amongst the spectacular geological formations, sculpted by the same unpredictable water that needs to be respected when visiting the area.

If you’re looking for the true family fun experience while camping in Wisconsin, that doesn’t necessarily require wilderness survival skills, check out the Wisconsin Dells. This 5-mile glacially formed gorge is carved in sandstone on the banks of the Wisconsin River, with incredible naturally formed sculptures and canyons. The area has become one of the primary destinations in the state for outdoor recreation and family fun. There are a multitude of Wisconsin Dells cabins available for a memorable trip to “The Waterpark Capital of the World.”

When you’re looking for Wisconsin Dells cabins to rent, there are several cabin resorts boasting nearby outdoor activities, access to the Dells, and comfortable accommodations. Pay attention to the actual distance between your accommodations and The Dells, and be aware of the wide ranging term “cabin”, as some might not fit your definition. Just remember, go for the scenic views and natural beauty, stay for the water slides and food.

When camping in Wisconsin, it’s hard to go wrong with the state or national park system, with so many options and levels for all types of campers. With state’s like Wisconsin that have such variety, stick with us at The Dyrt for on-the-ground information about the region.

Best Dispersed Sites in Wisconsin (32)

    1. Lower Wisconsin Riverway

    4 Reviews
    Prairie du Sac, WI
    Website

    "I use the Wisconsin Canoe Company’s website for a lot of information for planning trips. They have detailed maps and guides for the entire Riverway."

    "It’s a truck route so at 6:30am it was busy with trucks and noisy which definitely took away from the vibe of dispersed camping.

    Water levels were good. Weather was beautiful."

    2. Afterhours Meadow

    4 Reviews
    Brule, WI

    "Boondocking great spot! Drive back in to open field."

    "Easy gravel road to the pin, there is one or two small sites on the left side of the road but we turned right and went down the 2 track (which was fine in 2wd vans w low clearance) and you end up in a"

    3. Horn Lake Camping

    4 Reviews
    Irma, WI
    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."

    4. McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    5 Reviews
    Lakewood, WI
    Website
    +1 (715) 362-1300

    "Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max."

    "The first site, east side, is a pull in right off the road with the pit and table a few steps down from the parking pad. The second site is a pull through facing west right off the road."

    5. Foster Falls

    3 Reviews
    Upson, WI
    Website

    "8 Mile drive off the main road. Mostly paved, some gravel, but all smooth. We had the place to ourselves. A short walk down to the waterfall."

    "Also got a bit nervous hearing timber wolves in the distance for a few hours at night then again in the early morning. But we practiced good camp hygiene and they left us alone."

    6. Chinty Lake Roadside Camp

    4 Reviews
    Sarona, WI
    Website
    +1 (715) 635-4073

    "Outside peaceful"

    7. Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road

    4 Reviews
    Mountain, WI

    "Stayed two nights, and the first night was almost absolutely silent other than the waterfall (difficult to access) about a mile away. The campsite is right along a deep, and steadily moving stream."

    "Decent amount of off-road vehicle traffic. No service :)"

    8. Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    3 Reviews
    Grantsburg, WI
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-2274

    "You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail."

    "Good location"

    9. County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    3 Reviews
    Harris, WI
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-2274

    "We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect!"

    10. Wolf Lake Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Three Lakes, WI

    "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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews in Wisconsin

43 Reviews of 32 Wisconsin Campgrounds


  • Siobhan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Lower Wisconsin Riverway

    Ranger Review- COAST headlamp on the Wisconsin River

    Spend another amazing weekend on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway! We did 15 miles this trip- put in at Lone Rock (Otter Creek) Friday and canoed about 6 miles until we found a nice high sandbar near Gotham Jack Pines Burren State Natural Area. We spend Saturday just hanging out and fishing, then paddled out 9 miles on Sunday to the Muscoda boat launch, where Wi River Outings gave us a shuttle back to our truck. Water was very high this trip- not many sandbars out there, but also not as many people. Fishing wasn’t too great either due to the high water, but we did get a bunch of catfish. Beautiful scenery, very few houses until we got closer to Muscoda. The Riverway goes 92 miles from the Sauk City Dam all the way to the Mississippi River and sandbar camping is free the entire way! Make sure to keep an eye on water levels for the area you will be on, and also the weather. (Shout out to the Midland weather radio that I’ve reviewed for the Dryt before that alerted us to the severe weather when it blew up out of nowhere!) I use the Wisconsin Canoe Company’s website for a lot of information for planning trips. They have detailed maps and guides for the entire Riverway. Remember that no glass is allowed on the river because the fine is pretty steep and no one wants to step barefoot on broken glass! You need to pack in everything you need, including water. The river is very sandy and eats through water filters quick. This is wilderness camping, yet close to town if you need supplies or assistance. Some firewood can be scrounged from the islands, or you can get some from many roadside stands or an outfitter. It was pretty hot this trip so we didn’t do a big fire, just a little one in the stick stove for some ambiance. The nice thing about being right on the river is being able to take a dip in the cool water any time it was too hot! Be careful of drop offs, especially on the downstream side of islands and make sure kids and people that aren’t strong swimmers always have a life jacket on when wading- the currents can get very strong. There are many loaner life jackets at many of the landings as part of a DNR program. Also be sure to bring lots of sunscreen and something to make some shade- it’s very sunny out there! As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I occasionally get gear to review. This trip I had the FL1R headlamp from Coast. Right out of the box I was surprised by how light it was- about 1 oz! I’m not too worried about weight on the canoe, but the small size meant I could shove it in my bag with no worries and not taking up a ton of space. The 200 lumen light really lit up a huge area. I wish I could have gotten better pictures, but it doesn’t really show up as good as it looked in real life. The battery lasted the entire weekend with no problem. Before the trip I tested it out at home and it lasted at continuous high power for over 3 hours. The red light feature was my favorite. It allowed me to do all kinds of tasks while keeping the bugs away. I also appreciated that it came with a hat clip if I preferred to use that instead of the included band. The splash resistance was also a must for on the water or in bad weather. Overall a very good headlamp and I would definitely order from Coast again.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Very quiet and beautiful

    I absolutely love this campground. You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail. Each one has a fire pit and a picnic table, and you could probably fit three or more tense at each site. We were there in June and there was only one other group there. The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service. There is a pit toilet by the parking lot. No trash, showers or water that we saw. 

  • Chris P.
    Aug. 8, 2024

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    CAMBA flow mama trailhead

    Small parking lot located off well-maintained gravel roads. Nice and quiet flat no facilities.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Aug. 22, 2024

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Nice sites along brook

    There are three sites two small one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in. Entrances need a lot of TLC washed out and large drop from paved road. Middle camp site has best access to brook I put a 8 foot pop up in it you could go bigger 20 foot max. One site I would say is tent only very tight. Wilderness toilet but they look pretty full.

  • Robyn B.
    Jun. 14, 2025

    McCaslin Brook Dispersed site

    Hidden little gem by the brooke

    There are 3 sites each with a table, fire pit, a toilet pit and right off the brooke. The cost is $5 a night to be paid at Wheeler Walker Beach. The first site, east side, is a pull in right off the road with the pit and table a few steps down from the parking pad. The second site is a pull through facing west right off the road. The easements were a little washed out. The third site is a deep, large site away from the road facing west, with a bad easement. There was some occasional traffic on the main road and a quite a few UTVs.

    No one else was here so we chose the third site away from the road. The only con we found to this site was the easement was really washed out and we bottomed our minivan coming in but were able to leave going out on the far right edge. The site is so spacious and could easily be for a large group.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    FlowMama Trail Head Dispersed

    Great access to bike trails

    Nice clean and quiet site. No facilities or cell service. Easy access to mountain bike trails. Keep it clean if you use it 🙏

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Nice secluded spot

    Two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days.

  • 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.


Guide to Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the tranquility of dispersed camping, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Wisconsin

  • Lower Wisconsin Riverway: Enjoy a beautiful campsite with a fire pit and leftover wood from previous visitors, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Horn Lake Camping: This spot is ideal for primitive campers, featuring two sites with fire rings and a serene lake view, all without the hassle of fees.
  • Foster Falls: A secluded area just a short walk from a stunning waterfall, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by towering trees.

Top attractions for dispersed campers

  • Oconto River off Mountain Lake Road: Nestled along a deep, steadily moving stream, this site offers a quaint and quiet atmosphere with a nearby outdoor toilet for convenience.
  • County Road O Landing: Located in the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, this area features a boat ramp and is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great spot for fishing and exploring.
  • Wisconsin Sandrock Cliffs: This picturesque location boasts sandstone cliffs and hiking trails along the Saint Croix River, perfect for those looking to combine camping with outdoor adventures.

Top activities while free camping in Wisconsin

  • Canoeing at Lower Wisconsin Riverway: Paddle along the river and enjoy sandbar camping, where you can relax and fish in a serene environment.
  • Fishing at Horn Lake Camping: With good fishing opportunities and a peaceful setting, this spot is perfect for anglers looking to unwind.
  • Hiking near Foster Falls: Explore the nearby trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, with the added bonus of a waterfall just a short walk away.