Established Camping
Blackhawk Park
Blackhawk Park, near Desoto, Wisconsin, is a scenic spot along the Mississippi River that offers a laid-back camping experience. With flat sites surrounded by towering trees, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in nature.
This campground features picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire at night. Visitors have noted the park's cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, including hot showers and accessible toilets. One camper mentioned, “The park was clean and maintained,” which speaks to the care taken by the staff.
For outdoor activities, Blackhawk Park is a great base for fishing and exploring the river. Campers have enjoyed watching wildlife, including muskrats and various birds, adding to the natural charm of the area. The park is also conveniently located near the Great River Road, making it easy to explore nearby attractions.
While some sites may feel a bit close together, the overall atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. Whether you’re stopping for a night or planning a longer stay, Blackhawk Park offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Description
US Army Corps of Engineers
Mississippi River - Pool 9
Overview
Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.
Recreation
Boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are Blackhawk's most popular forms of recreation. Park rangers provide a variety of programs and activities throughout the summer. Interpretive programs are based on recreation, local history and the environment. Other activities range from guided walks and campfire talks, to natural crafts programs. Here, one can view majestic bluffs and rich backwater vegetation. Sometimes a river barge or classic paddle-wheeled steamboat can be seen journeying up the river.
Natural Features
This peaceful park is situated on the main channel of the Mississippi River. Cottonwoods, green ash, swamp oaks, river birch and willow trees forest the site, offering nice shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Visitors commonly see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer and wild turkey.
Nearby Attractions
The small river towns of DeSoto, Wisconsin and Lansing, Iowa are nearby. DeSoto is 5 minutes south, Lansing is 15 minutes south with a few restaurants and shops. LaCrosse, Wisconsin is 30 minutes north, with restaurants, shops, galleries and farmers markets. Effigy Mounds National Monument which is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) is located about a 40 minutes south of Blackhawk Park and offers excellent hiking opportunities, and well as picturesque views, and a visitor center, and is free to enter. The Driftless Area Education And Visitors Center in Lansing Iowa is a short 15 minute drive south, and explores the cultural, recreational, natural, and historical significance of the Driftless Area.
Location
Blackhawk Park is located in Wisconsin
Directions
From DeSoto, WI, travel 3 miles north on HWY 35 and turn left on County Road BI. From LaCrosse, WI, travel 25 miles south on HWY 35 and turn right on County Road BI.
Address
E590 CTY RD BI
Desoto, WI 54624
Coordinates
43.462153 N
91.223912 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobilePoor
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly