Brule, Wisconsin sits in a transitional forest zone where boreal spruce-fir meets northern hardwoods, with elevations ranging between 700-900 feet above sea level. The Brule River runs 44 miles through the region, creating a corridor for wildlife and recreation opportunities. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall bring more variable conditions with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking riverside trails: At Copper Range, the 0.9-mile trail follows the Brule River and connects to larger trail systems. "Follow the .9 mile trail along the river or drive over to Lake Superior. We went over to Orienta falls. It's on google maps but we didn't see signs on the road. It's a short hike to a spot with local history," notes reviewer Art S.
Canoeing and kayaking: The Brule River offers excellent paddling opportunities with designated landing areas. "The canoe landing is nicely developed and has easy access, and there are great canoe racks adjacent to the landing as well. This landing is an easy days paddle from a put-in at the outfitter to the south on Highway 2," explains Janet R. about the water access at Copper Range.
Lake swimming: Moon Lake City Park provides a swimming beach for those preferring lake water over the colder river. "A very nice campground on a beautiful quiet lake in the North Woods. Nice beach and picnic grounds. Right on the ATV trails," says Thomas F.
Waterfall viewing: Just 30 minutes south of Brule, Pattison State Park features impressive waterfalls. "Took a trail path out of the campground to the most amazing water fall," shares Lisa S., while Jim H. adds, "Manitou Falls is a short walk away and is incredible."
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: At Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground, sites offer good separation and natural surroundings. "The site was so spacious and treed for hammocks or tents or trailers. Fire rings and wood is available on site," notes Angie G. Beth B. adds that it's a "Tucked away campground right in a lake. Spacious sites and quiet…no road or neighbor noise."
Lake access: Many campers appreciate the waterfront options. "Lake is calm and peaceful. Saw a lot of wildlife and heard the sounds of loons in the AM and evening," shares Katherine O. about Top O' the Morn Resort.
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, campgrounds maintain good standards. At Boise Brule Campground, "Vault toilets seemed as clean as they could be, and they are a little fancier than your single vaults. They have stalls and toilet paper!" according to Amy G.
Direct water access: Herbster Campground offers sites directly on Lake Superior. "There are tent sites right along the beach. Small and remote. Beautiful hiking locations close by," says Nicky S.
What you should know
Pet policies: While most campgrounds near Brule welcome dogs, specific rules vary. Pattison State Park is pet-friendly but keeps pets out of designated swimming areas. "Great campground! Most of the sites are perfect for tent camping or glamping. Clean and each site is well separated and lots of trees," notes Jim H.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come basis while others require reservations. Herbster Campground doesn't take reservations, which reviewers note can be an advantage: "This is a first come first serve campground that doesn't take reservations, which is nice so close to the busy Apostle Islands."
Bug awareness: Ticks can be prevalent in warmer months, especially in wooded areas. "The biggest issue however was ticks. Been an outdoor person my whole life and more ticks than I've ever seen before. Pulling 10 or more off an hour," warns Zachary G. about Boise Brule Campground.
Cost considerations: Delta Lake County Park offers affordable camping with electric hookup options. "Electric was available at the site for an extra $5 but would have been worth it if needed," notes Cheri P.
Tips for camping with families
Beaches for children: Lucius Woods County Park offers family-friendly swimming areas. "There is a huge park along the water for kids to play and to have all kinds of activities. It had a very nice swimming area," shares Scott M.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds host regular events. "This campground is near a small little town with some good food!" adds Scott M. about Lucius Woods County Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dog-friendly campgrounds near Brule often provide chances to spot local wildlife. "Copper Range Campground has "the cutest red squirrels EVERYWHERE! Posted a video of one and the noises they make! Super cool!" according to Kalene H.
Weather preparation: Temperatures can vary widely, especially near Lake Superior. At Herbster Campground, reviewer Lesley R. notes, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds have limited spaces for larger rigs. At Wanoka Lake Campground, Laura M. notes, "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."
Utility limitations: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Brule offer basic services. "Water and electric provided, no sites have full hookups, though there is a dump on site," reports Melissa H. about Herbster Campground.
Site selection: At Top O' the Morn Resort, Katherine O. recommends: "# 48 was stent site recently made into a RV site with water and electric hook up. This site did not have sewer but there is a dumping station right on sight."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service can be unreliable. "WiFi only worked in the lodge and ATT signal was very weak," notes Katherine O. about Top O' the Morn Resort, while Laura M. found "Surprisingly decent Verizon and ATT service" at Wanoka Lake Campground.
