Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Flambeau River State Forest provides excellent backcountry opportunities, including wooded hiking trails, ATV and snowmobile trails, family campgrounds and rustic river sites, hunting and fishing. Canoeing is the most popular activity at the forest. Different portions of the river offer varying degrees of difficulty. The North Fork is ideal for the novice, while the South Fork is for the advanced paddler. Nine landings offer access to forest lakes and the Flambeau River.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Flambeau 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 Flambeau River State Forest in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. 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, 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 Flambeau River State Forest?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Flambeau 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 Flambeau River State Forest in winter?
Yes. In the case of heavy snow, only the lower loop is plowed. This rustic family campground is open from May to October.
What state parks and trails are near Flambeau River State Forest?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Tuscobia State Trail (19 mi), Chippewa Flowage (26 mi) and Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (36 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Mountain & fat biking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowmobiling
- 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 W1613 Cty Hwy W Winter, WI 54896
- Phone: 715-332-5271
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible cabin: Elk Ridge yurt
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Tuscobia State Trail (19 mi)
- Chippewa Flowage (26 mi)
- Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (36 mi)
- Copper Falls State Park (41 mi)
- Willow Flowage (43 mi)
Closures and alerts for Flambeau 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.