State Trails, Camping, and Picnic Areas – Park Regulations
Camping is allowed in the Black River State Forest and along some of the area’s trails, allowing ATVers, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to experience a real wilderness adventure.
Camping in the Black River State Forest
Contact Reserve America to make camping reservations for Castle Mound State Campground at 1-888-947-2757. All other campgrounds are first come-first served with the exception of the Group Camp on the East Fork.
All campgrounds contain safe drinking water and sanitary facilities. They are patrolled by law enforcement personnel for public protection. Trash disposal is provided at receptacles placed at convenient locations around the campgrounds and in the parking areas. Please recycle.
Primitive camping is allowed by backpackers who are hiking and carrying their food and gear. Backpackers must obtain a permit before setting out and camp at areas designated by permit.
Off-site camping is allowed during the deer gun season only by hunters in designated areas by permit only.
Fires – It is unlawful to start, tend or maintain a fire on the ground or to burn refuse except in fireplaces or fire rings.
Pets – Pets may not be left unattended. The pet must be leashed at all times while in the park area and are not allowed in any building, picnic area, swimming beach or ski trail (when used for cross-country skiing). Leashes should be no more than eight feet in length.
County and Village Campgrounds – Park Regulations
Vehicle Admission and Dive Fee Required – Motor vehicles require an admission sticker to use East and West Arbutus and Wazee Lake Recreational Area from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Park and Office Hours: Parks are open to visitors from 6am-11pm. The park office is open daily with extended hours on weekends.
Camping
Quiet hours are from 11pm-6am.
- Campsites must show occupancy the first night of the permit, unless other arrangements are made with the Park Manager.
- If a site is left unoccupied, the site will be reassigned.
- One camping unit per campsite unless authorized by management.
- Each campsite is set up for one family unit (a non-family unit consists of not more than 5 persons.)
- All camping permits expire at 3pm.
- Permits may not exceed 21 nights per campsite.
- No refund of camping fees.
- You may extend your stay by renewing your permit by 10am on the expiration date.
Fires and Fireworks – Due to fire danger in our area, fire must be used cautiously. Fires must always be in designated fire rings or grills. Campfires may not be left unattended at any time. Fireworks are not allowed.
Pets may not be left unattended. The pet must be leashed at all times while in the park area. Leashes should be no more than eight feet in length.
ATV Trails
All Terrain Vehicles may drive on designated trails and areas. No ATV use is allowed in any campground except Crawford Hills ATV-Motorcycle Park.
Black River State Forest has 27 miles.
Jackson County Forest has 65 miles.
Snowmobile Trails
Black River State Forest has 72 miles.
Jackson County Forest has 228 miles.
