The Brule River State Forest area ranges in elevation from 605 to 1,200 feet, creating diverse terrain across northwestern Wisconsin. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall temperatures can drop to 40-50°F at night. The area receives approximately 30 inches of precipitation annually, with heaviest rainfall occurring from May through September.
What to do
Waterfall tours: 20-minute drive from Brule to Copper Falls State Park where multiple cascades can be explored via well-maintained trails. "This park is absolutely gorgeous with the waterfalls and awesome views! Great campsites and great trails," notes a visitor who rated the Copper Falls State Park Campground five stars.
River tubing: Summer activity available at multiple locations. The Hayward area offers shuttle services for tubing. "The pool was nice and the waterslide was fun but the river tubing was the best. They shuttle you out and pick you up," according to a camper at Hayward KOA.
Apostle Islands exploration: Day trips from cabin accommodations provide access to sea caves and island camping. "We kayaked to many campgrounds and islands in the national lakeshore. Paddling a total of 60 miles we were able to make it to 3 different island campgrounds," reports one visitor to Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
What campers like
Private waterfront locations: Several cabins provide direct access to lakes and rivers. "Tucked away campground right in a lake. Spacious sites and quiet…no road or neighbor noise. Lake has swimming area and swim platform," explains a camper at Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground.
Year-round camping options: Some facilities operate outside peak season. "They offer year around camping, We have been here since August, on a travel contract. Great Location not far from Duluth, and right of the interstate for easy access," shares one long-term camper at Buffalo Valley Camping, which offers cabin rentals through winter months.
Wooded campsites: Many cabin locations provide tree coverage for privacy and shade. "Large camp site with trees and wide open area. #48 was tent site recently made into a RV site with water and electric hook up," notes a visitor describing the spacious camping options at Top O' the Morn.
What you should know
Shower access varies significantly: Some cabin facilities have limited bathroom facilities. "Only one bathroom stall and shower for the entire campground to share," reports a camper at Anchor Inn Campground, while others note facilities may close seasonally.
Reservation timing crucial: Most cabin sites fill quickly during summer months. "We stayed on a Monday night and less than 5 campsites were vacant. There was steady traffic of disappointed RVs driving through the grounds till 6-7pm," warns a camper at Kreher RV Park.
Water activities dependent on weather: Lake Superior conditions impact swimming and boating. "We lucked out having a nice still day," notes one kayaker visiting the Apostle Islands, emphasizing the importance of checking weather forecasts before water-based activities.
Tips for camping with families
Mini-golf options: Several campgrounds offer family recreation facilities. "Amenities: pool, kamping kitchen, pavillion, snack bar ($), mini golf ($), bike rentals ($), wi-fi, propane ($), firewood ($), fenced in dog area (KampK9), bag toss, two playgrounds, basketball, horseshoes, tetherball, arcade/game room," details a visitor to Hayward KOA.
Playground access: Multiple cabin locations include play areas. "A beautiful little park, with a great playground and a boat launch. Each site has a picnic table fire pit and grill," shares a camper from Spirit Mountain Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many cabin areas offer nature experiences. "Saw a lot of wildlife and heard the sounds of loons in the AM and evening," reports a camper at Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground, highlighting natural encounters possible from cabin accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some camping cabins near Brule, Wisconsin require adjustment. "Some leveling will be required at most sites, but not much," notes a camper at Kreher RV Park, suggesting bringing leveling blocks if staying in RV-style cabin sites.
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. "Right off the highway so you will get some road noise even at night. But if you're lucky to have a site farther from the road you really can't hear much," advises a visitor to Hayward KOA.
Water connection variations: Water hookup locations differ between properties. "We didn't have a long enough hose for the water hookup, so Darrel (the manager) brought one out immediately and we could keep it all night," reports a camper at Buffalo Valley Camping, suggesting bringing extra hose length for cabin sites with distant water connections.
