Mornin' to all the ‘Sconnies worried about leaves turning colors already. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

What we’re pitching this week:

• How dispersed camping works ⛺️

• Canadian geese euthanized ☠️

• Proposed living breakwater 🌊 

How Dispersed Camping Works

Anyone else getting the itch?

We’re not talking Poison Ivy (though we told you not to touch that, Greg)—we’re talking the camping itch.

As summer comes to an end, don’t let reservations and no-vacancy signs get in your way of camping. Instead, try out dispersed camping!

Dispersed/primitive/non-designated camping:

• WI has nearly 4 million acres of primitive camping land

• Typically dispersed camping requires no fees or reservations

• Look for state forests, county forests, national forests, and federal wilderness areas

No reservation, no problem

Dispersed camping is a superb way to get out ‘der away from civilization.

If you do it right, you won’t see another human, RV, pit toilet, barking dog, FIB, or parking lot anywhere.

Just you and Wisconsin’s Great Outdoors.

To find these off-the-beaten-path camp spots, it’ll take a bit of planning.

Wisconsin has state forests, county forests, national forests, and 5 federal wilderness areas that total some 4 million acres of primitive camping land.

State Forests: Typically the most restrictive, require a fee, and sometimes a permit.

• Governor Knowles State Forest

• Black River State Forest

• Governor Earl Pestigo River State Forest

• Brule River State Forest

• Flambeau River State Forest

• Northern Highland American Legion State Forest

County Forests: Rules go county by county, so you’ll need to do a bit of research. Some are free, some go for a few bucks (the green kind).

• Wisconsin Explorer put together a great resource on County Forests in Wisconsin

National Forests: Camping in National Forests are the way to go, in our opinion. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has great views and plenty of room to streeeeetch out. Check out more guidlines here.

Federal Wilderness Areas: The true wilderness, primitive camping experience. These are regulated by the Forest Service, and typically no fee is required.

• Headwaters Wilderness

• Rainbow Lake Wilderness

• Whisker Lake Wilderness

• Blackjack Springs Wilderness

• Porcupine Lake Wilderness

Leave No Trace

Just as it was when you arrived at your beautiful little slice of heaven, you’ll want to leave it that way for the next ‘Scon.

Because there likely won’t be a bathroom or trash can nearby, just know that whatever you carry in, you should carry out.

Trash? Pack it out.

Poop? Bury it in a hole at least 6 inches deep and 100 feet away from water (though some people also pack this out).

Plants? Leave ‘em alone! Avoid tramping down all the nature that brought you out there in the first place!

When it comes to fires, make sure to check local fire regulations/warnings. Consider going no-fire, and instead slipping a phone light under a water bottle to create some ~ambiance~.

If you must have a fire (these s’mores aren’t gonna cook themselves!), be sure to create some sort of fire pit and put out every last spark and ember before you head to bed. We’re in a drought, you know!

And finally, bring a first-aid kit, some extra food, and someone who knows how to read a map—you likely will be on your own if trouble arises.

Now get out ‘der!

Other great Wiscampsin reads…

Hiking the Ice Age Trail

Hiking the North Country Scenic Trail

Camping Wisconsin's Wildlands

Shop Wiscampsin

Wisconsin State Bird Art Print: “Very nicely made, great colors and design. It looks amazing in my home. Keep it up Wiscampsin ❤️” - Peggy

Wiscampsin Badgers Tee: “It’s the perfect t-shirt to show off my love for camping and Wisconsin at the same time :)” - Emily

Wiscampsin Recycled License Plate Frame: “Love it! Get out der! Makes my Mazda look even better” - Alex

Wiscampsin Mug: “Awesome mug, very lightweight, the mug doesn't get piping hot if you need to microwave your coffee either.” - Matthew

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

The majority was right! Wisconsin ranks 4th for lighthouses per state behind Michigan, New York, and Maine.

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🐦 Geese Louise: Canadian Geese are being euthanized to let wild rice regrow in the St. Louis River that flows into Lake Superior. It’s been a multi-year effort, and seen as a last resort, to help restore wild rice beds, which have been slowly disappearing due to pollution and habitat use changes.

🌊 Updates to the 3rd Coast: MKE is working on creating a “living breakwater,” designed to create more climate resiliency and become a sanctuary for fish species, migratory birds, and other aquatic life. These “barrier islands” would be self-sustaining and a perfect marriage between resilience and habitat goals.

💦 NEED. WATER!!! Much of Wisconsin is experiencing a drought (about 82%), and the DNR released a resource guide on how to conserve water and other neat tips to help us all through these parched times.

 Sponsored by Campnab:

🌭 Burn wieners, not eyeballs

Want to spend less time staring at the computer searching for camping reservations, and more time crisping ‘dogs over the fire?

Campnab texts you the second sold-out campgrounds become available, so you can reserve hard-to-book campsites with ease.

Our secret weapon for last-minute booking:

• Just drop in your phone number

• Pick your fav campsites or State Parks

• Get a text as soon as a canceled reservation opens up

Don’t just take our word for it–Campnab is so nifty, it’s been featured on Outside Online, Trip Savvy, RV Travel, and more.

Sign up for Campnab and get text alerts at your fav campsites this summer!

Want to sponsor the Wiscampsin Weekly?

Reply “Sponsor” and we will get back to you with the details!

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… Love to hear! But we did switch to Thursdays 🙂