Black River State Forest RV & Campground Guide
Wisconsin
Black River State Forest
boasts 67,000 acres in Jackson County and lies on the edge of a glaciated central plain east of the rough coulee region or driftless Wisconsin area. The area is unique due to the sandstone hills' geological features, the castellated bluffs, and the unglaciated buttes. The Dike 17 Wildlife Area is of special interest to visitors of the forest; its 3,700-acre area is managed for waterfowl, and 2,100 acres of it is a wildlife refuge. Two forks of the Black River flows through the forest comprised of pine and oak woods under high sandstone abutments, making it the perfect habitat for the yellow-billed cuckoo, American white pelican, eastern fox snake, beavers, and white-tailed deer. Three cities near the state forest are Hatfield, Millston, and Black River Falls.
Spring 19-72 F
Summer 58-84 F
Fall 23-72 F
Winter 8-27 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Black River State Forest
Visiting a state park can be intriguing, but when you add camping in the forest to the mix, it becomes peaceful and relaxing. To make the experience even better, you could stay in an RV that fits your family's requirements. Check out RVshare’s peer-to-peer platform for an RV rental.
Russell Memorial Park and Campground
Russell Memorial Park and Campground sits on Lake Arbutus in the town of Dewhurst. It's close to Levis Mound Recreational Area and features many campsite opportunities for RVs with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Some amenities included are Wi-Fi, a dump station, a convenience store, a laundry facility, and three shower houses. Lake Arbutus consists of 821 acres of water that are often boasted as the best fishery in Clark County. There are four boat landings for easy access to the lake. Pets are welcome.
Parkland Village Campground
Parkland Village Campground sits in the gorgeous Black River Falls area with 80 spacious sites for tent and RV camping. The majority of the sites offer sewer, water, and electric hookup accessibility. This pet-friendly campground has direct access to 235 miles of ATV and snowmobile trails. A computer kiosk, a pool table, a TV lounge, darts, and board games are some of the Parkland Village amenities. The campground is near dining, a waterpark, shopping, horseback riding, and hiking trails.
What to Do at
Black River State Forest
Inside Black River State Forest
Inside the Black River State Forest, there are 33 miles of ATV trails linked with Clark County and Jackson trails for motorcycles and ATVs; some restrictions may apply in parts of the forest. The river provides excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities with some mild rapids and moderately rocky areas. Forest lakes, flowages, and the Black River are ideal for catching musky, walleye, largemouth bass, catfish, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. There are many hiking opportunities in the forest; the Wildcat and Smrekar trailheads offer 24 miles of multiple-trail use for hiking and biking. Winter activities inside the park include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Outside Black River State Forest
After you have finished all there is to see and do inside Black River State Forest, you'll have more time to explore its surrounding areas. There are many restaurants within a short driving distance of the state forest where you can go alone or take your entire family. Plenty of shopping places are also nearby to restock your RV’s refrigerator or to pick up a keepsake. If you go further into the cities, you'll find museums, outdoor recreational places, and more.
Restaurants
BJ’s Airport Bar and Grill
BJ’s Airport Bar and Grill sits on the ATV and snowmobile trails and specializes in homemade cooking. It also has beer on tap, an assortment of wines, and various mixed drink options.
Type: American
Location: W9944 Airport Road, Black Forest Falls, WI 54615
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery offers lunch and dinner favorites from soups and salads to a big plate of chicken pot pie. Bakery items and all-day breakfast options are also provided.
Type: American
Location: N6209 Oasis Road, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Oriental Kitchen
Oriental Kitchen is known for its outstanding Chinese cuisine, friendly staff, and excellent service. The restaurant only uses fresh ingredients to prepare your favorite dishes like chow mein, fried rice, chicken dishes, and pork rolls.
Type: Chinese
Location: 628 WI-54 East, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Taco John’s
Taco John’s serves traditional Mexican food with a twist. Try its special queso blanco to go with your meal.
Type: Mexican
Location: 400 Oasis Road, Black River Falls, WI 54615
TK’s 400 Club
TK’s 400 Club serves lunch specials daily and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Choose from a variety of comfort foods, such as burgers, chicken wings, onion rings, deep-fried pickles, and more.
Type: American
Location: W6621 US-12, Millston, WI 54643
Shopping
The Merchant General Store
Take yourself back to yesteryear in The Merchant General Store that dates back to 1912. Antiques, candies, toys, souvenirs, and various gift items are some of the store's featured products.
Location: 216 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
First Fruits Common Market
First Fruits Common Market is a great place to pick up a gift or a keepsake. You can find fudge, specialty popcorn, baking items, dairy, meat, and other whole foods in the store.
Location: 25 South First Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Millie J’s Shop
Choose from a large selection of jewelry, clothing, and accessories at Millie J’s Shop. You can anticipate high-quality items at an affordable price that will not break the bank.
Location: 34 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Amy's Handmade Crafts and Treasures
Quality handmade artwork with unique creation is what you'll find at Amy's Handmade Crafts and Treasures. With the items consistently changing, you'll always be able to find something new.
Location: 520 North Water Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Walmart Supercenter
Walmart Supercenter is the ideal place to pick up some groceries or to get your prescription filled. The store also sells supplies for camping, fishing, and pets; plus, you can get clothing items for the family.
Location: 611 WI-54, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Sightseeing
Wazee Lake Recreation Area
Wazee Lake Recreation Area sits in Jackson County with well over 1,300 acres to explore. Its main attraction is the 146-acre lake popular for scuba diving and catching bluegills, smallmouth bass, walleye, and two different trout species. The recreational area also has a large beach, a picnic area, and 9 miles of hiking trails.
Location: N6302 Brockway Road, Black River Falls, WI 54615
The Little Falls Railroad & Doll Museum
The Little Falls Railroad & Doll Museum offers the biggest collection of railroad art in the United States. There is also an exhibit of Madame Alexander dolls portraying the presidential first ladies in their gorgeous gowns.
Location: 9208 County Highway II, Sparta, WI 54656
Bauer Brockway Barrens
Hiking, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing are just a few activities that you can do at Bauer Brockway Barrens. You also can go birdwatching or observe the wildlife that roams this region.
Location: Black River Falls, WI 54615
Black River Country
In winter, enjoy ATV riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing at Black River Country. You can hike, fish, golf, scuba dive, and take pleasure in other water recreational activities during the warmer months.
Location: 120 North Water Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Millston Sand Barrens
The Millston Sand Barrens sit within Jackson County Forest and among impenetrable stands of oak. There are scattered small openings of lyrate rockcress, huckleberry, sweet fern, and round-head bush clover. Camping, geocaching, bicycling, and hiking are a few activities available here.
Location: Black River Falls, WI 54615
How to Get to
Black River State Forest
Coming from Hatfield, you'll want to travel south on County Road K toward County Road East. Take Old Highway 54 for 1.5 miles, and turn right onto South Cemetery Road. Go four miles; turn left onto WI-54 East/WI-54 Trunk East. Next, you'll want to make a right onto Wildcat Road and travel for less than a mile. Make a left onto Battle Point Road, and then follow the signs to the state forest.
If you're coming from the city of Millston, you'll want to head northeast on US-12 West toward Coffey Road. Travel for 11.4 miles, and then turn right onto Andrews Road. Go less than a mile, and turn right onto WI-54 East/WI-54 Trunk East/East Main Street. Continue traveling northeast for 8.5 miles before making a right onto Wildcat Road. Turn left on Battle Point Road, and take the signs to the state forest.
Entering Black River State Forest
The Black River State Forest is open year round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Per vehicle with WI license plates : $8
If you're a resident of Wisconsin and are 65 years or older, the admission fee is only $3.
Per vehicle with out-of-state plates : $11
Per bus with WI license plates : $11
Per bus with out-of-state plates : $15
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Black River State Forest. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.