Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Buckhorn State Park is a paradise for water enthusiasts, hunters, hikers, campers and nature lovers. The park and two adjacent state wildlife areas cover more than 8,000 acres on a peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage of the Wisconsin River. Family and group campsites, unique cart-in camping, a cabin for people with disabilities, canoe trail and an accessible fishing pier, are all available at the park.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Buckhorn State Park?
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 Buckhorn State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, fishing, biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Buckhorn State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Buckhorn State Park 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 Buckhorn State Park in winter?
Yes. Campsite 8 near the south picnic area is accessible for people with disabilities, has an electric hookup and is available year-round. Camping is available year-round at backpack sites 9, 16 and 26-29.
What state parks and trails are near Buckhorn State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Roche-A-Cri State Park (10 mi), Mill Bluff State Park (16 mi) and Rocky Arbor State Park (23 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Accessible cabins
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Picnics & shelters
- 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: W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave. Necedah, WI 54646
- Phone: 608-565-2789
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible cabin
- Accessible fishing pier
- Accessible hunting blind
- Adaptive equipment: Cross-country sit skis, Adaptive kayak, Beach wheelchair
- Universal trails: Oak Barrens Nature Trail, Campground trails
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Roche-A-Cri State Park (10 mi)
- Mill Bluff State Park (16 mi)
- Rocky Arbor State Park (23 mi)
- Hillsboro State Trail (24 mi)
- 400 State Trail (24 mi)
Closures and alerts for Buckhorn State Park: 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.