Brule River State Forest

Star4.39
46 reviews
Brule River State Forest
Fishing

Quick Facts

991 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Brule River State Forest
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 46 reviews

434 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingsites

"Generally highly rated for pristine river scenery, trout fishing, and quiet, well‑kept wooded campsites; reviewers praise canoe access and winter grooming. Common downsides are rustic amenities (vault toilets, no showers), ticks, and variable crowds on peak summer weekends."

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Campground Map

Brule River State Forest

Brule River State Forest

46.5374, -91.5927

Driving directionsAccess via Highway 2 and local forest roads; campground and canoe landings are reached from the Brule area (see park website for details).
Accessible from Highway 2 and local forest service roads near Brule.
Nearby supplies
Local services in Brule (gas station and businesses such as Angie's Bakery noted by visitors).

Best Time to Camp at Brule River State Forest

Summer awakens the forest with perfect conditions for casting a line into trout-rich pools, gliding downstream by canoe, or hiking shaded trails—though popular weekends fill quickly with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and you'll want good bug spray during the warmer months. When snow blankets the landscape, the forest transforms into a winter wonderland with the renowned Afterhours trail system offering groomed loops for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, complete with cozy warming shelters. Just remember: this is true Northwoods country, where winter temperatures drop and the remote beauty means coming prepared for serious cold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer ideal for fishing, paddling and hiking; popular weekends can be busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Glacial hills and hardwoods imply strong fall color and scenic hiking/fishing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in WI

Seasonal steelhead and salmon runs plus clear spring-fed water support high spring activity.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 2% in WI

Miles of groomed trails and praised winter grooming make it a cross-country skiing highlight.

Planning Tips

    About Brule River State Forest

    Escape to over 47,000 acres of pristine Northwoods wilderness where the legendary Bois Brule River winds through ancient white pine forests. These intimate, wooded campgrounds put you right on the water's edge, offering a gateway to world-class trout fishing, serene paddling adventures, and miles of groomed winter trails that transform the forest into a cross-country skier's paradise.
    State forest campgrounds with car camping (pull‑in) sites and walk‑in tent sites; small, wooded campgrounds adjacent to the Bois Brule River.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Primary activities center on the Bois Brule River (canoeing, kayaking, trout fishing) and forest recreation (hiking, wildlife viewing, cross‑country skiing). Beach/agate hunting at the river mouth on Lake Superior is a noted nearby activity.
    HikingSeveral short trails and connectors near campgrounds (Stoney Hill Nature Trail ~1.6 miles, North Country Trail connections); other scenic hikes and overlooks in the state forest.
    FishingExcellent trout stream (brook, brown, rainbow) with seasonal runs of steelhead and salmon; anglers and reviewers consistently praise trout fishing on the Bois Brule River.
    SwimmingSwimming holes along the river (e.g., Co‑op Park) and nearby Lake Superior beaches at the river mouth are mentioned as summer swimming spots.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsTicks are frequently reported by campers. River rapids and riffles can be challenging and have overturned small craft in some accounts; inexperienced paddlers should choose easier segments or go with experienced paddlers. Wildlife such as black bears is present and winter conditions can be cold and remote.

    Weather at Brule River State Forest

    Reviews

    4.4
    46 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Brule River State Forest is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Generally highly rated for pristine river scenery, trout fishing, and quiet, well‑kept wooded campsites; reviewers praise canoe access and winter grooming. Common downsides are rustic amenities (vault toilets, no showers), ticks, and variable crowds on peak summer weekends.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 46 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Reviewers repeatedly highlight the clear, spring‑fed Bois Brule River (excellent trout fishing and paddling), wooded and reasonably private campsites, convenient canoe landings, good short hiking...
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    Based on 46 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The most consistent complaint in camping‑specific reviews on The Dyrt is **ticks**; one camper at Bois Brule specifically states that the biggest issue with an otherwise solid campground was the high...
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    Based on 46 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve popular river‑side sites well in advance for summer weekends; bring certified firewood or buy locally (park does not sell wood); pack for rustic conditions (vault toilets, hand‑pump water);...
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    Based on 46 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "This campground has great sites with ample room."; "The park doesn’t sell wood so be prepared for that."; "The river is fantastic, caught some small trout, enjoyed nature."
    Based on 46 reviews
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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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