Copper Falls State Park

4.43

82 reviews

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Wisconsin#2

Quick Facts

1,247 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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February 2026

Quick Facts

1,247 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Copper Falls State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A vehicle admission sticker is required for park entry. Specific campground/site fees not provided in source materials.

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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+1-715-274-5123

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 82 reviews

1917 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryspaciouswaterbeach

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Visitors consistently praise the park for spectacular waterfalls, well-maintained trails and scenic overlooks. Campground sites are described as spacious, wooded and private; facilities (restrooms, showers, concession/gift shop) are generally regarded as clean and useful. Common negatives are seasonal shower closures, mosquitoes/bugs in summer, limitations for people with mobility issues due to many stairs, and dog restrictions on the Copper Falls trail."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Copper Falls State Park

46.3526, -90.6454

Nearby supplies

Mellen (basic supplies). A reviewer recommended stocking up at the Dollar General at Hwy 13 and 169 prior to arrival.

Best Time to Camp at Copper Falls State Park

Summer transforms the park into a lush green sanctuary, though you'll want to pack insect repellent for those enthusiastic mosquitoes near the river and low-lying areas—they're particularly fond of the moist gorge environment. Autumn brings a spectacular show as the mixed forest erupts in vibrant fall colors, making it a favorite time for photographers and leaf-peepers. The park welcomes visitors year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., so you can experience the waterfalls in every season, from summer's full flow to winter's frozen sculptures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Lush scenery, swimming beach and full trail access, though mosquitoes are a notable summer downside.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall foliage likely enhances gorge and waterfall views; fewer summer insect issues implied.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 14% in WI

Spring high water likely makes waterfalls dramatic; trails available but bugs may increase.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park open year-round; winter activities not detailed though frozen waterfalls can be scenic but cold.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park open year-round; park hours listed as 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.

About Copper Falls State Park

Where ancient lava flows meet cascading waterfalls, Copper Falls State Park invites you to explore one of Wisconsin's most dramatic landscapes. Follow winding trails along the Bad River gorge, where boardwalk overlooks reveal stunning waterfalls plunging into volcanic rock canyons, then retreat to your campsite or cozy cabin after a refreshing swim in Loon Lake.

Developed state-park campground with tent and RV-capable sites, plus cabins (including at least one ADA/accessible cabin reported). Sites are wooded and spacious.

Historical SignificanceLog buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s are present in the park and contribute to its historic character.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms the park into a lush green sanctuary, though you'll want to pack insect repellent for those enthusiastic mosquitoes near the river and low-lying areas—they're particularly fond of the moist gorge environment. Autumn brings a spectacular show as the mixed forest erupts in vibrant fall colors, making it a favorite time for photographers and leaf-peepers. The park welcomes visitors year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., so you can experience the waterfalls in every season, from summer's full flow to winter's frozen sculptures.

Natural Features and SceneryTwo magnificent waterfalls—Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls—thunder into narrow gorges carved through volcanic rock, creating a landscape that feels almost primordial. Boardwalk overlooks perch above the Bad River, offering front-row seats to nature's power as water cascades over ancient lava formations. The forest surrounding you shifts from towering northern hardwoods to fragrant conifers, while the popular Doughboys Nature Trail loop winds through this diverse terrain. When you need a break from hiking, Loon Lake's sandy beach beckons with calm waters perfect for a cooling swim, its shores a world away from the dramatic gorges just a short walk inland.

Geological RegionAncient lava flows and volcanic rock canyons along the Bad River and Tyler Forks River; deep gorges and bedrock waterfalls.

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Amenities available

Showers

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Copper Falls is centered on waterfall- and gorge-focused recreation with trails, a swimming beach, and other typical state-park activities. The park is frequently praised for hiking and scenic overlooks.

HikingExtensive hiking with highlights including the Doughboys Nature Trail (reported as ~1.3–1.7 mile loop in sources) and boardwalk/bridge overlooks around the Bad River gorge. Trails are well-maintained and easy to follow overall but include sections with many stairs and some steep/uneven steps.

FishingFishing is listed among on-site recreational opportunities (visitors note river and lake access; crayfish have been observed in the river).

SwimmingBeach and swimming area on Loon Lake are available and mentioned by visitors as a summertime amenity.

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep stairs and elevation changes on waterfall trails (can be strenuous and include many steps), heavy mosquitoes in low/riparian areas, and occasional wildlife including black bears (a juvenile bear was reported in visitor accounts). Trails and river edges can be slippery.

Weather at Copper Falls State Park

Reviews

4.4

82 reviews

Recommended

Copper Falls State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise the park for spectacular waterfalls, well-maintained trails and scenic overlooks. Campground sites are described as spacious, wooded and private; facilities (restrooms, showers, concession/gift shop) are generally regarded as clean and useful. Common negatives are seasonal shower closures, mosquitoes/bugs in summer, limitations for people with mobility issues due to many stairs, and dog restrictions on the Copper Falls trail.

Review Summaries

Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Waterfalls and gorge scenery; Doughboys Nature Trail and boardwalk overlooks; well-maintained trails; spacious, private campsites; family-friendly beach and concession/gift shop; accessible viewing...

Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

• **Mosquitoes and bugs**, especially in and around bathrooms and near the river, are a frequent annoyance for summer visitors.[1][2] • Some hikers with mobility issues or health concerns complain...

Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent and good walking/hiking shoes; be prepared for many stairs on the Doughboys loop and consider partial hikes if mobility is a concern; stock up on supplies before reaching the...

Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Doughboys Trail is wonderful, easy, and always has something to look at.”; “Campsites are spacious and tree covered.”; “The mosquitos are horrible. Even though they are everywhere. MAKE SURE YOU...

Based on 82 reviews

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