Camping is allowed in the Black River State Forest and along some of the area’s trails, allowing ATVers, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to experience a real wilderness adventure. Here are some places you can camp or picnic.
Black River State Forest
Contact Reserve America to make camping reservations for Castle Mound State Campground at 1-888-947-2757. All others are first come-first served with the exception of the Group Camp on the East Fork.
All Campgrounds contain safe drinking water and sanitary facilities. They are patrolled by law enforcement personnel for public protection. Trash disposal is provided at receptacles placed at convenient location around the campgrounds and in the parking areas. Please recycle.
Primitive camping is allowed by backpackers who are hiking and carrying their food and gear. Backpackers must obtain a permit before setting out and camp at areas designated by permit.
Off-site camping is allowed during the deer gun season only by hunters in designated areas by permit only.
Fires - It is unlawful to start, tend or maintain a fire on the ground or to burn refuse except in fireplaces or fire rings.
Trails - ATV / Motorcycle ~ 34 Total Trail Miles. Off-trail use not permitted.
Snowmobile - 51 Total Trail Miles
| Canoe Family Camping. Accessible by canoe only. 2 Camp Units. Directions: Hwy 27 South to Hawk Island Road
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| Castle Mound Family Camping. Winter Camping, 35 camp units. 1.5 mile nature trail, 1.5 mile cross-country skiing/hiking, 5 electric sites. A must see view from the top of Castle Mound! 8 pull-thru sites. Reservations and Vehicle Permit. Directions: Exit #116 1/2 mile to Hwy 27 South then Hwy 12 East for one mile.
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| East Fork - Family Camping North end of State Forest on Campground Road. 25 camp units, drinking water, 1 mile nature trail. On the banks of the East Fork of the Black River. Canoe downstream to Lake Arbutus, which has a swimming beach and boating opportunities. Hike the nature trail along the riverbank and see the wildlife that abounds in the State Forest. 5 pull-thru sites. Vehicle Permit. Directions: Exit #116 to Hwy 54 East for 4.5 miles to County Road K. Turn left on K toward Hatfiled, then 6.5 miles to Clay School Road. turn right on Clay School Road to Campground Road.
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| East Fork - Group Camping Group Camping. Winter camping, 1 shelter, 4 mi. cross-country ski and hiking. Reservations call Castle Mound at 715-284-4103 or 715-284-5301. Vehicle Permit. Directions: Exit Hwy 54 East for 6.5 miles to County Road K Toward Hatfiled. Turn left on Hwy K. Signs for campgrounds by Palms’ Supper Club.
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| East Fork - Horse Camping 12 camp units each with tethering post, fire ring and picnic table, 35 miles of trails, pit toilet & hand pump. Trail passes required. Directions: Exit Hwy 54 East for 6.5 miles to County Road K Toward Hatfiled. Turn left on Hwy K. Signs for campgrounds by Palms’ Supper Club.
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| Pigeon Creek Family Camping. Pigeon Creek Flowage offers nice swimming beach and fishing within walking distance. For a truly scenic view, hike or ski the Wildcat or Ridge Trail north of the campground. Winter camping, 38 camp units, drinking water, 1.5 mile nature trail, 5.2 mile mountain biking trail. 4 pull-thru sites. Directions: Exit # 128. Take County Road O East to North Settlement Road. Approximately 2 miles from the Interstate.
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| Smrekar Trail 4 total trail miles. Shelter, drinking water, hiking and backpacking with permit, trail pass required.
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| Wild Cat Trail 10 total trail miles. Shelter, drinking water, backpacking with permit, trail pass required.
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Black River Area Chamber of Commerce | 120 N. Water Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Email us at chamber@blackrivercountry.net
