130 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"Stayed here for a dive trip to Lake Wazee (15 min). Very nice sites. Quiet. Close to Black River Falls. Great hike around Castle Mound."
"Vault toilets throughout the campground and one building with showers and flush toilets near the visitor center with plenty of parking."
from $22 - $37 / night
Check Availability"This means that I have driven past Black River Falls State Forest at least 36 times as an adult."
"All the Wisconsin State Parks are great. This one has a nice man-made lake with good fishing and lots of turtles."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"The camp site was right up against a swamp area so it was kind of buggy, but it was a beautiful area with access to lots of hiking trails and fishing. The vault toilets were well maintained."
"The campsite is close to lots of hiking trails too!"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Right on the lake so bring water toys. Nearby you can rent canoes and kayaks which will drop off and pick up right to your site. Hiking trails and fourwheeler trails too. Full shower areas as well."
"Loved our time at East Lake Arbutus. A warm shallow lake for swimming and boating, dog friendly, safe for kids."
"The waterfront has mostly electric only sites and run very close to size. We have a 28 5th wheel and we're snug. Site said 25 ft but the picture had a 5'er on it so we booked it."
"Some sites are tight, so make sure that you drive around the campground before picking a site. ATV parking is at the front."
"We love the trails here in BRF. this place is a great place for a base camp."
"Awesome campground, big sites with grass and trees, and right next to trail system. Bar at the campground has an air-fryer for light food/pizzas and fun atmosphere."
from $50 - $95 / night
Check Availability"The sides are a little close to together and our gravel. We had to use boards to level our rig. There’s a swimming pool and a store and two bath houses."
"Situated within short distance of the Mississippi surrounded by trails and kayak friendly rivers."
"Near-by La Crosse has baseball and softball teams from the Northwoods collegiate summer league."
ScoutStayed here for a tournament weekend. The sites are very small, backed my camper in and had very little room left. My camper is 27' tip to tail. Site was level, did not have to use any blocks, no privacy at all. 1 bundle of firewood provided per night stayed. I liked that, besides the dog park there really isn't anything to do at the campground.
ScoutA very nice campground with a scenic water view. Clean bathrooms and well maintained. $30 per night with water and electric. No sewer hook ups but has dump station.
ScoutBeautiful ponds nice play area Catch and release
GuideWe are in 301 near the back and the sites are large, lots of grass, and beautiful. Trails around the park are wonderful for exercise and bird watching.
GuideBeach area and lake is amazing. Campground is rustic- only water from hand pump, most sites do not have gravel pads or set areas to park, no grates in fire rings, had vault toilets. Plenty of space between most sites. Few sites are shaded -1,2 and 7 have most shade. Can get water and dump at Cenex station 6 miles from campground in Black River Falls. Beach area has flush toilets. Swimming area is white sand!
ScoutThe camp hosts are kind and friendly. The whole vibe of this llace is peace and quiet. The sites are huge with enough space and trees to be private. Deer came into our site both days. We liked it so nice, we stayed twice. Treat yourself.
TravelerStayed hear on a very hot 90+degree day during a road trip, easy to reach from I90/94. Midweek, we were the only overnight guests. -Occasional loud noise from the road and train tracks. -At first was wary of paying for no showers and pit toilets for the price, but pit toilets were actually clean with no odor. -Spring fed swimming pond was good for a dip once you found a cool spot, but there are spots that felt like a hot tub. Beach is very nice sand, and there’s a playground for the kids. -Definitely check out the short hike up to Mill Bluff if you can tolerate steep rocky stairs, the view is beautiful. -Tried to check out the other trail near Camel Bluff but it was too overgrown to continue. -Electrical box is in the middle of the campsite near the picnic table, so power cables will need to be at least 30 feet long to comfortably reach your rig. -National Parks Pass is accepted for vehicle admission (separate from camping fee in WI) as this is part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve! -Sites 20/21 are great for proximity to swimming pond and toilets
TravelerWe loved how well spaced out the sites were and traveled on a busy June weekend. Our kids loved taking their scooters on the campground road and to the lake swimming. The kids loved the playground and path, beach. We had one person that was blaring their music and there was no ranger around. Finally someone must have called the police and they shut off their music
GuideNorth Wood County Park is a hidden gem. Many of the sites have a view of water and several even have water access right from your site. There are several loops that range from paved with electric to rustic and non-electric. We stayed at site 59 which stretched down to a paved trail and then one of the lakes. We were close to the suspension bridge, which is a fun attraction. There is also a low roadway that goes over the water that is absolutely beautiful and sometimes floods. There are several dams and it makes for a great kayak or fishing spot. Most of the campground is paved, which is awesome if you have an ebike or e scooter. They sell wood at a decent price ($7), but nothing else. You also have to book your site online with a $10 fee for using the online booking. It does make arrival super easy, you just pull in and set up camp. Overall I would highly recommend spending a few nights here.
Black River Falls camping options offer diverse experiences on waters ranging from clear lakes to tannin-darkened rivers within Wisconsin's Central Forest region. Situated in Jackson County where glacial sand plains meet hilly terrain, this area features elevation changes unusual for central Wisconsin. Camping sites vary from lakeside locations to wooded retreats within pine and oak forests, with most facilities open from mid-April through October due to Wisconsin's seasonal climate.
Hiking at Castle Mound: The hiking trail at Castle Mound Campground offers unique sandstone formations for climbing enthusiasts. "If you are into climbing there are some amazing sandstone boulders that are totally worth checking out," notes one visitor. The trail includes scenic overlooks accessible with minimal equipment.
Scuba diving at Lake Wazee: The former iron mine quarry at Lake Wazee Recreation Area provides exceptional diving opportunities in remarkably clear water. "The lake is the clearest and deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. It is non-motorized to promote quiet and clean conditions," explains one camper. The lake's depth and visibility make it popular with certified divers throughout summer months.
Canoeing and kayaking: East Fork Campground provides direct river access ideal for paddlers. "Our site backed up to the river so it was perfect for kayaking and just playing in the water," reports one visitor. The boat launch accommodates small watercraft with convenient riverside access.
Spacious wooded sites: Pigeon Creek Campground offers secluded camping spaces with natural surroundings. "Each campsite has lots of space with a large table and fire ring... some with mossy areas which are extra comfortable under a tent," shares a camper who appreciated the campground's layout.
Swimming in natural waters: The distinctive lake at Pigeon Creek draws swimmers despite its unusual appearance. "You should know that the water is a fun shade of root beer, this is from the trees and mosses leaching into the water. The water is tested weekly to make sure that it is safe to swim in," explains a visitor who enjoyed the beach area.
Affordability of camping supplies: Castle Mound Campground offers reasonably priced camping essentials. "One random thing was the firewood was the cheapest I have ever seen it at any state park. Nice to see them offering up a good deal on what nature provides!" mentions a camper who found the pricing refreshing compared to other parks.
State Forest pass requirement: Wisconsin State Forest properties require vehicle passes in addition to camping fees. At Castle Mound, "You need a Wisconsin State Forest pass to camp here - an extra fee if you don't have one already," explains a camper. These passes cost $28 annually for Wisconsin residents or $8 for daily use.
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds have water supply issues visitors should prepare for. At Pigeon Creek, "The only negative was that the two pumps for water at the campground pumped brown water. We decided not to use the water as it wasn't clean looking... We drive a couple miles back down the road to the gas station/convenience store and got some potable gallons."
Seasonal insect populations: Wooded campgrounds experience significant insect activity during warm months. One camper warned about Pigeon Creek: "LOTS OF TICKS be aware to check yourself and any pets you may bring." Another noted at East Fork Campground: "The sites on the river were really pretty but full of mosquitos. The sites on the other side are also nice and have a much smaller bug presence."
Beach access for children: East Arbutus County Park offers family-friendly waterfront sites with swimming opportunities. "Loved our time at East Lake Arbutus. A warm shallow lake for swimming and boating, dog friendly, safe for kids," shares one family. The gradual entry points make it appropriate for younger swimmers.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds maintain play equipment for children. At Jackson County East Arbutus Campground, a visitor noted, "They have a nice playground as well," making it suitable for families needing to entertain younger campers between outdoor adventures.
Off-season camping benefits: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides a quieter experience. At East Fork Campground, a camper reported: "Very remote, although Hatfield, which is on the nearby lake, seems like it's a party town for Motor boaters, ATVers and Hunters, depending on the season. We were there in October, and the campground wasn't full, and was extremely quiet."
Site selection strategy: RVers should carefully assess each campground's layout and site specifications. At Russell Memorial Park, one RVer advised: "Our site was a little hard to get into. We stayed at site 116 with a 40 ft 5th wheel. I would recommend booking early to get a better spot for a big rig."
Electric hookup availability: Electricity access varies across campgrounds. At Castle Mound, "Many sites with electric and some without. Plenty of spots can accommodate mid-large campers. Its about half and half pull-thru or back-in/pull-in. We have a 26 foot travel trailer and had no issues."
Dump station considerations: Plan for Sunday departure congestion at facilities with limited waste disposal. At East Arbutus Camp, a visitor warned: "Lots of electric sites, but no sites with water or sewer so Sunday checkout there's a line of campers waiting to dump."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Black River Falls, Wisconsin?
Black River Falls offers several excellent campgrounds within the state forest. Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest is particularly popular with well-spaced drive-in sites, clean renovated bathrooms, and beautiful wooded surroundings. It's quiet, close to town, and offers great hiking opportunities on Castle Mound. For a more secluded experience, Pigeon Creek Campground — Black River State Forest provides an excellent halfway point between Minnesota and eastern Wisconsin with peaceful sites. Both campgrounds are well-maintained and offer a true forest camping experience, though Castle Mound tends to be favored by hikers while Pigeon Creek works well for travelers passing through the area.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Black River State Forest?
No, dispersed camping is not allowed in Black River State Forest. The forest has three designated Wisconsin DNR-managed campgrounds where camping is permitted: East Fork Campground - Black River State Forest, which is the smallest and most remote of the three (located on the river), plus Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek campgrounds. There is also a small two-site boat-in camp on the river. All camping in the Black River State Forest must take place in these designated areas with proper permits. The forest is popular with ATV enthusiasts and has extensive trail systems, but overnight stays must be confined to established campgrounds.
What RV camping options are available near Black River Falls?
Several RV-friendly campgrounds serve the Black River Falls area. Oakdale KOA offers full hookups and is conveniently located adjacent to I-90, making it easily accessible for RVs of all sizes, though you may experience some highway noise. For those seeking a more natural setting, Parkland Village Campground provides RV sites with amenities including water and toilets while remaining big-rig friendly. Other options include Hideaway RV Park & Campground near Black River Falls and the Hixton-Alma Center KOA, which also accommodates large RVs. Most RV campgrounds in the area are open seasonally, typically from spring through fall, with some offering year-round accessibility.
Keep Exploring
