Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Two forks of the Black River flow through this 68,000-acre forest comprised of pine and oak woods under high sandstone abutments. This central Wisconsin property offers many recreational opportunities, including camping, canoeing, hunting, hiking, skiing and ATV riding. Visitors may even see elk roaming the forest. Elk were released in 2015 and 2016 after being absent from the area for over 125 years.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Black River State Forest?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Black River State Forest in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Black River State Forest?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Black River State Forest needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Black River State Forest in winter?
Yes. Call the Black River State Forest property office for more information about plowed sites or if you have questions about water system availability during your stay. When conditions and staffing allow, a limited number of sites are plowed during winter at Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek campgrounds.
What state parks and trails are near Black River State Forest?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Buffalo River State Trail (28 mi), La Crosse River State Trail (28 mi) and Coulee State Forest (32 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Mountain & fat biking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: Forest Headquarters W10325 Hwy 12 Black River Falls, WI 54615
- Phone: 715-284-4103
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible fishing pier
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Buffalo River State Trail (28 mi)
- La Crosse River State Trail (28 mi)
- Coulee State Forest (32 mi)
- Great River State Trail (34 mi)
- Mill Bluff State Park (34 mi)
Closures and alerts for Black River State Forest: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.