129 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 $45 / 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 $16 / 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."
GuideWe wanted to visit family in the area at the last minute, and pulled up to see if they had any spot available. They gave us a list of available options, we drove through, and picked a site with the perfect spot to watch the sun set. Amenities are clean, theres a pool table and games in the office area.
GuideIf you want a stop on a drive, or a home base for exploring the local tourist attractions (look up toilet on the side of the road,) this is the place for you! Think about bringing your own drinking water, though, the water from the pumps is a dark red-brown color, either from rust or from tanin.
The bad:
The good:
GuideCloser to a homeless encampment. Very run down. Facilities are closed or in ruins.
TravelerA nice camping option with a more peaceful, spread-out lake feel. I like that it has camping, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking trails, a playground, concessions, and heated shower/restroom facilities all in one place. The boat launch and transient slips are a big plus if you’re bringing a boat. The only downside is that, like most lake campgrounds, summer weekends can get busy and its a bit of a drive to reach even a gas station so arrive prepared.
Overall, it’s a nice pick for a relaxed Wisconsin lake getaway. Recommended
TravelerCastle mound is tight and older sites so you may have to drive the wrong way around the sites in order to setup your camper properly. Single loop for electric and another for tents. Site look decent sized and lots of trees but pretty much exposed visually to all sites. Parking pads are decent but we had a very tall site which complicated it.
TravelerBeautiful place with a handful of sites right on a pond. Generally very few other campers. The sounds of nature at night surround you and the views of the night sky are stellar. Definitely check this place out!
TravelerWe camped with tents on 2 sites next to each other! Wonderful family camping trip ever! The water activities were awesome 👌. Child activities are super fun. 4th of July weekend! Two thumbs up 👍👌
TravelerIt's hard to find using my car GPS. It doesn't work well here. But it's a very good place.
RangerTraveling along the road from Ontario to Wildcat gave a little Appalachia feel. The park is situated above the Kickapoo River valley and is a great base for trout fishing.
If you are in the driftless region looking for camping, this is the spot.
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.
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