Scott S.
Guide
GuideCastle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest
Nice Campsite near Lake Wazee
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.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Black River Falls, WI
Black River State Forest campgrounds feature pet-friendly sites with picnic tables and fire rings throughout their wooded settings. Dog-friendly camping near Black River Falls spans from developed sites with electric hookups to wooded tent sites, giving pet owners flexible options across 92 campgrounds. Castle Mound Campground maintains clean facilities with spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents and hammocks, making it suitable for campers traveling with pets. Hideaway RV Park & Campground receives high ratings for its 40 pet-friendly sites with electric hookups and shower facilities. Parkland Village Campground permits pets on its premises from April 15 to November 15 with RV, tent, and cabin options. Most campgrounds throughout the Black River Falls area require pets to remain on leash at designated campsites. The campgrounds are generally well-kept with plenty of shade trees providing cover for pets during summer months.
Hiking trails connected to Castle Mound Campground provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with a scenic overlook accessible directly from the campsite. Most Black River Forest trails allow leashed dogs, though owners should watch for ground hornets near tent pads during summer months. Wazee Lake Recreation Area permits dogs during specific hours at its beach area where the water features a clear, sandy bottom ideal for pets that enjoy swimming. The proximity to Black River Falls means veterinary services are just minutes away from most campgrounds. Seasonal campers and those visiting for ATV activities frequently bring pets, as the trail systems connect directly to some campgrounds like Hideaway RV Park. Winter camping options exist at select locations like Castle Mound and Wazee Lake which remain open year-round, though pet owners should plan accordingly for cold weather conditions.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Black River Falls, Wisconsin (93)
1. Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest
11 ReviewsBlack River Falls, WI1 mileWebsite+1 (715) 284-4103$45 / night
"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."
2. East Fork Campground
7 ReviewsMerrillan, WI11 milesWebsite+1 (715) 284-4103$50 / night
"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!"
3. Pigeon Creek Campground — Black River State Forest
9 ReviewsWarrens, WI13 milesWebsite+1 (715) 284-4103$16 / night
"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."
4. East Arbutus Camp
5 ReviewsMerrillan, WI11 milesWebsite+1 (715) 284-8475"Dog friendly, quiet and nice showers. The water sites enjoy a beautiful view across the 640 lake. You can pull your boat right up to many of the sandy beach campsites and swim right there too."
"Loved our time at East Lake Arbutus. A warm shallow lake for swimming and boating, dog friendly, safe for kids."
5. Russell Memorial Park
4 ReviewsMerrillan, WI11 milesWebsite+1 (715) 333-7948"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."
6. Parkland Village Campground
2 ReviewsBlack River Falls, WI2 milesWebsite+1 (715) 284-9700"We love the trails here in BRF. this place is a great place for a base camp."
7. Hideaway RV Park & Campground
1 ReviewBlack River Falls, WI2 milesWebsite+1 (715) 284-0700$50 - $95 / night
"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."
8. Wazee Lake Rec Area
2 ReviewsBlack River Falls, WI6 milesWebsite9. Hixton - Alma Center KOA
3 ReviewsMerrillan, WI10 milesWebsite+1 (715) 964-2508"Dog park. There's also plenty of activites to do! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond etc. Bathrooms are very well kept and clean! Showers are hot! Sites are good sized, and well spread out!"
"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."
10. Jackson County East Arbutus Campground
1 ReviewMerrillan, WI11 milesWebsite+1 (715) 333-5832
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Black River Falls, WI
42 Photos of 93 Black River Falls Campgrounds
Nicole K.
Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest
Christine G.
Lost Falls Campground
Art S.
Gile Memorial Village
Charles C.
East Arbutus Camp
Lesley R.
Black River State Forest Outdoor Camp — Black River State Forest
Whiskey C.
Whiskey Creek Family RV Park
GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Veterans Memorial Park & Campground
Michael V.
Justin Trails Resort
Jordan A.
Perrot State Park Campground
Guy R.
Mill Bluff State Park Campground
Tori K.
Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Black River Falls, WI
436 Reviews of 93 Black River Falls Campgrounds
Karnpal C.GuideCastle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest
Beautiful woods, close to freeway
Castle Mound was a great state forest campground. All sites are drive-in, and well spaced with ample woods in the summer. Some sites are kind of small, and finding root and stone-free areas for more than one tent might be a challenge. Bathrooms are clean and seem to be recently renovated. The campground is not too far from freeway, which didn’t pose a huge problem, but those sensitive may be bothered by noise. Woods are gorgeous with nice trails. Black River Falls is a very short drive from the campground as well.
Brian O.
LegendEast Fork Campground — Black River State Forest
very secluded, somewhat swampy
There are three campgrounds run by the Wisconsin DNR in this area (not counting the 2 site boat-in camp on the river) Castle Mound, Pigeon Creek and this one, which is the smallest and farthest away from anything. It's on the river, but not the scenic and most canoe-able part which is down below the town and dam in Black river falls. However there is a good shallow boat ramp for canoes/ kayaks.
There's a group campground away from the river, nearer to the marsh and 24 individual sites. Three of them are pull through (104, 113 & 120).
We are tent campers, so I didn't pay close attention to hookups, but I doubt there are any.
We were there in October, and the birds had gone for the winter, so had the ATVers. I don't know what it's like in the peak of the summer, but the area has lots of off-road trails for ATVs. Having said that, it was eerily quiet during our entire stay and we had maybe three other campers staying with us.
There's one trail leading out of the campground, but we were there to canoe and didn't hike it. We did hike the castle Mound trail which has cool rock formations and spectacular views (you have to climb an iron ladder at the very end, worth it).
We use Black River canoe rentals as our portage service so we could drift downriver to our car. It's run out of a liquor store, so that's convenient.- NNicole K.Guide
Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest
Not my favorite place…
In the end we were happy to have made the hike up to the top of Castle Mound but camping isn’t required to hike. Overall we won’t be camping there again. The people were nice, the facilities were clean and the campground was pretty. This forest seems to really cater to ATV people and we are not those people. Also my husband got stung three times because there was a ground hornet nest next to the tent pad. We stayed one night, had two booked but ended up only using a small portion of our site because of the hornets. The very nice people in charge were going to take care of it when we left, it just wasn’t the place for us. Maybe it’s all the bad energy that hangs over Black River Falls?
- Krista T.Legend
Pigeon Creek Campground — Black River State Forest
Unexpectedly quaint
I grew up in Minnesota, 13 years ago went to college in Madison/married a boy from there, and moved back to Minnesota after college. This means that I have driven past Black River Falls State Forest at least 36 times as an adult. It is an excellent halfway point between me and my Wisconsin-dwelling family, so this past weekend was the first time that I’ve actually chosen it as my actual destination.
There are several different sections to this park, and good grief the social media presence of this park is terrible. I’m starting to think that this is because the locals do not want non-locals to come and spoil the charms of the park so they figure that they should just completely ignore improving their website. Anyway, on a whim we wound up at Pigeon Creek campground.
If you look at the map of the park you can see that there is water and beach access, but you don’t really know just how charming it is. The entire time we were there I kept on exclaiming how it was so beautiful in the most retro of ways. You should know that the water is a fun shade of root beer, this is from the trees and mosses leaching into the water(check out my pic of the park sign for a bit more info). The water is tested weekly to make sure that it is safe to swim in. A lot of people had stand up paddleboards and kayaks.
During these pandemic times you need to make sure to buy your pass online or via phone ahead of time. There is no attendant at the little ranger station at the entrance- at this time you couldn’t buy firewood either. Don’t try to pull a quick one on the park service though, because a ranger will come around and inspect your vehicle if you are parked at the picnic area and approach you to find out which vehicle is yours.
This park is rustic and does not offer showers. We came here with no expectations of the campsites, so we were very pleased to find that they are large, mostly packed dirt (many reviews mention heavy TICK populations eek), and offer a good deal of privacy. Sites that I like(check out pics): 204, 205, 234,235, 212,224, and 226.
- RRebecca R.
TravelerPrairie Island City Campground
Nice for RV Camping
If you are a tent camper, I would suggest going to local nearby state parks vs. this campground. Nice for a quick weekend away in an RV. On the Mississippi River and close to town. Across the street from a dog park so if you bring your fur-friend with, there is a nice enclosed area for them to run while being supervised.
- Jarrett G.Traveler
Veterans Memorial Park & Campground
Very nice campground
Large campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!
David G.TravelerPrairie Island City Campground
River view
It is a nice clean quiet campground. Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart.
- Lynn N.Guide
Hixton - Alma Center KOA
Nice Place
Small, clean campground! Very friendly staff, very well kept! Dog park. There's also plenty of activites to do! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond etc. Bathrooms are very well kept and clean! Showers are hot! Sites are good sized, and well spread out!
Guide to Black River Falls
Black River State Forest spans over 68,000 acres in central Wisconsin, with elevations ranging from 760 to 980 feet above sea level. The forest contains a network of ATV trails totaling more than 33 miles and connects to Jackson County's larger 100-mile trail system. Camping options in the area include tent sites, RV parks, and rustic cabins amid terrain dominated by jack pines and oak trees.
What to do
Hiking at Castle Mound: From Castle Mound Campground, follow the trail to a scenic overlook. "The hiking trail was within the campground and was very scenic. Cool rock formations and a decently easy hike," reports Ashley F. The trail is accessible directly from the campground, making it convenient for campers.
Scuba diving at Lake Wazee: Visit Wazee Lake Recreation Area for clear water diving. "The lake is the clearest and deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. It is non-motorized to promote quiet and clean conditions," notes one reviewer. The lake reaches depths of 355 feet, making it Wisconsin's deepest inland lake.
Bouldering adventures: Try rock climbing on the sandstone formations at Castle Mound. "If you are into climbing there are some amazing sandstone boulders that are totally worth checking out," says Shawn B. The area provides natural climbing challenges suitable for various skill levels.
What campers like
River access: East Fork Campground offers sites directly on the water. "We were able to reserve site 120, right on the river. It was a lovely site with a nice view, but little shade. The sunsets were amazing here," writes Jen R. The campground provides a boat ramp for easy water access.
Lake swimming: At Pigeon Creek Campground, families enjoy the beach area. "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 Krista T. The campground includes a picnic area and playground near the beach.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the layout at East Fork. "The sites were well spaced and well sized. 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," notes Shelagh R. The spacing allows for quieter camping experiences.
What you should know
Summer insects: Prepare for mosquitoes, especially near water. "Try early in the season for best experience. The mosquitos were horrendous," warns Adam about East Fork Campground. At Castle Mound, Nicole K. notes, "My husband got stung three times because there was a ground hornet nest next to the tent pad." Bug spray is essential during summer months.
Water conditions: East Arbutus Camp offers lake access but limited facilities. "Lots of electric sites, but no sites with water or sewer so Sunday checkout there's a line of campers waiting to dump," reports Kim L. Some water pumps in the area may produce discolored water, especially after heavy rainfall.
Self-registration: At many sites, staff may not be present at all times. "There was no one at the gatehouse as we drove in, but we had booked our site online, so just drive to our site," shares Joe L. about Pigeon Creek. Bring exact cash if planning to self-register or purchase firewood.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Russell Memorial Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Lovely county park with lots of campsites. Office staff is super friendly. Our site is right on the water... so calm and peaceful. Family friendly," notes Stacey N. The park includes ice cream sales at a small store (cash only).
Beach activities: West Arbutus County Park provides water recreation for children. "I go there at least two or three times every year and it's so fun there's a lot of trails that you can just ride your bike on," explains Owen H. The lake has a shallow entry point suitable for younger swimmers.
Dog friendly options: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Black River Falls allow pets with proper supervision. At Hixton-Alma Center KOA, Lynn N. reports they have a "dog park" and the "bathrooms are very well kept and clean!" Most campgrounds require dogs to remain leashed at all times.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Hideaway RV Park & Campground, RVers find spacious options. "Awesome campground, big sites with grass and trees, and right next to trail system," says Tonya B. The campground has 40 sites with electric hookups and shower facilities.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional preparation. At Hixton-Alma Center KOA, Cheryl W. notes, "The sides are a little close to together and are gravel. We had to use boards to level our rig." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Electric options: For those needing hookups, Parkland Village Campground provides services from mid-April to mid-November. "It seemed to be a mix of seasonal campers and people there for ATVing. There were constantly ATVs going in and out of the campground," reports Tina. The campground offers full hookup sites for RVs of various sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Black River Falls, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Black River Falls, WI is Castle Mound Campground — Black River State Forest with a 3.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Black River Falls, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 93 dog-friendly camping locations near Black River Falls, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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