Willow River State Park

4.51

79 reviews

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

919 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

156 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

919 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

156 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Willow 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

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Provider

+1-715-386-5931

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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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Willow River State Park

45.0124, -92.6784

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WI

Summer offers beach swimming, paddling and peak trail use; highly praised by visitors.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in WI

Top fall color destination; reviews explicitly recommend visiting during Autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 14% in WI

Spring brings strong waterfall flows and trails reopening — attractive seasonal visit.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round with winter snowscapes, but water systems seasonal and fewer amenities.

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)

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingMultiple 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).

FishingFishing opportunities are available on Little Falls Lake (and other park waterways); visitors report boating and fishing from the lake.

SwimmingSwimming is reported at the lake beach area and visitors commonly swim/play near the falls (reviews note wet/misty access and recommend water shoes).

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe 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

Reviews

4.5

79 reviews

Top-Rated

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 reviews

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 reviews

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 reviews

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 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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