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The Brule River State Forest provides a hub for camping near Brule, Wisconsin, with multiple developed campgrounds catering to different preferences. Copper Range Campground and Boise Brule Campground offer rustic camping along the Brule River, popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The surrounding area includes Amnicon Falls State Park Campground to the west and several campgrounds near Iron River to the east. Tent and RV sites are available throughout the region, with varying levels of amenities from primitive sites with vault toilets to more developed options with electric hookups. Afterhours Meadow provides dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more primitive experience.
Seasonal considerations affect camping options in northern Wisconsin, with many campgrounds open year-round but offering limited amenities during winter months. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide basic facilities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, though hookups are limited at forest service sites. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping during summer months, particularly for sites along the Brule River, which attract anglers and paddlers. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, especially in more remote camping areas. A visitor noted, "This is a small state forest campground adjacent to the beautiful and wild Brule River of northern Wisconsin. There are drive-in sites for both tenters and folks with small RVs, but be advised there are no hook-ups."
Riverside camping receives consistent praise from visitors, with the Brule River's paddling and fishing opportunities mentioned frequently in reviews. Several campgrounds feature paddle-in sites that provide greater privacy and direct river access. Campers report that the sites are typically well-spaced with good tree coverage, offering a balance of privacy and access to natural features. For those seeking more amenities, campgrounds near Iron River provide additional services including showers and electric hookups. Day trips to Lake Superior, approximately 15 miles north, are popular among campers staying in the area. According to one review, "The very best aspect of this campground is its selection of paddle-in or hike-in campsites along the river, large campsites nestled in tall forest pines that could accommodate fishing or canoeing groups."
"This is a rustic campground with 3 vault toilets and drinking water locations spread out among 35 sites."
"The campsites are fairly close together and the highway can be heard, but they are tucked away from the main attraction a decent bit. However, you can easily hike to the trails and falls easily."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"If you are looking for the true up north Wisconsin getaway this is the spot!"
"Tucked away campground right in a lake. Spacious sites and quiet…no road or neighbor noise."
from $27 - $40 / night
Check Availability"This is a small state forest campground adjacent to the beautiful and wild Brule River of northern Wisconsin."
"A vault toilet and water pump are centrally located. Recycling and garbage bins are near the exit. Follow the .9 mile trail along the river or drive over to Lake Superior."
from $19 / night
Check Availability"Cost for non-residents is $21 for the campsite and another $11 daily state park entrance fee. So, $32 for the same type of campground as a USFS at about $15."
"If it was simply about the location, this would get five plus stars because it's so beautiful!"
from $19 / night
Check Availability"Surrounded by wildflowers in mid July. Easy to get level and ruin for several rigs. ATT with my external antenna was great."
"Drive back in to open field."
"A very nice campground on a beautiful quiet lake in the North Woods. Nice beach and picnic grounds. Right on the ATV trails. Great jumping off spot for a great North Woods adventure."
"Liked all the possibilities for hiking and the proximity to other State parks in Northern wisconsin. We visited Cooper Falls as well."
"I live in Wisconsin and it took me this long to come see this state park and the Big Manitou Falls Unfortunately they were closed for the season so I had to car camp nearby."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"There is potable water available near the information sign."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Lake is right there for easy access for kayaking and fishing."
"Tucked away in the northwoods, lots of amenities to offer! Showers, food, and fires! Not far from many lakes and scenic views"
GuideThe dopest site with a couple of the boys. Hiked all around the area previously and finally camped. About a 15 min or so hike to our camp with gave a good feel of being disconnected.
GuideWhen we lived in Duluth, being so close, this was great spot to come and chill. Trails are great falls are even better. Lots of cool pockets that seemed forgotten. Would definitely recommend, went in May and July. Also, close to a bar (Rapid Riverside) that’s solid. Stayed at site 18 & 28
TravelerThere is overflow camping, so if you can't find a site you can squeeze in. Plus great views of Lake Superior
ScoutI love this spot, technically there are two campsites. I assumed that each spot was marked by one fire pit like in the UP/Michigan but after I got here someone else pulled up in the same space I was. It IS a larger area but I was hoping to be alone, as I came here by myself. Now I’m worried about encroaching on the family’s space by starting a fire…
RangerThis is still a fairly new campground, having opened in 2022, but the crews did such a great job of ensuring the campground stays rooted in nature—the grounds are STUNNING in the summer months. The bathhouse is in pristine condition and one of the nicest I’ve ever been to (finally, someone installed numerous hooks for bags/towels!)
The only real downside to the campground is that it’s a bit of a trek to literally everything else—the beach, lighthouse, and trailheads. If you don’t want to drive, there is a very nice paved bike path leading to the main areas of the park—getting to the beach takes less than 5 minutes as it’s mostly downhill, but be prepared for the uphill battle on your way back.
There is also a dishwashing station behind the bathhouse, if needed. Currently the dump station is still being installed, but appears to be in the final stages and should certainly be available for the upcoming spring.
Some sites are a bit close together, but there are also more private options—I was at 311 and while it was the furthest from the bathhouse, it had an extraordinary amount of privacy. It also had slightly less cell service (Verizon) as that end of the campground dips lower (also a smidge cooler temp wise), but there are great options for Starlink placement if needed.
ScoutCampfround has 6 campsites with fire pits and picnic tables. There is also a double vault toilet. The campground is very clean and accomodate many more campers, scout troops or large families. It is set up for canoe trips overnight stop. I'm here in my tear drop and just do daily trips out in my canoe. There is a 3 night stay limit and it is FREE!
TravelerI sent them an email a few days before needing a site and they didn't get back to me until I already had another site booked. They told me that it is always better to CALL instead of emailing., so I thought I would let be known.
TravelerPrivate sites, W/E, Close to downtown Duluth. Our site was just big enough for our 38' 5th wheel with slides on both sides. They delivered wood which was $9 for 5 pieces. RR and showers close to this site. Toilets fairly new, but showers paint peeling and could use remodeling.
TravelerWe were not sure what to expect when we drive in the campground as we usually stay in National or State forest campgrounds. We pleasantly surprised by all the trees in the lake side loop! The sites are close together but the view!!! The sites in this loop are small. What would make this a five star was if there was a shower house!
Dispersed camping opportunities near Brule, Wisconsin range from densely wooded forest sites to open meadows with river access. The Brule area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in Wisconsin's northern highlands, creating a cooler microclimate than surrounding regions. Weather patterns can change quickly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during days and dropping to 50-55°F at night.
Waterfall exploration: Amnicon Falls State Park Campground features multiple waterfall viewing areas and hiking opportunities. One camper reported, "Beautiful river with multiple waterfalls and little pools you can soak in if it's warm enough out! A little pricey for out of state. Really close to Superior/Duluth."
Paddling the river systems: Copper Range provides direct access to Brule River paddling routes. "Easy river access with canoe racks. Rustic and simple sites. Well maintained pit toilets. Each site equipped with picnic table, fire pit, and bench," notes a visitor who appreciated the river-focused amenities.
Lake Superior day trips: Herbster Campground offers direct access to Lake Superior's shoreline. A camper shares, "Nothing beats the sunsets! They recently have gotten showers and a place to wash dishes. From my experience if you want a tent site on the lake and not in the woods, you need to get there early Friday or go during the week."
Wilderness hiking: Trail systems throughout the Brule area connect camping areas to remote wilderness sections. "There are trails up and down the river, for shore casting, and access to the shallows or bridge fishing as well, and the fishing is equally good for angling or fly fishing," explains a visitor describing the integrated trail network.
Rustic river camping: Boise Brule Campground offers direct river access with walk-in sites. A camper notes, "We had a walk in site here. There was another walk site somewhat near us but they were very quiet. It was a nice wooded spot and a nice base camp for our nearby exploring. Nearby access to the river was also nice on hot days."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature well-spaced sites. One visitor to Copper Range mentioned, "You're not stacked right on top of one another, good space between camp sites. Perfect for fishing and kayaking the Brule River."
Lake access: Bayfield County Twin Bear Campground connects to multiple lakes. A camper explains, "The ramp is great, there are 6 connected crystal clear lakes with several more adjacent lakes. In my opinion, site 41 is the best. You have your own little beach, and could pull your boat up to it."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife populations. "This is my favorite campground for a getaway of a few days. It's less than an hour from home, with great treed sites, a river with tumbling waterfalls, and a covered bridge... There are trails to hike. Wild flowers to see," shares a visitor to Amnicon Falls State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. For Amnicon Falls State Park Campground, a camper explains, "You do need a park pass in order to stay at the campground. So in addition to the camping fee, you need a park sticker that's available at a self-serve machine when you come in. Out of state residents paid $11 for the park sticker, and $20 for a campsite."
Seasonal price variations: Non-resident fees can significantly increase costs. A visitor noted, "Cost for non-residents is $21 for the campsite and another $11 daily state park entrance fee. So, $32 for the same type of campground as a USFS at about $15."
Dispersed camping options: Afterhours Meadow offers primitive camping without facilities. A recent visitor described it as "Easy gravel road to the pin, there is one or two small sites on the left side of the road but we turned right and went down the 2 track (which was fine in 2wd vans w low clearance) and you end up in a big clearing. So beautiful, highly recommend."
Weather considerations: Wind patterns from Lake Superior affect camping conditions. At Herbster Campground, a camper warns, "As long as it's July or early August, it will be beautiful here. Watch out for the wind coming off the lake any other time!"
Shallow water access: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly water features. At Amnicon Falls, a family reported, "A beautiful, smaller park. We tent camped with our littles (2 & under) & they had a blast walking & sitting in the water near the Falls. There are countless locations on the Falls for your family to get cozy & enjoy the water."
Fishing for beginners: Some smaller lakes provide ideal learning environments. About Wanoka Lake Campground, a visitor explained, "Wanoka is a quiet campground just off the Hwy 2. It has a nice little trout pond and is a good place to teach the younger kids fishing skills. It is however not ideal for young ones who like to play as there is no playground."
Budget considerations: Pattison State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities with varying costs. "Great campground! Most of the sites are perfect for tent camping or glamping. Clean and each site is well separated and lots of trees. Manitou Falls is a short walk away and is incredible. Bring firewood," advises a family visitor.
Seasonal bug populations: Insect activity varies by location and season. A camper at Copper Range mentioned, "First time at this campground but will definitely be coming back. Great access to the river, campsites aren't too small and spread out a decent amount. Bathrooms near the campsites and cleaner than usual when camping. Trees keep everything shaded most of the day."
Hookup availability: Most forest campgrounds have limited electrical options. At Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground, an RVer noted, "We stayed in site #31 overnight while driving south with our teardrop trailer. The site was so spacious and treed for hammocks or tents or trailers. Fire rings and wood is available on site."
Road access considerations: Forest roads may present challenges for larger rigs. A visitor at Amnicon Falls explained, "It's not a giant campground, but there was enough space this time of year to accommodate any passerby. Each campsite appeared to have a fire ring with a great for grilling, a picnic table, and space for a camper or a tent."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full sanitation facilities. "Open field, but right on the water...Couple notes: water and electric provided, no sites have full hookups, though there is a dump on site. The showers were clean and hot. No wifi, but we had a pretty decent AT&T signal with our WeBoost," reported an RVer at Herbster Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many forest sites require leveling equipment. About Wanoka Lake, a camper shared, "Some sites are pull through. A few are level, but most would be difficult for us to get level enough to be comfortable. Not sure of the length limit here but we had no problems in our 26ft class c."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Brule, Wisconsin?
Brule offers several excellent camping options, with Copper Range being one of the most popular choices. This small state forest campground sits adjacent to the beautiful Brule River with large, well-spaced sites that accommodate both tent campers and small RVs. Another great option is Boise Brule Campground, featuring about 22 sites located right on a bend of the Brule River, including two remote sites positioned directly on the water. Both campgrounds offer excellent access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing the renowned Brule River.
What are the camping fees and reservation requirements at Brule River State Forest?
Camping at Brule River State Forest requires reservations through the Wisconsin DNR system. While specific fee information wasn't detailed in reviews, standard Wisconsin state forest camping typically costs $15-20 per night for residents and slightly more for non-residents. Both Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground near Iron River and Bayfield County Twin Bear Campground offer alternatives in the area with different reservation policies. For the most current fee information and to make reservations, visit the Wisconsin DNR website.
What amenities are available at Brule camping areas?
Brule camping areas offer rustic amenities ideal for nature lovers. At Copper Range, you'll find centrally located vault toilets and water pumps, plus recycling and garbage bins near the exit. The campground provides basic facilities with no hook-ups for RVs. For those seeking more amenities, Spirit Lake RV and Marina nearby offers waterfront RV sites with better facilities, though some reviewers note the entrance and facilities could use updating. Most Brule area campgrounds feature trail access, with many sites offering a 0.9-mile trail along the river and convenient access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
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