Brule River State Forest - Recreation - Camping

In addition to back country camping, the Brule River State Forest offers two family campgrounds, the Bois Brule Campground and the Copper Range Campground. Each includes a wheelchair accessible site, pit toilets, a hand pump for water, picnic tables, benches, fire grates, a canoe landing, and hiking opportunities. Electric hookups are not available.

The campgrounds fill up fast Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but sites are often available mid-week and during spring and fall.

Bois Brule Campground

Located one mile south of Highway 2 on Ranger Road, the Bois Brule Campground is a 20-unit campground with 17 pull-in sites and three walk-in sites. This campground is a favorite in the summer. A canoe landing is located in the picnic area and visitors will find the Stoney Hill Nature Trail across Ranger Road from the campground.

Copper Range Campground

The Copper Range Campground is a 15-unit campground that visitors can reach by traveling 4.5 miles north of Highway 2 on County Highway H, and then west on Park Road. Located near favorite fishing holes and canoe routes, this campground is popular with anglers in the spring and fall. A canoe landing is located a short walk from the campground. There is also a trail across the bridge that links to the Historic Bayfield Road Hiking and Snowshoe Trail [PDF, 118KB]

Back Country Camping

Trails may be used to access remote areas of the Brule River State Forest and backpack camping is allowed. However, you must hike with your gear a minimum of one mile from where you park your vehicle, and camp 100 feet from any trail and out of sight of any water body. Camping within 100 feet of a trail is prohibited.

You must possess a Special Camp Registration Permit before heading out to camp. This permit is free of charge and can be obtained from the Brule River State Forest station.

The most suitable trails for back country camping are the 26-mile snowmobile trail between Brule and St. Croix Lake and the North Country Trail that leads from State Highway 27 (seven miles south of Brule) to St. Croix Lake.

Please follow the rule of "carry in, carry out," taking all of your trash and recyclable items home with you.

You may use dead and downed wood for firewood. Do not cut any living trees or underbrush. Make sure your campfire is out when you leave. Never leave a fire unattended.

Additional Supplies and Services

Showers and a dump station are available for a fee at the Brule River Motel and Campgrounds, which is located in Brule on Highway 2. Firewood is not provided by the forest, but can be purchased from area businesses. A convenience store is located in Brule. There are grocery stores in the towns of Poplar and Iron River.

Rules

• No more than six people may occupy a site.
• No more than two vehicles may park at a site.
• Camping is allowed only within campsites.
• Campgrounds close and visiting hours end at 11:00 PM.
• Checkout time is 3:00 PM.
• Do not leave garbage in the campsite. Refuse containers are located at the Stoney Hill trailhead (by the garage), at the Bois Brule Campground and at the exit of the Copper Range Campground.
• Fires are permitted only within fire rings and charcoal grills in state forest designated use areas. Do not leave fires unattended and extinguish all fires before leaving. Burning of household refuse is prohibited.
• Pets are allowed in the campgrounds but they must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Please clean up after your pets. For a complete list of pet rules, see the state park and forest pet rules.