Blackhawk Park

4.56

616 reviews

E590 CTY RD BI, DESOTO, WI 54624

Family FriendlyFishing

Featured in:Fishing Camping Wisconsin#3 Best Campgrounds Wisconsin Beach Camping Wisconsin +2 more

Quick Facts

620 ft

Price

$1 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

150 campsites

Season

Open season begins A...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

620 ft

Price

$1 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

150 campsites

Season

Open season begins A...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Blackhawk Park

$1.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $1 per night for off-season bookings to $40 per night for group shelters during peak season. Additional reservation fees apply,...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

Hookup Site Fee$26.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

608-648-3314

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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 616 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstafffriendly

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive about Blackhawk Park's scenic location, cleanliness, and the range of activities available. However, some complaints include crowded sites, maintenance issues, and noise."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

E590 CTY RD BI, DESOTO, WI 54624

Blackhawk Park

E590 CTY RD BI, DESOTO, WI 54624

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Accessible via paved roads, though the turn from HWY 35 onto County Road BI may require caution, especially for southbound travelers as it resembles a sharp U-turn. Seasonal road construction may make accessibility challenging at times.

Nearby places

DeSoto, WI: 5 minutes south

Lansing, IA: 15 minutes south

LaCrosse, WI: 30 minutes north.

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in nearby towns like Lansing, IA (15 minutes south) and LaCrosse, WI (30 minutes north). LaCrosse also offers fuel, restaurants, and farmers markets.

Best Time to Camp at Blackhawk Park

Experience the Mississippi River's ever-changing moods through the seasons at Blackhawk Park. Summer visitors find blessed relief beneath the dense canopy of ancient river trees, where dappled sunlight filters through leaves and cooling breezes drift off the water. Come autumn, the campground transforms into a photographer's dream as cottonwoods and birches paint the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. The riverside location brings its own microclimate, with morning mists rising from the water and the gentle humidity that nourishes this lush river ecosystem.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in WI

Summer popular for ranger programs, swimming and boating; shade helps, but bugs/mosquitoes noted.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall offers quieter camping and attractive scenery; reviewers note beautiful fall views and fewer crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Season opens Apr 15; spring offers boating and wildlife but can be busy during opening and peak migration.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park is closed/limited in winter (non-reservable Dec 31–Apr 15), so winter camping/sports not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins April 15 and closes December 31 annually. Non-reservable from December 31 to April 15.

About Blackhawk Park

Discover your perfect riverside escape at Blackhawk Park, where 150 thoughtfully designed campsites await along the mighty Mississippi River. As the crown jewel of Mississippi's Pool 9, this expansive recreational paradise beckons with 73 electric hookup sites and endless adventures. Launch your boat into the legendary waters, paddle through serene backwaters, cast a line for the day's catch, or join engaging ranger-led programs that bring the river's stories to life. Families delight in sandy beach days, while modern amenities including multiple boat ramps, playgrounds, and shaded picnic shelters ensure comfort meets adventure at every turn.

Blackhawk Park offers a variety of camping accommodations, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Primitive camping is available in the non-electric sites.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the Mississippi River's ever-changing moods through the seasons at Blackhawk Park. Summer visitors find blessed relief beneath the dense canopy of ancient river trees, where dappled sunlight filters through leaves and cooling breezes drift off the water. Come autumn, the campground transforms into a photographer's dream as cottonwoods and birches paint the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. The riverside location brings its own microclimate, with morning mists rising from the water and the gentle humidity that nourishes this lush river ecosystem.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled along a sweeping bend of the Mississippi River's main channel, Blackhawk Park immerses visitors in a thriving riverine forest ecosystem. Towering cottonwoods stretch skyward alongside graceful green ash, while swamp oaks anchor the banks and river birches dance in the breeze. Weeping willows trail their branches toward the water, creating natural curtains of green. This rich habitat serves as a haven for magnificent wildlife—watch bald eagles soar overhead, great blue herons stalk the shallows, colorful wood ducks paddle past, and white-tailed deer emerge from the forest at dawn and dusk.

Geological RegionBlackhawk Park occupies a prime position on a forested bend where the Mississippi River curves through Pool 9, one of the river's most ecologically diverse sections. This dynamic landscape showcases the power of North America's mightiest river, where centuries of flooding and deposition have created rich bottomland forests. Majestic cottonwoods, resilient green ash, flood-adapted swamp oaks, papery river birch, and flexible willows form a living testament to the river's influence, creating a multi-layered canopy that provides cooling shade in summer and explodes with color each fall.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM

Check-out

2PM

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights during a visit
maximum of 14 nights total within rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Groups

Groups can reserve shelters with electric hookups. Details on the number of guests allowed are missing.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes two main loops: Upper Loop, with older shaded sites, and West Loop, which offers modern amenities and proximity to the river.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNon-electric sites are non-site-specific and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up availability varies depending on occupancy and season.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee is charged. Late cancellations for individual campsites may result in forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. For group shelters, cancellations less than 14 days before arrival also incur penalties.

AccessibilityBlackhawk Park provides accessible campsites, fishing docks, picnic areas, flush toilets, pit toilets, and showers.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and level: "We have a 44-foot fifth wheel and we had so much extra room.

PrivacyPrivacy varies: "Sites are close together," but some areas offer more space: "West Loop has more space per campsite.

Total Campsites150 campsites

Recommended SitesWest Loop sites are recommended for proximity to modern facilities and water views, while Upper Loop sites offer more shade and serenity.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Blackhawk Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. The park features two boat ramps, a beach area, and picnic shelters for group activities.

HikingEffigy Mounds National Monument, 40 minutes south, offers excellent hiking opportunities. Within the park, there are flat roads suitable for biking or walking.

FishingFishing is highly popular, with reviews noting a variety of fish species: "The fishing is good, and the camping is reasonably priced with decent facilities."

SwimmingA beach area is available for swimming, with life jackets provided for safety: "Beach area for kids to swim and so many areas to fish and boat."

BikingFlat roads within the park are suitable for biking: "There are about 3 miles of flat roads that are very pleasant for bicycling or walking."

BoatingBoating is a primary activity with two boat ramps available. Reviews highlight kayaking and canoeing opportunities: "Great sandbars on the river to beach them and walk around."

Wildlife viewingCommonly seen wildlife includes bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer, wild turkey, and turtles during nesting season: "The place was swarming with turtles nesting and laying eggs."

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include proximity to water bodies, occasional flooding in older campground areas, and high mineral content in water spigots. Wildlife such as turtles and deer are present.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in DeSoto, WI. Additional resources, including hospitals, can be found in LaCrosse, WI, approximately 30 minutes north.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Some reviews highlight recycling support: "They also support recycling. I personally love this."

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to the Mississippi River, with backwater sloughs and sandy beaches.

Camp HostHosts and rangers are described as friendly and helpful. Rangers conduct regular patrols and assist with reservations.

Weather at Blackhawk Park

Reviews

4.6

616 reviews

Top-Rated

Blackhawk Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive about Blackhawk Park's scenic location, cleanliness, and the range of activities available. However, some complaints include crowded sites, maintenance issues, and noise.

Review Summaries

Based on 616 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive themes include clean facilities, spacious sites, excellent fishing, friendly staff, and abundant wildlife. "Beautifully clean and well-kept campground," "The park ranger at check-in was very...

Based on 616 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback mentions sites being too close together, maintenance issues with bathrooms, and noise disturbances: "Sites are close together," "The outhouse is not clean!"

Based on 616 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray during summer months and water due to high manganese content in the park’s water supply. Use AT&T or Verizon for better cell service.

Based on 616 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular due to ranger-led activities and favorable weather, though bugs and mosquitoes are noted. Fall offers quieter camping and beautiful scenery.

Based on 616 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The reservable area was very nice while the non-reservable area was still mostly under water." "Watching barges pass by was amazing."

Based on 616 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

West Loop is described as having modern facilities and spacious sites. Upper Loop offers more shade but has older vault toilets. Site-specific feedback includes, "Site 42 had a very nice view of the...

Based on 616 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities received positive feedback, including fishing docks and flush toilets.

Based on 616 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but leash rules must be followed. Some reviews mention issues with barking dogs: "Other than barking dogs, some off leash, it was enjoyable."

Based on 616 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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