Best Campgrounds near Black River Falls, WI
Black River State Forest dominates the camping landscape around Black River Falls, Wisconsin, with three distinct campgrounds managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Castle Mound Campground offers drive-in sites with a mix of electric and non-electric options, situated in wooded terrain about 15 minutes from Lake Wazee. Pigeon Creek Campground features more secluded sites with a swimming beach on a small lake known for its distinctive root beer-colored water due to natural tannins. East Fork Campground, the smallest and most remote of the three, provides riverfront access with a boat launch suitable for canoes and kayaks. Private options include Parkland Village Campground and Hideaway RV Park, which offer additional amenities for those seeking more developed facilities.
Wisconsin State Forest passes are required for camping at state-managed sites, an additional fee beyond the camping reservation cost. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Castle Mound open year-round while others like Parkland Village operate from mid-April through mid-November. Summer brings higher occupancy and increased insect activity, particularly mosquitoes and ticks in wooded areas. As one camper noted, "The sites are well spaced with ample woods in the summer," though finding flat, root-free tent spots can be challenging at some locations. Highway noise affects some sites at Castle Mound due to its proximity to the freeway, but many campers report the sound becomes background noise after a short adjustment period.
The region attracts both quiet nature enthusiasts and ATV riders, with extensive off-road trail systems throughout the forest. "The area has lots of off-road trails for ATVs, but during our October stay it was eerily quiet with maybe three other campers," one visitor reported about East Fork Campground. Lake Wazee Recreation Area, just 15 minutes from Castle Mound, offers the clearest and deepest inland lake in Wisconsin, popular for scuba diving, swimming, and fishing. The distinctive hiking trail at Castle Mound features interesting rock formations and panoramic views, requiring a climb up an iron ladder at the summit. Campers consistently praise the privacy of sites at Pigeon Creek, where the beach area provides a popular gathering spot for families with paddleboards and kayaks during summer months.
