Copper Falls State Park

4.43

82 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Get Directions

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Going To Camp

Provider

+1-715-274-5123

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."

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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.

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

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.

Campsite details

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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

Open and Closed SeasonPark open year-round; park hours listed as 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.

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

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Flush toilets

Vault toilets

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.

Hiking

Extensive 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.

Fishing

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

Swimming

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

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsSteep 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

-8

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 70%

Wind: 7.9 mph

Overcast

Weather History

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Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Good to know

Common complaintsMosquitoes and biting insects in summer; some visitors frustrated by dog restrictions (dogs not allowed on the Copper Falls trail); observation tower views can be blocked by canopy in summer; showers may close in the off-season; some vault/pit toilets described as only somewhat clean by some users.

Campground Map

Copper Falls State Park

Nearby supplies

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

Reviews from booking and map sources

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