Is Black River State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Black River State Forest accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black River State Forest before I book?

Yes! Black River State Forest has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Black River State Forest?

Black River State Forest does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Black River State Forest have?

Black River State Forest has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black River State Forest?

Pets are not allowed at Black River State Forest. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Black River State Forest?

Black River State Forest offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black River State Forest?

Popular activities at Black River State Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black River State Forest

4.10

29 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Wisconsin

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

715 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin State Forests)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

715 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin State Forests)Official Website

Get Directions

Black River State Forest

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reviewers mention a recent price increase but specific fees are not provided in the source material.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Black River State Forest

46.1173, -85.3636

Weather at Black River State Forest

Best Time to Camp at Black River State Forest

Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daily highs in the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit. Water levels favor shore fishing and photography during these months, and the tree canopy keeps sites comfortable for midday relaxation. Weekends see moderate crowds, but midweek visits often mean near-empty loops. The rustic setting and tree cover make summer the practical choice for accessing the river and surrounding trails.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Most reliable conditions; highs mid-70s to low-80s and canopy keeps sites cool.

Planning Tips

About Black River State Forest

Tucked away in Wisconsin's Black River State Forest, this intimate campground offers the perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The gentle rush of the Black River flows right through the property, while towering mature trees create a canopy of shade and privacy between each site, all centered around a peaceful lawn that opens up the forest floor.

Described by users as a rustic campground set within Black River State Forest with well-spaced forested sites and riverside access.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions, with daily highs in the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit. Water levels favor shore fishing and photography during these months, and the tree canopy keeps sites comfortable for midday relaxation. Weekends see moderate crowds, but midweek visits often mean near-empty loops. The rustic setting and tree cover make summer the practical choice for accessing the river and surrounding trails.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the soothing sound of rapids as the Black River winds its way through camp—several sites feature short woodland trails leading directly down to the water's edge, where you can watch the current dance over rocks and try your luck fishing. The campground's mature forest canopy provides dappled shade throughout the day, while a central lawn creates a natural gathering space between the wooded loops. Beyond your campsite, the vast Black River State Forest stretches in every direction, amplifying that coveted sense of being miles from anywhere. Wildlife sightings are common along the riverbanks, and the forest's quiet isolation makes this spot ideal for anyone looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in Wisconsin's northwoods character.

Scenic ViewsMany sites overlook or are a short walk from the Black River and its rapids; forested loops and tree buffers provide a wooded, secluded setting.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect-based (typical for GoingToCamp listings)

Total Campsites100 campsites

Best CampsitesOuter sites on both campground loops offer the best spacing and tree separation; several of these outer sites have short, direct paths to the river's rapids.

Need help booking Black River State Forest?

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GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Amenities available

Campground is described as a rustic, forested site with well-spaced sites, a central lawn and direct river access from several sites. User reviews indicate on-site drinking water is available but has had reports of unpleasant taste/odor. No official source data provided for showers, toilets, hookups, dump station, or wifi.

Potable water

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Black River runs through the campground with access to rapids via short woodland paths; the river and forest setting support fishing and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome visitors reported the campground drinking water had an unpleasant taste or odor. Reviewers also noted abundant wildlife in the area (including reports of wolves) and occasional loud nocturnal owls that may disturb sleep.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

29 reviews

Satisfactory

Black River State Forest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are largely positive, praising the campground's quiet, remote and secluded character, riverside sites and well-spaced, tree-separated campsites. Complaints are infrequent but include concerns about drinking water quality and occasional disruptive wildlife noise.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, remote and secluded setting; Black River flows through the campground with easy access to rapids; well-spaced sites with tree separation; described as clean for a rustic campground.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve outer/back-of-loop sites for best spacing and direct paths to the river rapids; bring or filter water if concerned about taste; expect a rustic experience with limited facilities.

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Remote feeling. Quiet. Love it.”; “Drinking Water smelled and tasted bad. Nice Campground though”; “Very quiet and peaceful black River goes right thru the state forest campground making it even...

Based on 29 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers and anyone chasing quiet midweek nights will do well here. Outer or back-of-loop sites get the shortest walk to the rapids, and summer midweek visits can leave whole loops nearly empty at 715 feet in the northwoods.

Skip if

No showers or hookups, and the drinking water has drawn real complaints about smell and taste. Pack a filter or bring your own supply, and if restless sleep from owl calls or wolves sounds miserable rather than atmospheric, this isn't your campground.

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