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

Brule 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 Brule River State Forest before I book?

Yes! Brule River State Forest has 2 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 Brule River State Forest?

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

How many campsites does Brule River State Forest have?

Brule River State Forest has 41 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Brule River State Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Brule River State Forest. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Brule River State Forest?

Brule River State Forest offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Brule River State Forest?

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

Brule River State Forest

Q: Can I have a campfire at Brule River State Forest?

Fire policies at Brule River State Forest: Individual sites are reported to have fire rings with grill tops; firewood is available for purchase locally in Brule (e.g., at a gas station). Specific fire regulations not detailed here—see DNR for rules.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.42

48 reviews

Brule River State Forest

Top 2% in WIWinter

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsFishing

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Wisconsin

Quick Facts

991 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Wisconsin DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

991 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Wisconsin DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Brule River State Forest

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Brule River State Forest

46.5374, -91.5927

Nearby supplies

Local services in Brule (gas station and businesses such as Angie's Bakery noted by visitors).

Weather at Brule River State Forest

Best Time to Camp at Brule River State Forest

Winter dominates here. Groomed trails for classic and skate skiing run through miles of snow-covered forest from December through February, with daytime highs between 0°F and 25°F and nights regularly dropping below zero. Summer brings trout season and canoe trips, but also crowds on peak weekends and enough bugs to warrant repellent. The shoulder seasons offer solitude if you can handle variable conditions and lingering cold.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Likely excellent: foliage, fewer crowds and continued good fishing/paddling make fall a top season.

Planning Tips

About Brule River State Forest

Brule River State Forest spreads across 47,000 acres of northern Wisconsin forest along the spring-fed Bois Brule River. The 41-site campground sits among white pine and hardwoods, offering direct access to trout fishing, paddling, and groomed winter ski trails. Reviewers consistently praise the setting but note facilities are basic: vault toilets, hand-pump water, no showers.

State forest campgrounds with car camping (pull‑in) sites and walk‑in tent sites; small, wooded campgrounds adjacent to the Bois Brule River.

Weather and SeasonsWinter dominates here. Groomed trails for classic and skate skiing run through miles of snow-covered forest from December through February, with daytime highs between 0°F and 25°F and nights regularly dropping below zero. Summer brings trout season and canoe trips, but also crowds on peak weekends and enough bugs to warrant repellent. The shoulder seasons offer solitude if you can handle variable conditions and lingering cold.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Bois Brule River flows clear and cold through rolling glacial terrain, fed by springs that keep trout thriving year-round. Ancient white pine stands tower over the campsites, mixing with northern hardwoods and lowland forest. The river runs over riffles and gentle rapids before emptying into Lake Superior downstream. Elevation here sits around 991 feet, and the forested corridors stay dense enough to screen sites from each other. Reviewers note the landscape feels pristine, though you'll share it with ticks in warmer months.

Geological RegionFar northwestern Wisconsin; rolling glacial terrain with forested river corridors, wetlands and river mouth access to Lake Superior.

Scenic ViewsRiverside views including a ‘‘tunnel of pines and balsam’’ along the river, visible schools of trout in clear water, abundant birdlife (including bald eagles), forested overlooks such as Winneboujou Bluff and scenic ski and hiking corridors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)

Total Campsites41 campsites

Best CampsitesRiver-adjacent sites in Bois Brule Campground and Copper Range get recommended most often for quick access to the water. Walk-in tent sites offer more seclusion. Reviewers suggest reserving riverside spots well ahead for summer weekends, as these fill first.

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Amenities available

Small, rustic state forest campgrounds with basic site furnishings, hand-pump/water filling station at the office, and vault/pit toilets. Dumpster/maintenance area is located near the campground service road.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

Fire PolicyIndividual sites are reported to have fire rings with grill tops; firewood is available for purchase locally in Brule (e.g., at a gas station). Specific fire regulations not detailed here—see DNR for rules.

Cell CoverageCoverage varies by carrier and exact location. Recent user reports indicate excellent AT&T and T‑Mobile 5G at Bois Brule campground while Verizon users report little to no coverage; reception may be spotty away from main roads.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

48 reviews

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 48 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...

Based on 48 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...

Based on 48 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);...

Based on 48 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 48 reviews

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Brule River State Forest

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

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Provider

Go if

Fly anglers and Nordic skiers get the most out of this place. Trout fishing on the Bois Brule runs brook, brown, and rainbow plus seasonal steelhead, and winter earns the highest seasonal scores for a reason: groomed classic and skate ski trails through snow-covered forest with a

Skip if

No showers and vault toilets are the baseline here, full stop. Summer weekends bring crowds and serious tick pressure, with at least one reviewer calling them the campground's biggest flaw. Verizon users will have little to no signal anywhere on the property.

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Campgrounds

Wisconsin State Parks, Wisconsin

Brule River State Forest

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 45% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 32 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Belonging
Grade A-.Scenery
Grade B.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade D.Safety
Grade C-.Bugs & weather
Grade C-.Facilities

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Wisconsin grades overall

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