Willow River State Park Campground

Are you a Wisconsin local yearning for a truly immersive outdoor experience, complete with stunning natural wonders, extensive trails, and comfortable camping amenities? Willow River State Park Campground, located just north of Hudson, WI, offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature without venturing too far from home. This popular Wisconsin State Park is renowned for its iconic Willow Falls, diverse landscapes, and a wide array of recreational activities, making it a fantastic destination for campers, hikers, paddlers, and nature lovers across our state.

Willow River State Park spans nearly 3,000 acres, showcasing Wisconsin's diverse beauty with rolling countryside, prairie remnants, woodlands, and the magnificent Willow River Gorge. The campground itself is situated on the southern shore of Little Falls Lake, providing a scenic backdrop for your stay. It's a place where the sounds of nature, from the "music" of birds and frogs to the roar of the falls, create a symphony of tranquility. Despite its popularity, the park offers enough space and variety to ensure a memorable experience for everyone.

For us Wisconsinites, state parks are cherished resources, offering accessible outdoor recreation. Willow River State Park is a prime example, providing a rich blend of activities. While it's a bustling hub, especially on weekends, the sheer amount of natural beauty and the extensive trail system ensure there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an intense hike, a leisurely stroll, or a quiet paddle on the lake, you'll find it here.

One of the park's undeniable crown jewels is Willow Falls. This spectacular cascade, dropping through a 200-foot deep gorge, is a breathtaking sight that draws visitors from all over. The trails leading to the falls offer varying levels of difficulty, ensuring that everyone can experience its majesty. While amenities like restrooms might not be right at the falls, the overall park facilities, including nice bathhouses and showers, contribute to a comfortable camping experience.

It's worth noting that due to its popularity and prime location near the Minnesota border, Willow River State Park can get busy, and out-of-state fees can be higher. As one reviewer mentioned, booking in advance and being prepared for potential wait times at the dump station, especially on busy departure days, is wise. However, these small considerations are often outweighed by the park's impressive offerings and the quality of the natural experience.

The park's commitment to providing a variety of experiences is also reflected in its pet-friendly policy in most areas, allowing many Wisconsin families to bring their beloved dogs along for the adventure. This inclusive approach means that more locals can enjoy the beauty of Willow River State Park together, making it a true family destination.

Willow River State Park Campground is located at 020-1009-70-000, Hudson, WI 54016, USA. This address places it approximately five miles north of Hudson, a charming city on the St. Croix River. Its location is a significant advantage for Wisconsin residents, particularly those in the western part of the state, as well as being easily accessible from the Twin Cities metropolitan area across the border.

The park is well-marked and relatively easy to find from major routes leading into Hudson. Once within the park, signage guides you to the various campground loops (100, 200, 300 areas). While one reviewer noted a lack of signage for the dump station, it's typically marked on the park maps provided upon entry. Its proximity to Hudson means that any forgotten supplies or a desire for a meal out are just a short drive away, adding a layer of convenience to your wilderness escape. The well-maintained roads within the park ensure easy navigation for both tents and RVs of various sizes.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Approximately 249 campsites in total across multiple loops (100, 200, 300), accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs.
• Electric Hookups: 59 campsites offer electric hookups (electric only, no full hookups for sewer/water at sites).
• Group Camping Sites: 13 designated group camping sites available.
• Drinking Water: Accessible drinking water spigots throughout the campground loops.
• Flush Toilets & Showers: Modern bathhouses with flush toilets and showers, often praised for being very nice and well-maintained.
• Vault Toilets: Additional rustic toilet facilities available in some areas.
• Dump Station: One communal dump station available for RV waste (seasonal, check operating dates).
• Fire Rings & Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes a fire ring with a grate and a picnic table.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office during open hours or from campground hosts (seasonal).
• Canoe/Kayak Rentals: Available for use on Little Falls Lake (in season).
• Nature Center: Features live and hands-on displays, with naturalists hosting programs.
• Swimming Beach: A sandy beach on Little Falls Lake (lifeguards typically not provided).
• Boat Launch: Provides access to Little Falls Lake for non-motorized watercraft.

Features / Highlights:

• Spectacular Willow Falls: The park's centerpiece, a powerful cascade in a 200-foot deep gorge, accessible via various hiking trails.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 13 miles of hiking trails for all levels, including paths to the falls, along the river, and through diverse habitats. Popular trails include Burkhardt Trail, Hidden Ponds Nature Trail (accessible), and Little Falls Trail.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in most campgrounds and on trails, provided they are leashed (8 feet or less) and under control.
• Beautiful Scenery: Offers diverse landscapes including prairie, woodlands, and river gorges, providing excellent photo opportunities and wildlife viewing.
• Little Falls Lake: A central feature for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming (beach area).
• Good Starlink Reception: As noted by a reviewer, some sites (e.g., Site 121) offer good satellite internet reception.
• Abundant Wildlife: Opportunities to observe various bird species (including "lovely birds" making music), frogs, deer, and more.
• Winter Activities: Popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.
• Proximity to Hudson: Close to a charming town with additional amenities, dining, and shopping.

Contact Information:

Address: 020-1009-70-000, Hudson, WI 54016, USA

Phone: (888) 947-2757 (Wisconsin DNR Reservations)

Willow River State Park Campground is an outstanding choice for Wisconsin locals due to its combination of stunning natural features, extensive recreational opportunities, and convenient location. Its proximity to Hudson and the Twin Cities metro area means that residents across a wide swath of Wisconsin can easily access this natural gem for quick getaways or extended vacations without long travel times. This accessibility allows more Wisconsinites to enjoy the beauty of their own state parks.

The park's most significant draw for locals is undoubtedly Willow Falls. Having such a breathtaking natural wonder within a state park offers an incredible opportunity for hiking, photography, and simply enjoying the raw power of nature. The variety of trails, suitable for all skill levels, ensures that everyone, from casual strollers to avid hikers, can experience the park's diverse landscapes and reach the falls.

While the campground offers electric-only sites and a single dump station that can get busy, the presence of modern, clean bathhouses with showers greatly enhances comfort for all campers, whether they are in an RV or a tent. The general cleanliness and the park's well-maintained status contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience, which is highly valued by local visitors.

Finally, the pet-friendly policy in most areas means that Wisconsin families can bring their canine companions along for the adventure, fostering a more inclusive and complete family outdoor experience. The opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and even just observing the abundant birdlife on Little Falls Lake provide endless entertainment. For any Wisconsin resident seeking a beautiful, activity-rich, and comfortable camping experience in a truly spectacular natural setting, Willow River State Park Campground is a highly recommended destination that offers immense value right in our backyard.

Willow River State Park Campground

020-1009-70-000, Hudson, WI 54016, USA