Is Pattison State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Pattison State Park 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 Pattison State Park before I book?

Yes! Pattison State Park has 18 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 Pattison State Park?

Yes, Pattison State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Pattison State Park have?

Pattison State Park has 64 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pattison State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Pattison State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pattison State Park?

Pattison State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pattison State Park?

Popular activities at Pattison State Park include Hiking, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pattison State Park

3.68

44 reviews

Pattison State Park

Top 19% in WIFall

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Wisconsin

Quick Facts

988 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

64 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

988 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

64 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Pattison State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Pattison State Park

46.5371, -92.1192

Weather at Pattison State Park

Best Time to Camp at Pattison State Park

Fall delivers the park's most striking conditions. Late September into October brings peak foliage, daytime highs of 40–60°F, and nights often in the 30s. The cooler temperatures make Big Manitou Falls especially photogenic with high water and colorful forest backdrops. Trails hit their scenic peak, crowds are moderate (busiest on weekends), and evening wildlife activity picks up. Pack layers for those northern Wisconsin nights around the campfire.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 19% in WI

Fall (late Sep–Oct) is described as the park's most striking time with peak foliage and cool days.

Planning Tips

About Pattison State Park

Pattison State Park sits at 988 feet elevation along the Black River, offering 64 campsites (tent and RV) and Wisconsin's highest waterfall. Big Manitou Falls drops 165 feet through forested terrain that includes a lake with a small beach. The park delivers excellent hiking and wildlife viewing, but restroom cleanliness is inconsistent and some drive-up sites sit close together.

Mix of site types reported in reviews including drive-up sites that accommodate trailers/RVs, standard tent sites, and hike-in sites noted for privacy.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the park's most striking conditions. Late September into October brings peak foliage, daytime highs of 40–60°F, and nights often in the 30s. The cooler temperatures make Big Manitou Falls especially photogenic with high water and colorful forest backdrops. Trails hit their scenic peak, crowds are moderate (busiest on weekends), and evening wildlife activity picks up. Pack layers for those northern Wisconsin nights around the campfire.

Natural Features and SceneryBig Manitou Falls dominates the landscape, plunging 165 feet into the Black River canyon. The river winds through dense forest where wildlife sightings are common. A lake with a sandy beach provides a quieter swimming alternative. Hike-in sites along the Black River offer complete solitude under towering trees with the sound of rushing water, while drive-up areas are more open to accommodate RVs. Some low-lying tent sites pool water during heavy rain.

Scenic ViewsScenic waterfall views (Big Manitou Falls), river views along the Black River, and wooded lakeshore scenery with a small beach.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 Campsites64 campsites

Best CampsitesHike-in sites along the Black River are the most private options. Extremely secluded and riverside. Some drive-up sites sit close together or near the road. Sites 26 and 27 have been reported as gravel or uneven with awkwardly placed fire pits.

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Amenities available

Reviews indicate functioning restrooms (both flush and vault) and a shower house; fire pits are at sites and firewood is sold on-site but sales stop early in the evening. Sites are described as generally spacious but layout/privacy varies.

Showers

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Park is noted for scenic waterfalls, hiking and lakeside activities; some trails have been closed at times according to reviewers.

Hiking

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported issues include dirty or moldy shower facilities, freezing or inconsistent shower water, dirty vault toilets, pooling water after heavy rain, and some uneven/gravel areas and trip hazards at particular sites (reviewers called out sites 26/27). Some trails have been reported closed.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

44 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pattison State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed-to-positive: many visitors praise the scenery, waterfalls, hiking and quiet setting, while several consistently complain about restroom and shower cleanliness and a handful report crowded/close sites or site-specific issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Spectacular scenery and proximity to Big Manitou Falls, good hiking, a lake with a small beach for kids, peaceful/quiet atmosphere, and very private hike-in sites along the river.

Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood or buy early (reviewers report on-site firewood sales stop around 5:30–6:00 PM), choose hike-in sites for maximum privacy, pack for chilly fall weather, expect pooling water...

Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Hike-in camp sites are great and EXTREMELY private!"; "The showers, though...disgusting!"; "Lots of wildlife."

Based on 44 reviews

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Pattison State Park

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 →

Share this campground

Going To Camp

Provider

Go if

Fall foliage hikers who want a riverside campsite without neighbors. The hike-in Black River sites deliver solitude under old-growth canopy; buy firewood before 6 PM or bring your own. September into October is the clear sweet spot.

Skip if

Anyone who depends on clean showers should reconsider, reviewers consistently report mold, cold water, and out-of-order stalls. Drive-up sites 26/27 also draw complaints for uneven gravel and awkwardly placed fire pits.

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