Josie Creek County Park

Hello, fellow Wisconsin adventurers! Are you searching for a versatile outdoor destination that combines the tranquility of nature with opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities? Look no further than Josie Creek County Park, nestled near Tony, WI. This remarkable county park offers a unique blend of camping, fishing, and target sports, making it a distinctive choice for us locals who cherish diverse outdoor pursuits.

Josie Creek County Park stands out for its prime location at the confluence of Josie Creek and the Dairyland Reservoir, making it a "fantastic place to go fishing" with opportunities to catch everything from catfish to musky. Beyond the water, it caters to shooting enthusiasts with a dedicated range and archery trail. While some users have noted a desire for more consistent upkeep, the core offerings and the natural beauty of the location remain a strong draw. We'll explore what makes this multi-faceted park a go-to spot for Wisconsin residents seeking an active and memorable outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

Josie Creek County Park is strategically located at Josie Creek Co Park, Tony, WI 54563, USA. This position places it in Rusk County, in the scenic northern part of Wisconsin. What makes its location particularly appealing is its setting at the confluence of Josie Creek and the Dairyland Reservoir (also known as the Ladysmith Flowage or Flambeau River Flowage). This direct water access is a significant advantage for fishing and boating enthusiasts.

For us, the residents of Wisconsin, reaching Tony is a pleasant journey through our state's beautiful Northwoods. From larger population centers like Eau Claire, the drive is typically around an hour and fifteen minutes. From the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, it's a manageable trip, usually around two and a half to three hours, making it a feasible destination for weekend getaways or longer vacations. The park is located approximately 3 miles northeast of Tony, off County Highway X, making it relatively easy to find once you are in the area.

The rural and forested surroundings contribute to the park's tranquil and natural atmosphere, providing an authentic Northwoods experience. The blend of a serene natural setting with reasonable driving distances from various parts of Wisconsin makes Josie Creek County Park an excellent choice for locals seeking both relaxation and active recreation.

Services Offered

Josie Creek County Park offers a comprehensive range of services designed to accommodate various outdoor interests, from camping to shooting.

• Campground with 25 Sites: The park features 25 campsites, providing options for both RV and tent campers.
• Electrical Hookups: 13 of the campsites offer electrical hookups (20 AMP and 30 AMP outlets at each pedestal), providing power for modern camping needs.
• Water & Electrical Hookups: 12 of the campsites provide both electrical and water hookups, offering enhanced convenience for campers.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grill, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Public Swimming Beach: A designated public beach allows visitors to enjoy swimming in the Dairyland Reservoir.
• Boat Launch: The park features a boat launch directly onto the 1,700-acre Dairyland Reservoir, providing easy access for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
• Shooting Range: A well-equipped shooting range is available with 50, 100, and 600-yard ranges, complete with shooting benches and shelters. This range is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on holiday weekends).
• 32-Target Archery Trail: For archery enthusiasts, a dedicated 32-target archery trail offers a challenging and engaging experience.
• Potable Water Access: Water hookups are available at some sites, and water can also be accessed at the Pavilion and near the dump station for filling RV reservoirs.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVers.
• Pit Toilets: The campground provides pit toilets for restroom facilities.
• Pets Welcome: The park is pet-friendly, allowing leashed pets to join their owners in the campground and on trails.
• Firewood: Uncut firewood can often be found throughout the woods surrounding the campground, making it easy to gather for campfires.

Features / Highlights

Josie Creek County Park distinguishes itself with a unique combination of features and highlights that cater to a diverse range of outdoor interests, making it a standout destination in Wisconsin.

• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Situated at the confluence of Josie Creek and the Dairyland Reservoir, the park is a renowned fishing hotspot. It's an excellent place to catch a variety of fish species, including Musky, Walleye, Bass, Catfish, and Panfish, making it a dream for anglers. One reviewer specifically mentioned catching "catfish or a musky."
• Dedicated Shooting and Archery Ranges: A significant highlight is the on-site shooting range with 50, 100, and 600-yard distances, complete with benches and shelters. Additionally, a 32-target archery trail provides ample opportunities for target practice and marksmanship. This dual offering is quite unique for a county park campground.
• Direct Water Access and Boat Launch: The park offers a public boat launch directly onto the expansive 1,700-acre Dairyland Reservoir, ensuring easy access for boating, kayaking, and fishing excursions.
• Small, Intimate Campground: With just 25 campsites, Josie Creek County Park offers a more secluded and less crowded camping experience. The sites are well-distributed, enhancing privacy and tranquility.
• Electric and Water Hookups: A majority of the campsites provide electric hookups, and nearly half offer both electric and water, catering to both RV and tent campers seeking essential amenities.
• Swimming Beach: A designated beach area allows visitors to enjoy swimming in the reservoir, perfect for cooling off on warm summer days.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: Pets are welcome in the park and campground (on leash), making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry companions along.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The park is surrounded by a mix of wooded areas and open spaces, offering opportunities for observing local wildlife and enjoying the serene Wisconsin Northwoods landscape.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The combination of fishing, swimming, and outdoor recreation provides a wide array of activities suitable for families and groups looking to spend quality time together outdoors.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations (which are recommended, especially for campsites), or to learn more about Josie Creek County Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Josie Creek Co Park, Tony, WI 54563, USA

Phone: (800) 535-7875

Mobile Phone: +1 800-535-7875

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For us, the residents of Wisconsin, Josie Creek County Park offers a compelling and multi-faceted outdoor destination that truly caters to our diverse recreational interests. Its location near Tony in Rusk County provides a wonderful Northwoods escape that feels sufficiently remote for an authentic wilderness experience, yet remains accessible for weekend trips from many parts of the state. The drive through scenic Wisconsin landscapes only adds to the anticipation of a relaxing and adventurous getaway.

What makes Josie Creek County Park particularly suitable for locals is its unique combination of activities. For fishing enthusiasts, the Dairyland Reservoir is a proven hotspot for catching various species, from panfish to the elusive musky, offering endless opportunities to make "good memories and a couple PB's there too." This is a significant draw for many Wisconsinites who cherish our state's abundant fishing grounds. Equally appealing is the presence of a dedicated shooting range and archery trail. This allows firearm and archery enthusiasts to enjoy their hobbies in a designated, safe environment, making it a rare and valuable amenity for local sportsmen.

Furthermore, the campground itself, with 25 sites offering electric and water hookups, provides a comfortable base for both RVers and tent campers. The pet-friendly policy means our beloved furry family members can join in the fun, making it an inclusive destination for all. While some might suggest a need for more upkeep in certain areas, the core offerings—fantastic fishing, unique shooting and archery facilities, and a peaceful camping environment—remain strong. Josie Creek County Park is more than just a place to stay; it's a hub for outdoor recreation where Wisconsin locals can fully embrace their passions, create lasting memories, and enjoy the diverse natural beauty of our state's northern region.

Josie Creek County Park

Josie Creek Co Park, Tony, WI 54563, USA