Cooper Dam Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Wisconsin locals seeking an authentic and truly cost-effective outdoor experience, Cooper Dam Campground in Ogema stands out as a unique and highly valued destination. This rustic campground is celebrated for its rare offering of free camping, providing an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Price County without breaking the bank. Visitors consistently praise its serene atmosphere and the essential amenities it provides, making it a beloved spot for those who appreciate simplicity and self-reliance in their outdoor adventures. Maintained with care by a local hunting club in affiliation with the county park system, Cooper Dam Campground embodies a spirit of community stewardship, ensuring that this natural gem remains accessible to the public. While it encourages visitors to come prepared for varying weather and the presence of "crazy skeeters" (a common Wisconsin summer companion!), the consensus is clear: the "price is right," and the experience is well worth it. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper, have a small camper rig, or are a hunter looking for a convenient base, Cooper Dam Campground offers a genuine Wisconsin wilderness experience.

Location and Accessibility

Cooper Dam Campground is situated at 9104 County Line Rd, Ogema, WI 54459, USA. This location places it in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, specifically in Price County, an area renowned for its dense forests, numerous lakes, and peaceful rivers. Its position is particularly advantageous for outdoor enthusiasts, as it lies just outside the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Some campsites are even directly adjacent to national forest boundary signs, offering immediate access to extensive public lands for exploration. The campground is noted for having an "easy road in," making it relatively accessible for various vehicle types, including small camper rigs. While it offers a feeling of being "secluded," it's not entirely isolated, allowing visitors to truly disconnect without being completely cut off. For those seeking an escape from constant digital connectivity, the absence of cell service at the campground can be seen as a significant "bonus!" This balance of accessibility and genuine rustic charm makes Cooper Dam Campground an ideal spot for Wisconsin locals who crave a true wilderness experience that's still within reasonable driving distance for a getaway.

Services Offered

• Free Camping: Cooper Dam Campground is one of the rare places in Wisconsin that offers free camping, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Potable Water: A hand pump is available on-site, providing potable drinking water. Reviews confirm the water tastes great, a crucial amenity for rustic camping.
• Vault Toilets: Several vault toilets are strategically located throughout the campground. Visitors consistently report these facilities are clean and well-maintained.
• Picnic Tables: Plenty of picnic tables are available across the various campsites, ensuring each party has a designated space for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy campfires and cook over an open flame.
• Group Site with Shelter: There is a large group site that is particularly popular with hunters. This area includes a shelter building, offering protection from the elements for larger gatherings.
• Individual Tent/Small Camper Sites: In addition to the group area, there are approximately half a dozen smaller, more private sites designed for tents or small camper rigs. These sites vary in size, with some offering more seclusion.
• Trash Disposal: While not explicitly detailed, the mention of "trash" in services implies designated areas or systems for waste disposal, contributing to the cleanliness of the site.
• Maintained by Local Hunting Club: The campground is maintained by a local hunting club in affiliation with the county park system, ensuring its upkeep and availability to the public.

Features / Highlights

• Remarkable Free Camping: The most significant highlight of Cooper Dam Campground is its designation as one of the few places in Wisconsin offering free camping. This makes it an incredibly appealing option for budget-conscious travelers and those who value the principle of accessible public lands.
• Rustic and Authentic Experience: For campers who appreciate a more primitive and natural setting, Cooper Dam delivers. It's a place to truly "unplug" and embrace the outdoors, offering a refreshing alternative to more developed, amenity-rich campgrounds.
• Access to Beautiful River: The campground is located next to a beautiful river, providing scenic views and opportunities for riverside activities, potentially including fishing or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of flowing water.
• Proximity to National Forest: Being just outside the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with some sites bordering its boundary, offers immediate access to vast public lands for hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing, expanding the outdoor recreational possibilities.
• Well-Maintained Essential Amenities: Despite being a free and rustic campground, the presence of working hand pumps for potable water and clean vault toilets is a significant advantage, providing crucial comforts without compromising the natural feel.
• Support by Local Community: The fact that a local hunting club, in affiliation with the county park system, maintains the campground speaks volumes about the community's dedication to preserving this resource, ensuring it remains a "class act" for the public.
• Quiet and Secluded Sites: While there's a popular group site, the smaller individual campsites are nicely offset and offer more privacy, catering to those who prefer a quieter, more secluded experience.
• Perfect for Hunters: The large group site with a shelter building makes it particularly popular and well-suited for hunting parties, especially during hunting season.
• Opportunity to Disconnect: The noted lack of cell service is a key feature for many, offering a rare opportunity to truly disconnect from digital distractions and immerse oneself fully in nature.

Contact Information

Address: 9104 County Line Rd, Ogema, WI 54459, USA

Phone: While general phone numbers for Price County or related forestry services might be available, specific direct contact information for Cooper Dam Campground itself is not publicly listed as a dedicated commercial entity. Visitors should rely on the provided address and be aware that it operates as a rustic, free camping area. Information regarding its maintenance or any specific guidelines might be found through the Price County Parks Department or local Wisconsin DNR resources. Mobile Phone: +1 715-726-7882 (This number is for Chippewa County Land & Forest Management from previous search results, not specifically for Cooper Dam Campground, which is in Price County. It's important to note the distinction. Direct phone contact for this specific free campground is generally limited as per its rustic, self-serve nature).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Wisconsin locals, Cooper Dam Campground in Ogema offers an exceptionally suitable and authentic outdoor experience, especially for those who cherish rustic charm and affordability. Its status as one of Wisconsin's rare free camping spots makes it an unparalleled destination for budget-conscious adventurers, allowing them to enjoy the state's natural splendor without financial burden. The campground's location, directly adjacent to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, provides immediate access to vast wilderness for hiking, hunting, and exploring, perfectly aligning with the beloved outdoor traditions of Wisconsinites. The presence of potable water from a hand pump and clean vault toilets, maintained by a dedicated local hunting club, ensures essential comforts are met while retaining the wild feel. This community-driven maintenance resonates deeply with local values of stewardship and shared enjoyment of public resources. Furthermore, the noted lack of cell service offers a precious opportunity for locals to truly "unplug" from daily distractions and immerse themselves fully in the tranquility of nature – a rare commodity in today's connected world. Whether you're a hunter seeking a convenient base, a family introducing children to simple camping, or an individual yearning for a quiet retreat by a beautiful river, Cooper Dam Campground provides an accessible, genuine, and profoundly Wisconsin outdoor experience. It's a testament to the fact that the best things in life, and in nature, can indeed be free.

Cooper Dam Campground

9104 County Line Rd, Ogema, WI 54459, USA