Free Camping in Price County, WI: Where to Pitch Your Tent

Last updated: May 2026

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Free and Cheap Camping in Price County: Where to Pitch Your Tent When You Just Want Out

Dispersed camping, county parks, and backcountry sites in the Chequamegon-Nicolet that won’t cost you a dime. And a few cheap ones that are worth every dollar.

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Top things about Price County are that you don’t need a resort reservation to sleep next to a lake. Between the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, county parks, and a handful of inexpensive campgrounds, you can spend a week camping here for less than one night at a hotel in the Dells.

Here’s where to go, what it costs, and what to expect.

Dispersed Camping in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

This is the real deal. Free. No reservations. No hookups. No running water. Just you and the woods.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest allows dispersed camping. Meaning you can camp anywhere in the forest that isn’t specifically prohibited, as long as you follow the rules:

Stay limit:14 days in any 30-day period at a single location
–Distance:At least 150 feet from any trail, road, or water source
–Leave no trace:Pack out everything you bring in
–No cutting live treesfor firewood , gather dead and downed wood only
–Campfires:Use existing fire rings where possible. During dry conditions, check for fire restrictions at the ranger station.

The best areas for dispersed camping in Price County include the forest sections east of Phillips along the Flambeau River, the area around the Round Lake Logging Dam, and the woods north of Park Falls near the Pike River.

There is no cell service in most of the forest. Download your maps before you go. A paper map from the ranger station in Park Falls (500 N 2nd Ave) costs $10 and is worth having even if you have GPS.

Ojibwa Park Campground

Mentioned on Reddit as “a great choice” for quiet tent camping near Price County, and the recommendation holds up.

Location:Off County Highway 70, east of Phillips
–Cost:$15/night for a basic site (2026 rates)
–What you get:Pit toilets, hand pump water, boat landing on the Flambeau River
–What you don’t get:Electric hookups, showers, or cell service
–Best for:Canoe camping, fishing, people who want to see zero other humans

Ojibwa is quiet in the best way. On a weeknight in June, you might have the whole place to yourself. The Flambeau River landing means you can paddle in with your gear instead of carrying it from a parking lot.

Big Falls County Park

Someone on r/wisconsin called Big Falls “one of our state’s little gems” and they’re right.

Location:Big Falls Road, Kennan
–Cost:Free (donations appreciated)
–What you get:6 remote campsites, swimming area, pit toilets
–What you don’t get:Showers, electric, or anyone checking on you

Big Falls is where you go when you want to fall asleep to the sound of water and wake up to nobody. The campsites are spread far enough apart that you won’t hear your neighbor’s campfire conversation. The swimming area is a natural pool below a small waterfall , cold, clear, and uncrowded.

The road in is gravel and can be rough after rain. A vehicle with decent clearance helps.

Price County Fairgrounds Camping

Not rustic, but cheap and convenient.

Location:Phillips, just off Highway 13
–Cost:Around $20/night with electric hookup (varies by season)
–What you get:Electric, water, walking distance to Phillips amenities
–Best for:RV campers, people attending the Price County Fair, travelers who need a base camp while exploring

Not a destination campground, but a solid practical option if you’re passing through or want easy access to town.

Solon Springs Campground (Douglas County, 45 minutes north)

Worth the drive if you’re willing to go slightly outside Price County.

Cost:$15-18/night
–What you get:Electric sites, showers, beach on Solon Springs Lake
–Best for:Families who want some amenities without paying resort prices

What to Know Before You Go

Bug spray is not optional.Mosquitoes and deer flies in June and July are aggressive. Bring 30% DEET minimum and treat your clothes with permethrin if you’re going deep into the forest.

Water sources are not drinkable without treatment.Even the hand pump at Ojibwa should be treated as “use at your own risk” by backpacker standards. Bring a filter or purification tablets.

Tell someone where you’re going.Dispersed camping in the national forest means you may not see another person for days. Cell service is unreliable. Leave your itinerary with someone.

Firewood restrictions.Wisconsin restricts moving firewood to prevent the spread of emerald ash borer. Buy it locally or gather dead and downed wood on-site. Do not bring firewood from home.

Bear country.Black bears are common in Price County. Store food in your vehicle or hang it from a tree at least 200 feet from your campsite. A bear canister is overkill for most sites but not a bad idea if you’re deep in the forest.

The Bottom Line

You can camp for free in the Chequamegon-Nicolet, for nearly free at Big Falls, or for under $20 at Ojibwa or the fairgrounds. Price County is one of the cheapest places to camp in Wisconsin, and the scenery is better than anything you’ll pay $50/night for at a private campground.

Bring bug spray, bring a map, and tell someone where you’re going. The rest is just showing up.

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Sources: U.S. Forest Service Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest recreation guidelines; Price County Parks Department; Wisconsin DNR camping regulations; Reddit community recommendations (r/wisconsin, r/overlanding).

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Free and Cheap Camping in Price County: Where to Pitch Your Tent When You Just Want Out

Dispersed camping, county parks, and backcountry sites in the Chequamegon-Nicolet that won’t cost you a dime. And a few cheap ones that are worth every dollar.

—

Here’s where to go, what it costs, and what to expect.

Dispersed Camping in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

This is the real deal. Free. No reservations. No hookups. No running water. Just you and the woods.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest allows dispersed camping. Meaning you can camp anywhere in the forest that isn’t specifically prohibited, as long as you follow the rules:

There is no cell service in most of the forest. Download your maps before you go. A paper map from the ranger station in Park Falls (500 N 2nd Ave) costs $10 and is worth having even if you have GPS.

Ojibwa Park Campground

Mentioned on Reddit as “a great choice” for quiet tent camping near Price County, and the recommendation holds up.

Big Falls County Park

Someone on r/wisconsin called Big Falls “one of our state’s little gems” and they’re right.

The road in is gravel and can be rough after rain. A vehicle with decent clearance helps.

Price County Fairgrounds Camping

Not rustic, but cheap and convenient.

Not a destination campground, but a solid practical option if you’re passing through or want easy access to town.

Solon Springs Campground (Douglas County, 45 minutes north)

Worth the drive if you’re willing to go slightly outside Price County.

Cost:$15-18/night
–What you get:Electric sites, showers, beach on Solon Springs Lake
–Best for:Families who want some amenities without paying resort prices

What to Know Before You Go

Bug spray is not optional.Mosquitoes and deer flies in June and July are aggressive. Bring 30% DEET minimum and treat your clothes with permethrin if you’re going deep into the forest.

Water sources are not drinkable without treatment.Even the hand pump at Ojibwa should be treated as “use at your own risk” by backpacker standards. Bring a filter or purification tablets.

Tell someone where you’re going.Dispersed camping in the national forest means you may not see another person for days. Cell service is unreliable. Leave your itinerary with someone.

Firewood restrictions.Wisconsin restricts moving firewood to prevent the spread of emerald ash borer. Buy it locally or gather dead and downed wood on-site. Do not bring firewood from home.

The Bottom Line

Bring bug spray, bring a map, and tell someone where you’re going. The rest is just showing up.

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Last updated: May 14, 2026

For more, seeSecret swimming holes in Price County.
For more, seeWhy Price County cabins beat every tourist trap.

See also:Our weekend weather preview

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I camp for free in Price County?

Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at no charge, with a 14-day stay limit. Backcountry camping is also available on some islands on the Flambeau River. No amenities are provided at these sites.

Are there cheap campgrounds in Price County?

Price County Campground on Butternut Lake has affordable sites with electric hookups, showers, and a swimming beach. National Forest campgrounds are more rustic and budget-friendly, typically $10-20 per night with vault toilets and picnic tables but no showers.

Can I camp on the Flambeau River in Price County?

Yes, several island campsites on the Flambeau River are available for paddlers on a first-come basis. These backcountry sites are free and include fire rings and basic amenities. The South Fork has more developed access points for car camping as well.

Do Price County campgrounds accept reservations?

Price County Campground accepts reservations through their website or by phone. National Forest campgrounds can be reserved at Recreation.gov. Some sites are first-come, first-served, especially during off-peak seasons. Summer weekends fill up fast — book early.

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