Willow River State Park
4.5179 reviewsWillow River State Park
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsWillow River State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
A vehicle admission sticker is required. Specific camping and site fees available via the park or the reservation platform.
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+1-715-386-5931
What Campers Say
4.51
Top-Rated
Based on 79 reviews
3387 Google reviews
Most mentioned
shadesites
"Visitors overwhelmingly praise Willow River State Park for its spectacular waterfall, well-maintained trails, beach and lake, and pleasant campgrounds (300 loop frequently recommended). Reviews highlight beautiful scenery, family-friendly amenities, and varied recreational options."
Best Time to Camp at Willow River State Park
The park welcomes visitors year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering four-season beauty from summer swimming to winter snowscapes. Please note that water systems are currently on seasonal shutdown and will return to service in spring 2026—in the meantime, you'll find drinking water at the park maintenance building and vault toilets throughout the grounds. If you're planning a bike adventure, mark your calendar around the brief seasonal trail closure from November 15 to December 15, 2025.
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 Willow River State Park
Discover the crown jewel of northwest Wisconsin at Willow River State Park, where the thundering Willow Falls cascades through a stunning ancient gorge. This 2,800-acre natural playground invites you to explore miles of winding trails, paddle the calm waters of Little Falls Lake, and gather around the campfire in welcoming family and group campgrounds.
Multiple family and group camp loops with a mix of electric and non-electric sites; group camping areas are available.
Weather and SeasonsThe park welcomes visitors year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering four-season beauty from summer swimming to winter snowscapes. Please note that water systems are currently on seasonal shutdown and will return to service in spring 2026—in the meantime, you'll find drinking water at the park maintenance building and vault toilets throughout the grounds. If you're planning a bike adventure, mark your calendar around the brief seasonal trail closure from November 15 to December 15, 2025.
Natural Features and SceneryThe park's showstopper is undoubtedly Willow Falls, where water tumbles dramatically through the rocky Willow River Gorge in a series of breathtaking drops. Beyond the falls, Little Falls Lake beckons with its sandy beach and peaceful shoreline, while native prairie grasses sway across open meadows and dense forests cloak the rolling hills. Whether you're strolling the gentle lakeside paths or challenging yourself on the steeper trails that wind down into the gorge, every turn reveals new perspectives of this diverse landscape where prairie meets woodland.
Geological RegionWillow River Gorge and surrounding rolling countryside (park spans ~2,800 acres)
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Campsite details
Total Campsitesnull campsites
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation Platformshttps://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Willow River State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities concentrated around Willow Falls, Little Falls Lake (beach and paddling), and an extensive trail network.
Hiking
Multiple scenic hiking trails lead to Willow Falls and through rolling woodlands and prairie remnants; trails range from accessible lakeside paths to steep paved stairways and inclines to the falls (short 10–20 minute walks from parking, but steep).Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available on Little Falls Lake (and other park waterways); visitors report boating and fishing from the lake.Swimming
Swimming is reported at the lake beach area and visitors commonly swim/play near the falls (reviews note wet/misty access and recommend water shoes).Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsThe trail to the falls includes steep paved sections and many stairs; the return uphill can be strenuous. Areas immediately around the falls can be wet and slippery. (Visitors should plan for strenuous climbs and limited facilities at the falls.)
Weather at Willow River State Park
-15
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 55%
Wind: 6.9 mph
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsSteep approaches to the falls (challenging uphill return), crowding on peak summer weekends, occasional parking difficulty, and limited trash receptacles on some trails; seasonal shutdown of water systems affects some services.
Campground Map
Willow River State Park
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
79 reviews
Willow River State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors overwhelmingly praise Willow River State Park for its spectacular waterfall, well-maintained trails, beach and lake, and pleasant campgrounds (300 loop frequently recommended). Reviews highlight beautiful scenery, family-friendly amenities, and varied recreational options.
Review Summaries
Based on 79 reviews
What Campers Love
Willow Falls and the gorge are repeatedly described as the park's standout feature; trails are well marked and maintained; the 300 campground loop is favored for shade and larger wooded sites;...
Based on 79 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Steep hikes challenging (especially uphill) for mobility issues, kids, or gear; crowds in peak season; shrub overgrowth obscuring observation tower views; insufficient trash bins on trails; lack of...
Based on 79 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visit mid-week or off-peak to avoid crowds; use the flatter path from the boat launch/Campground 300 to access the falls if you want to avoid steep stairs; bring water shoes, sturdy footwear, and...
Based on 79 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The falls are beautiful and worth the hike down to them."; "The 300 campground is the nicest of the 3 — we had an electric site and loved it."; "Very steep hike down to the falls — be prepared for...
Based on 79 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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