Smith Rapids

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CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 1170 4TH AVE SOUTH, PARK FALLS, WI, 54552, USA

Quick Facts

1,500 ft

Price

$12 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST site

Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,500 ft

Price

$12 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Smith Rapids

$12.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on season: Peak Season (May 23 - Sep 1, 2025): $15/night for Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites; First-come,...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

715-762-2461

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CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 1170 4TH AVE SOUTH, PARK FALLS, WI, 54552, USA

Smith Rapids

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, MEDFORD-PARK FALLS RANGER DISTRICT, 1170 4TH AVE SOUTH, PARK FALLS, WI, 54552, USA

Driving directionsFrom Fifield, travel east on State Highway 70 for a little more than 12 miles and turn left (north) onto Forest Service Road 148. Continue for 2 miles to the campground.

Accessible via paved roads (State Highway 70 and Forest Service Road 148). No seasonal closures or significant navigation challenges mentioned.

Nearby places

Park Falls, WI (17 miles, approximately null travel time)

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Park Falls, WI, approximately 17 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Smith Rapids

Summer transforms Smith Rapids into a verdant paradise, with warm days perfect for riverside relaxation and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As autumn approaches, the forest explodes in brilliant colors. Winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow while temperatures plunge to an average high of 23°F and overnight lows around 9°F. The cold season offers its own stark beauty, with moderate winds whistling through frost-covered trees and the frozen river creating an enchanting winter wonderland.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer described as verdant with warm days and cool nights ideal for camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn noted for 'brilliant fall color' in the forest setting.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens late May (May 23), so spring access is limited; early-season appeal is moderate.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Oct 13 season; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - Sept 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025. Reservable season ends Sep 1, 2025. First-come, First-served period from Sep 2 to Oct 13, 2025.

About Smith Rapids

Nestled along the meandering South Fork of the Flambeau River, Smith Rapids Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its tranquil forest setting and the gentle sound of rushing water. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the towering canopy or settling your RV into one of the shaded sites, you'll find modern conveniences like vault toilets and fresh drinking water amid the wilderness. The crown jewel of this riverside retreat is the nearby Smith Rapids Covered Bridge, Wisconsin's only example of this unique architectural style, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm.

Smith Rapids campground accommodates tent and RV camping. 'Several sites have extra-long parking spurs,' ideal for RVs. It also supports canoe enthusiasts with a river-side location and carry-down boat ramp.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the remarkable Smith Rapids Covered Bridge, a testament to both tradition and innovation. Built in 1991, this architectural gem stands as Wisconsin's sole glue-laminated town lattice bridge, combining centuries-old design principles with modern engineering techniques. This distinctive structure serves not just as a river crossing but as a living piece of history, connecting visitors to the region's heritage while showcasing the enduring appeal of covered bridge craftsmanship in the American landscape.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Smith Rapids into a verdant paradise, with warm days perfect for riverside relaxation and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As autumn approaches, the forest explodes in brilliant colors. Winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow while temperatures plunge to an average high of 23°F and overnight lows around 9°F. The cold season offers its own stark beauty, with moderate winds whistling through frost-covered trees and the frozen river creating an enchanting winter wonderland.

ElevationPerched at 1,500 feet above sea level, Smith Rapids Campground offers a refreshing mountain forest atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean. This elevated position creates a natural climate refuge during hot summer days while providing stunning vantage points through the trees. The altitude enhances the camping experience, offering cooler temperatures, clearer night skies for stargazing, and that invigorating mountain air that makes every breath feel rejuvenating.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where towering hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral above your campsite. The South Fork of the Flambeau River winds gracefully through the landscape, its waters dancing over ancient rocks and creating the melodic rapids that give this place its name. Morning mists rise from the river, while dappled sunlight filters through the dense canopy overhead. The historic covered bridge frames perfect photo opportunities, its weathered timbers contrasting beautifully with the surrounding emerald forest and sapphire waters.

Geological RegionDeep within the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Smith Rapids Campground occupies a special place where ancient geological forces have carved the perfect riverside sanctuary. The South Fork of the Flambeau River has spent millennia shaping this landscape, creating the rapids that now provide both scenic beauty and soothing sounds. Mature forests blanket the rolling terrain, their roots anchored in soil enriched by centuries of fallen leaves. The 1991 Smith Rapids Covered Bridge, an engineering marvel using glue-laminated town lattice construction, spans these historic waters, creating an unforgettable landmark that bridges both the river and the centuries.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutIncludes single-family sites designed for tent and RV camping. Some parking spurs are extra long.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov, the mobile app, or via the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during First-come, First-served Season (Sept 2 - Oct 13, 2025). No specific site numbers provided.

Cancellation PolicyChanges can be made ahead of arrival with a $10 fee for modifying dates outside the original reservation. Cancellations are subject to a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee for late cancellations. No refunds for cancellations after the scheduled check-in date.

Site SizeSeveral sites include extra-long parking spurs designed for larger vehicles.

PrivacyThe campground offers wooded sites providing shade and scenic views near the South Fork of the Flambeau River. However, the level of privacy per site is not detailed.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Smith Rapids offers numerous recreational opportunities. 'The fast-flowing South Fork of the Flambeau River is popular among canoeists,' and a carry-down boat ramp is available. Fishing is a highlight, with species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, redhorse, musky, and northern pike. Hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle access are accessible via the nearby 70-mile Flambeau Trail System. Winter activities include snowmobiling; however, off-road vehicles are not permitted to operate within Smith Rapids.

HikingThe campground is near the Flambeau Trail System, which spans 70 miles and is 'highlighted by rolling terrain, tree-lined corridors, wooden bridges, and vistas overlooking various bogs and lakes.' The trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and snowmobiling during winter.

FishingFishing on the South Fork of the Flambeau River is popular, with anglers targeting species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, redhorse, musky, and northern pike.

BikingMountain biking is available on the Flambeau Trail System, which features rolling terrain and scenic vistas. It is suitable for various skill levels.

BoatingBoating activities are supported with a carry-down boat ramp for canoeists. The site's location along the South Fork of the Flambeau River makes it ideal for paddling sports.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential for biting insects; firewood restrictions to prevent invasive species.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted; rings provided. Firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent invasive species.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely available in Park Falls, WI, approximately 17 miles away, which is described as a full-service community.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned in the provided materials.

Water FeaturesCampground is situated on the South Fork of the Flambeau River, which is suitable for canoeing and fishing. Includes a carry-down boat ramp.