Brule River State Forest Conditions

Conditions as of Friday, August 20, 2010:

• Camping
• River and Lakes
• More Information

Keep the mud boots and rain coats out. It seems as if the area can't stay dry for more than a couple days straight. More heavy rain is expected for the weekend. Motorists should be aware that there could be water flowing over some sections of roads.

High water over the Stones Bridge Canoe Landing.
Photo by Kevin Feind

Mushrooms have certainly liked the damp conditions. Hikers don't have to go far to see numerous varieties of colorful mushrooms. Blackberries are at peak providing people and wildlife a tasty treat.

The Brule Archery Club is once again hosting its summer league at the Afterhours Archery Trail in the Brule River State Forest. This informal archery league is for beginners and experts alike, and can be shot at whatever time and day is convenient to you. Targets are placed on the course on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until dark for those who wish to use them. The 2010 league started June 17. For information on the Brule Archery Club, call the Brule River State Forest office, (715) 372-5678.

River and Lakes

On Thursday, August 19 the Bois Brule River was flowing at 448 cubic feet per second, making fishing and canoeing difficult. Canoeists are asked to use caution if paddling while the river is flowing at these high and fast conditions.

See the U.S. Geological Survey's page about the river [exit DNR] for provisional data about stream discharge, water level, precipitation, and water quality.

Boat registrations or renewals can be done by filling out a boat registration form found at local DNR offices, registering or renewing online, or stopping by a DNR validation station.

Camping

Both campgrounds are open year-round. Brule River State Forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Sites are designed to accommodate no more than two vehicles and six people.

Camping is limited to the two campgrounds. Back country camping permits (required for the North Country Trail) are available at the Brule office. Camping is not permitted on the beach along Lake Superior in the Bear Beach State Natural Area.

Map [PDF 251KB]

There is a nightly fee (per site) for camping, and campers also must have daily or annual vehicle admission stickers. The camping fees are:

Instructions for registering are at campground entrances.

Firewood Notice: Due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers [exit DNR], firewood from out of state or from more than 25 miles away is not allowed on Wisconsin State Park or Forest properties. Also, firewood that has been in the Wisconsin emerald ash borer quarantined area [PDF 102KB] is not allowed on properties outside of the quarantined area. Please buy firewood at or near the park or forest where you are going. Call the DNR toll-free Firewood Hotline, (877) 303-WOOD ((877) 303-9663) for information before packing for a trip. Several businesses in and around Brule sell firewood from local trees. Buying local firewood is the best way of slowing the spread of exotic forest pests from coming into the Brule River State Forest.

More Information

People are reminded that the Brule River State Forest is a multi-use property, bringing fishermen, hikers, hunters, horseback riders, bikers, canoeists/kayakers, and many other people out to enjoy the various recreational opportunities. Many of these activities require visitors to share space in the forest. Respect for other visitors is always appreciated.

Fire danger conditions
Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]

Brule River State Forest Information: Phone (715) 372-5678 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or e-mail Catherine Khalar.

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