Black River State Forest: An Ideal Spot for RV Camping and Nature Enthusiasts Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, the Black River State Forest offers an unforgettable RV camping experience. With its rich history, unique natural features, and diverse recreational activities, it’s no wonder why RV renters flock to this beautiful park. RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Black River State Forest. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Black River State Forest.
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Getting to Black River State Forest Transportation Options and Restrictions Visitors to the Black River State Forest have several transportation options available to them. The most convenient way to access the park is by private vehicle with multiple entrances located along Highway 54 and County Road O. When traveling by RV it’s important to note that there are restrictions on rig sizes. The park’s campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length but some roads and turnouts may be too tight for larger rigs. Visitors with larger RVs should plan their route carefully and avoid narrow roads and bridges.
RV parking is available at the Black River State Forest with designated areas for RVs throughout the park. However overnight parking outside of designated campsites is not permitted. Camping with an RV is a popular option for exploring the park and using alternative transportation methods such as hiking or biking can enhance the experience.
Public transportation within the Black River State Forest includes hiking trails and walking paths. There are no shuttle buses available. Visitors can explore the park by foot bike or horseback with trails ranging from easy to challenging.
The most popular campgrounds within or near Black River State Forest that require reservations are With 44 sites this campground is the most sought-after in the area. Located near the Castle Mound Pine Forest it offers access to hiking trails fishing and wildlife watching. It’s pet-friendly and open from April to October. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted. Amenities include electrical hookups flush toilets and showers. This campground has 34 sites and is located near the East Fork of the Black River. It’s a popular spot for fishing canoeing and hiking. Open from May to September it’s pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. Amenities include electrical hookups vault toilets and a dump station. With 30 sites this campground is nestled in a scenic pine forest. It’s a great spot for hiking biking and wildlife watching. It’s pet-friendly and open from May to September. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted. Amenities include electrical hookups vault toilets and a dump station. This campground has 20 sites and is located near Wildcat Mountain. It’s a great spot for hiking fishing and wildlife watching. It’s pet-friendly and open from May to September. RVs and trailers up to 25 feet are permitted. Amenities include vault toilets and a hand pump for water.Castle Mound Campground
East Fork Campground
Pine Valley Campground
Wildcat Mountain Campground
If you’re looking for first-come-first-served campgrounds in Black River State Forest here are a few options This campground has 20 sites and is located near the Black River. It’s open from May to September and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 25 feet. Pets are allowed and amenities include vault toilets and a hand pump for water. With 10 sites this campground is located near Beaver Creek. It’s open from May to September and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 20 feet. Pets are allowed and amenities include vault toilets and a hand pump for water. This campground has 15 sites and is located near White Pine Lake. It’s open from May to September and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 25 feet. Pets are allowed and amenities include vault toilets and a hand pump for water.Northwoods Campground
Beaver Creek Campground
White Pine Campground
If the campgrounds in Black River State Forest are full there are alternative camping options nearby There are several private campgrounds in the area including the Black River Falls KOA and the Wazee Lake Campground. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities including full hookups showers and laundry facilities. If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience backcountry camping is an option. There are several designated backcountry campsites in the forest and a permit is required. Dispersed camping is allowed in some parts of the forest as long as you follow Leave No Trace principles. You’ll need to be self-sufficient and pack out all your trash.Private Campgrounds
Backcountry Camping
Dispersed Camping
The Black River Scenic Trail is the most popular hiking destination within the forest. This 10.2-mile trail offers beautiful scenery including dense forests picturesque streams and breathtaking bluffs overlooking the Black River. The trailhead is located at the Castle Mound Picnic Area and hikers can enjoy a day-long adventure through the wilderness.
The Black River is a famous fishing destination particularly for its brown and rainbow trout populations. The river also contains walleye northern pike and bass. Anglers can fish from the riverbank or rent a boat from the Black River State Forest Headquarters.
The forest roads provide a great opportunity for biking enthusiasts to explore the park’s scenic beauty. The roads are well-maintained and offer a range of difficulty levels making them suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists.
Pigeon Creek Campground is a popular spot for RV campers offering 100 campsites with electrical hookups fire rings and picnic tables. The campground also features modern restrooms showers and a dump station.
Horseback riding is another popular activity in the forest with 24 miles of trails designated for equestrian use. The trails wind through the forest and offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Horse rentals are available at the nearby Smokey Hollow Stables.Hiking the Black River Scenic Trail
Fishing at Black River
Biking the Forest Roads
Camping at Pigeon Creek Campground
Horseback Riding
The forest roads offer a leisurely drive through the park’s scenic beauty. RV campers can take in the sights from the comfort of their vehicles and make stops along the way for photo opportunities.
The Smrekar Wildlife Area is home to a variety of wildlife including deer turkey and grouse. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the area and observe the animals in their natural habitat.
The Castle Mound Pioneer Cemetery is a historic site located within the forest. The cemetery dates back to the 1800s and contains the graves of early settlers in the area.
The Ice Age National Scientific Reserve is located within the forest and contains a variety of geological features including glacial moraines kettles and eskers. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the reserve and learn about the area’s unique geology.
The forest’s fall foliage is a popular attraction for photographers. The vibrant colors of the leaves create a stunning backdrop for photos and there are plenty of scenic spots throughout the forest to capture the beauty of the season.Alternative Activities
Scenic Drive along Forest Roads
Nature Watching at Smrekar Wildlife Area
Visiting the Castle Mound Pioneer Cemetery
Exploring the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve
Photographing the Forest’s Fall Foliage
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Black River State Forest. One popular activity for RV campers is hiking the North Country National Scenic Trail which winds through the forest and offers beautiful views of the Black River. Another must-see is the Castle Mound Pine Forest a unique ecosystem of ancient pines that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. For those interested in history the Black River State Forest is home to several historic sites including the Black River Falls Lumber Company which offers a glimpse into the area’s logging history. The forest is also home to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area which features a picturesque lighthouse and opportunities for fishing and boating. Lastly no trip to the Black River State Forest would be complete without a visit to the Smokey Falls scenic area which features a stunning waterfall and picnic areas.
Summer is an equally great time to visit the Black River State Forest with plenty of activities to keep RV campers busy. One popular summer activity is swimming and sunbathing at the Black River Harbor Beach which offers a sandy beach and clear waters. For those who prefer to stay active there are plenty of opportunities for mountain biking with several trails that cater to all skill levels. Fishing is another popular summer activity in the Black River State Forest with several lakes and streams that are teeming with fish. The Black River itself is a popular spot for trout fishing while Lake Wazee offers opportunities for bass and panfish. Finally no summer trip to the Black River State Forest would be complete without a visit to the Black River Falls Zoo which features a variety of animals including bears wolves and eagles.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Black River State Forest and RV campers have plenty of recreational activities to choose from. One popular option is hiking the trails which offer stunning views of the fall foliage. The North Country National Scenic Trail runs through the forest and provides over 20 miles of hiking opportunities. Another popular activity is fishing in the Black River which is known for its trout and smallmouth bass. The forest is also home to several historical landmarks including the Point Douglas Lighthouse and the Black River Harbor Range Lights. For those looking for a unique experience the forest offers a horse-drawn wagon ride through the woods.
Winter is also a great time to visit Black River State Forest especially for RV campers who enjoy winter sports. Cross-country skiing is a popular activity with over 20 miles of groomed trails available. Snowshoeing is another option and the forest offers rentals for those who don’t have their own equipment. For those looking for a more thrilling experience the forest also has a snowmobile trail that connects to the state’s extensive trail system. Ice fishing is also popular on the Black River with several access points available. Finally the forest offers a winter camping experience for those who are truly adventurous.