This Wisconsin State Park Is A Lakeside Paradise With Spacious Campsites

A vibrant state with a knack for natural beauty and outdoor recreation, Wisconsin is all about adventure — and doing it well. Home to everything from the clearest waters in the U.S. to a family-friendly wildlife adventure park designed for up-close and personal activities and even some of the most haunted spots in the country, the small but mighty Midwestern destination knows exactly how to deliver in terms of buzzworthy and scenic views.

This is especially true when it comes to its parks. From waterfalls to beaches, forests to prairies, and lakes to rivers, Wisconsin is home to a whopping 50 state parks — along with 15 state forests and 44 state trails — that cater to all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts looking to disconnect for a little while longer. One of these unspoiled destinations is Buckhorn State Park. Covering more than 8,000 acres along the Wisconsin River, Buckhorn State Park is an outdoor haven for solo hikers, adventure couples, and nature-loving families who want to go back to basics and spend some time in the wilderness.

Located roughly 86 miles north of Madison, the park — and its two adjacent wildlife areas — are brimming with activities. Some of the most popular things to do at Buckhorn include spending the night (or longer!) at the family and group-friendly campsites, as well as enjoying the accessible fishing pier, exploring cycling trails, cooling down at the swimming spot, and embarking on a journey along the canoe or kayaking trails.

In terms of hiking, Buckhorn State Park offers different experiences for all skill levels across various terrains and lengths. Along with more than 10 miles of trails winding through oak woods, pine forests, wetlands, and prairies, the park also features a 1.5-mile Barrens Nature Trail with an observation tower. Other highlights include the Turtle Trail — which leads to a kids' fishing pond — and plenty of opportunities for geocaching.

As for fun on the water, Buckhorn State Park also has something to offer. For starters, there's a 300-foot swim area with a sandy bottom for comfortable feet — although visitors should note there are no lifeguards on duty. Meanwhile, for boating enthusiasts, the Castle Rock Flowage accommodates a wide range of watercraft — from bass boats to houseboats. Lastly, the 1.8-mile self-guided canoe trail — which offers stops along the way with insights into the park's wetland ecosystem — is a must-do. As a plus, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available seasonally through the Friends of Buckhorn State Park.

If all of this hiking and paddling has left you craving a campside retreat at Buckhorn State Park, then you're in luck! With 69 family campsites available — including 17 standard electric sites and three accessible sites — you're spoiled for choice. Equipped for tents or trailers, and complete with a shower and toilet building, picnic tables, and fire rings, you'll have more than enough amenities to relax and enjoy your stay.

In addition to these, three group camping areas located on the east side of the park can accommodate up to 40 people each and are also equipped with a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and access to water and vault toilets. Lastly, a rustic shelter is available for day use and is the perfect spot for campers looking to escape a rainy day or hide from the local mosquitos.

Reservations are encouraged and can be easily made online through the Wisconsin State Park System website, which allows you to pick your travel dates, party size, and the camping equipment you're planning to use. Once you're there, you'll find two spacious picnic areas with grills, tables, water pumps, and playgrounds to hang out in during the day.