Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin's most scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park's charm. The park offers camping, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing and swimming opportunities in Loon Lake. The 1.7-mile Doughboy's Nature Trail, along the Bad River, is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Copper Falls State Park?
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 Copper Falls State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, ice fishing, mountain & fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and waterfalls. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, waterfalls and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, waterfalls and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, waterfalls, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Copper Falls State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Copper Falls 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 Copper Falls State Park in winter?
Yes. The park offers groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, winter camping and ice fishing on Loon Lake. During winter Copper Falls State Park has six plowed campsites (sites 1-6) available by reservation only.
What state parks and trails are near Copper Falls State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (30 mi), Big Bay State Park (30 mi) and Chippewa Flowage (40 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Accessible cabins
- Camping
- Waterfalls
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Mountain & fat biking
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · April · 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: 36764 Copper Falls Road Mellen, WI 54546
- Phone: 715-274-5123
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible cabin: Rustic cabin
- Accessible fishing pier
- Adaptive equipment: Beach wheelchair
- Universal trail: Doughboy's Nature Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (30 mi)
- Big Bay State Park (30 mi)
- Chippewa Flowage (40 mi)
- Flambeau River State Forest (41 mi)
- Tuscobia State Trail (46 mi)
Closures and alerts for Copper Falls 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.