Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Brule River State Forest offers exceptional recreational opportunities, including river paddling, world-class trout fishing, wildlife viewing, a 23-mile stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail and 9 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. All 44 miles of the Bois Brule River are contained in the forest. Two campgrounds offer family campsites and access to canoe landings on the Bois Brule River.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Brule River State Forest?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in September–October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Brule River State Forest in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): 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, horseback riding and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, horseback riding, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Brule River State Forest?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Brule 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 Brule River State Forest in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. The DNR's pages for this property don't list winter camping.
What state parks and trails are near Brule River State Forest?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Amnicon Falls State Park (15 mi), Pattison State Park (25 mi) and Gandy Dancer State Trail (Northern) (28 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- 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 6250 S Ranger Rd. Brule, WI 54820
- Phone: 715-372-5678
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Amnicon Falls State Park (15 mi)
- Pattison State Park (25 mi)
- Gandy Dancer State Trail (Northern) (28 mi)
- Saunders State Trail (29 mi)
- Wild Rivers State Trail (33 mi)
Closures and alerts for Brule 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.