Castle Mound Campground

For those of us in Wisconsin who seek a genuine connection with nature, Castle Mound Campground in Black River Falls offers a captivating escape into the heart of the Black River State Forest. This isn't just any campground; it's a gateway to an ancient landscape, dominated by a towering sandstone butte and surrounded by a serene pine forest. If you're looking for a camping experience that balances rustic charm with essential comforts, and provides ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation, Castle Mound Campground is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's great outdoors.

Castle Mound Campground is nestled within the expansive Black River State Forest, making it an integral part of one of Wisconsin's most beautiful natural areas. It's renowned for its unique geological feature, Castle Mound itself, a massive sandstone formation that offers panoramic views of the surrounding Driftless Area. This campground is designed to cater to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, offering a variety of site types to suit different preferences, all while maintaining a peaceful and well-maintained environment. The overarching theme here is immersion in nature, with easy access to trails and the tranquility of a forest setting.

What sets Castle Mound apart is its blend of accessibility and natural beauty. While providing modern conveniences like clean showers and electric sites, it retains the feel of a true forest campground. This allows visitors to truly disconnect and appreciate the quiet solitude that only a natural environment can offer. It’s a place where campfires glow under star-filled skies, and the rustling of pine trees becomes your nightly lullaby. Many local Wisconsinites consider Castle Mound their go-to spot for a refreshing outdoor getaway, often praising its natural beauty and the well-kept facilities that enhance the camping experience. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the best adventures are found right here in our own state.

Castle Mound Campground is ideally situated at W10325 US-12, Black River Falls, WI 54615, USA. This location places it within the Black River State Forest, just east of Black River Falls, a vibrant community in Jackson County. The campground's position along US-12 ensures excellent accessibility, making it a convenient destination for campers traveling from various parts of Wisconsin and neighboring states.

For those journeying from larger cities, Black River Falls is easily reachable via Interstate 94, which is a major artery through Wisconsin. From I-94, a short drive on US-12 brings you directly to the campground, minimizing navigation challenges and allowing you to start your outdoor adventure sooner. This ease of access is a significant advantage for weekend trips or longer family vacations, as it reduces travel time and stress.

The proximity to Black River Falls means that while you're enjoying the serenity of the forest, essential amenities and services are never far away. Campers can quickly access grocery stores for supplies, gas stations, local restaurants, and other conveniences in the town. Furthermore, the surrounding Black River State Forest offers an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, ATV/UTV riding, and snowmobiling in winter, making Castle Mound an excellent base for exploring the region's diverse recreational opportunities. This blend of remote natural beauty and convenient access to modern necessities makes Castle Mound Campground a highly desirable location for Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts.

Castle Mound Campground provides a thoughtful selection of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay within its natural setting.

• Campsite Variety: The campground offers 35 campsites, including 14 sites with electric hookups (30 amp service) and 21 non-electric sites. Sites are spacious, accommodating both tents and various RV sizes, though larger RVs should check site dimensions.
• Clean Restroom and Shower Facilities: A key highlight for many campers, the campground provides an accessible shower building with flush toilets, praised for its cleanliness. Vault toilets are also available throughout the campground for convenience.
• Sanitary Dump Station: For RV campers, a sanitary dump station is conveniently located near the campground entrance.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via hand pumps and at the shower house area.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased on-site, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires.
• Indoor Picnic Shelter: A log cabin shelter with a stone fireplace, electricity, and tables is available for group use or as a communal gathering spot. It is reservable through the Wisconsin State Parks reservation system.
• Garbage and Recycling Station: Facilities are provided for proper waste disposal, encouraging a clean and environmentally responsible camping experience.
• Playground Equipment: A playground is available for children, offering a dedicated space for play and entertainment.
• ADA Accessible Facilities: The campground features an accessible shower building, accessible flush and vault toilet buildings, and one electric ADA-designated campsite, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

Castle Mound Campground boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for Wisconsin campers.

• Iconic Castle Mound and Scenic Overlook: The campground's namesake, Castle Mound, is a natural sandstone butte accessible via a 1.5-mile interpretive nature trail. This trail leads to a scenic overlook, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Black River State Forest and the unique Driftless Area landscape, making for an unforgettable hike.
• Immersive Pine Forest Setting: The campsites are nestled among towering pine trees, providing ample shade, a refreshing scent, and a strong sense of being deep within a natural forest environment. This dense woodland contributes to a quieter, more secluded feel for many sites.
• Well-Maintained and Quiet Environment: Reviews consistently commend the campground for being clean and well-kept, with a generally quiet atmosphere, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing stay. While mosquitoes can be a natural challenge in wooded areas, the beauty of the setting often outweighs this.
• Direct Access to Hiking Trails: The campground offers direct access to the 1.5-mile nature trail and a 0.5-mile overlook trail, allowing campers to explore the geology and ecology of Castle Mound without leaving the park.
• Year-Round Camping (Limited): Some sites at Castle Mound Campground are open year-round, offering opportunities for winter camping and enjoying the forest in all seasons.
• Proximity to Black River State Forest Activities: Campers have easy access to the broader Black River State Forest, which features extensive ATV/UTV and snowmobile trails, additional hiking and biking routes, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk.
• Geological Significance: Castle Mound itself is a significant geological feature, an ancient sandstone formation offering an educational component to your outdoor adventure.
• Diverse Wildlife: The varied exposures and microclimates on Castle Mound support diverse forest communities and bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature observation and birdwatching.

For reservations, inquiries about campsite availability, or any questions regarding your stay at Castle Mound Campground, please use the contact information provided below. It is always advisable to contact the Wisconsin DNR or the campground directly for the most up-to-date information, especially concerning vehicle admission stickers required for state forest campgrounds.

Address: W10325 US-12, Black River Falls, WI 54615, USA

Phone: (715) 284-4103

You can also reach them via the mobile phone number: +1 715-284-4103. Reservations for Wisconsin State Forest campgrounds, including Castle Mound, can typically be made online through the Wisconsin DNR's reservation system or by phone. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for electric sites and during peak seasons, to secure your preferred spot. Be sure to inquire about current conditions, any burn bans, or specific regulations before your visit.

Castle Mound Campground is an excellent choice for locals in Wisconsin for a multitude of reasons. Its prime location within the Black River State Forest offers an authentic and accessible outdoor experience that's often just a short drive from many Wisconsin communities. For families, the combination of spacious sites, a playground, and nearby hiking trails provides ample opportunities for kids to explore and burn off energy, all within a safe and beautiful natural setting. The clean shower and flush toilet facilities significantly enhance comfort, making camping more enjoyable, especially for those newer to the outdoor experience.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the direct access to the iconic Castle Mound with its scenic overlook and interpretive trails offers a unique geological and natural experience not found in every campground. Beyond the campground, the vast Black River State Forest provides endless possibilities for hiking, biking, ATV/UTV riding, and wildlife viewing, catering to a wide range of interests. While some reviews mention mosquitoes, this is a common part of camping in Wisconsin's beautiful wooded areas, and with proper preparation, it shouldn't detract from the overall enjoyment of such a stunning location. Castle Mound truly represents a quintessential Wisconsin camping experience: rugged natural beauty combined with enough amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable escape for all local adventurers.

Castle Mound Campground

W10325 US-12, Black River Falls, WI 54615, USA