Brule River State Forest

4.39

46 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

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Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Get Directions

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

Total Campsite Fees$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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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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.

Historical SignificancePaddling routes pass by some historic riverfront properties and the area connects with regional trails and hatchery sites mentioned by visitors; the forest contains long‑standing Northwoods cultural and recreational uses. (Specific historic designations not provided in sources.)

Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.

Natural Features and SceneryThe crystal-clear, spring-fed Bois Brulé River is the heart of this forest, tumbling over gentle rapids and riffles as it carves through a landscape of towering northern hardwoods, fragrant pines, and hushed lowland forests. Glacial hills roll across the terrain, sheltering rare stands of virgin white pine that have stood for centuries. Follow the river downstream and you'll discover where it meets Lake Superior's shores, where agate hunters comb beaches at the river's mouth and the forest gradually opens to reveal sweeping water views.

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

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

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

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.

Hiking

Several 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.

Fishing

Excellent trout stream (brook, brown, rainbow) with seasonal runs of steelhead and salmon; anglers and reviewers consistently praise trout fishing on the Bois Brule River.

Swimming

Swimming 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

Campground rules

Pets are allowed
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.

Hazards

General hazardsTicks 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

-9

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 74%

Wind: 4.3 mph

Overcast

Weather History

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Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Good to know

Common complaintsTicks are frequently mentioned as a nuisance. Campgrounds are basic—no showers and vault/pit toilets only—and some reviewers caution that pit toilets can become odorous on busy weekends. A few paddlers note that rapids or shallow sections can be challenging.

Campground Map

Brule River State Forest

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).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

46 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 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...

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...

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);...

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