Big Falls County Park & Campground

🏞️ **Introduction / Overview**

For Wisconsin residents seeking a genuine, unplugged wilderness experience without venturing into the deep backcountry, **Big Falls County Park & Campground** in Kennan is a cherished local treasure. Nestled in the southwest corner of Price County, this scenic river-edge park is a testament to the rugged, untamed beauty of Northern Wisconsin. Its centerpiece is the dramatic flow of the South Fork of the Jump River, which cascades around huge granite boulders, creating the "Big Falls" rapids and a captivating "wild river environment."

This campground offers a truly **rustic** experience, focusing entirely on the natural setting. As one local user aptly noted, it's a **"Wonderful rustic park with a playground, pit toilets, and picnic area. Great for fishing, swimming, and bouldering."** This park is perfect for those who own self-sufficient camping units or prefer tent camping, as there are no electrical hookups, emphasizing a traditional camping feel. With only **six first-come, first-served sites** available, the campground maintains an intimate, quiet atmosphere, allowing campers to truly hear the soothing sound of the rushing water mentioned by many visitors.

It’s important for Wisconsin users to note the simplicity of the amenities—it’s primitive, but well-maintained by the county. This simplicity is precisely the appeal for those who grew up exploring the state's natural gems, like another reviewer who remarked, **"I’d never been there, even growing up in the area. Nice park! Beautiful rapids and falls."** Big Falls is a must-see, easy-to-access slice of Wisconsin's geological drama, offering an affordable and authentic Northern Woods getaway.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Big Falls County Park & Campground is located off the beaten path near the small community of Kennan in Price County, Western Wisconsin. While wonderfully secluded, it is accessible via well-maintained county roads and is positioned to be a convenient destination from many parts of the state's northern region.

The park’s official address for navigation is:

W11337 Big Falls Rd, Kennan, WI 54537, USA

The park is situated along the Jump River, south of Phillips and within the general area of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, allowing for easy exploration of the surrounding public lands. The access road to the campground is surfaced, accommodating various vehicles, including tents, trailers, and RVs, though the park's rustic nature means larger, modern RVs should be mindful of the six primitive site limit. The campground itself is located right on the river's edge, allowing immediate access to the falls area, picnic spots, and trails. Due to the "first come, first served" policy for all six sites, accessibility is determined solely by arrival time, and visitors are advised to arrive early, especially during peak summer weekends, to secure a spot at this sought-after, low-cost destination ($15 per night, subject to change).

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

Big Falls County Park & Campground provides **primitive camping services**, which means the focus is on the essentials needed for a genuine outdoor stay. The Price County Parks Department ensures these basic facilities are kept clean and functional, consistent with a rustic experience. Services available at the campground include:

• **Rustic Campsites (6 Units):** Six designated camping units available on a **first-come, first-served** basis.
• **No Electricity:** All sites are non-electric, emphasizing a true back-to-nature experience.
• **Vault Toilets:** Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are provided near the camping and picnic areas.
• **Potable Water:** Drinking water is available via a **well hand pump** located within the park, requiring campers to fetch and transport their water.
• **Firewood Provided:** Uncut wood is often provided for campfires (likely remnants from a local lumber mill), offering a unique and convenient service.
• **Picnic Tables and Fire Rings:** Each of the six sites is equipped with a picnic table and a rock or metal fire ring for cooking and camp enjoyment.
• **Open-Air Shelter:** An open-air picnic shelter is available for group use, though reservations for the shelter should be made separately through Price County.
• **Pet-Friendly:** Pets are permitted but must be leashed and controlled at all times (not allowed near the swimming area or in buildings).
• **Year-Round Access:** The campground is technically open year-round, although roads are not plowed in the winter, making winter camping highly primitive and generally only suitable for tent or snow-mobile access.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

The allure of Big Falls County Park lies entirely in its incredible natural features and the recreational opportunities they provide. This is a highly scenic spot, perfect for active Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts:

• **The Jump River Falls/Rapids:** The main highlight is the powerful flow of the Jump River as it crashes over massive granite boulders and bedrock, creating a mesmerizing series of cascades and rapids.
• **Swimming and Wading:** When water levels are safe and low during summer, the natural pools and slower sections of the river provide refreshing opportunities for swimming and wading, with sandy areas for sunbathing.
• **Bouldering and Rock Exploration:** Campers can safely explore the huge granite rock formations (boulders) along the river's edge, an activity noted by local reviewers. Caution is advised, especially when rocks are wet.
• **Wild River Hiking Trail:** A short but scenic hiking trail runs parallel to the Jump River and the falls area, offering multiple vantage points for viewing the "wild river environment" and the surrounding pine forest.
• **Fishing Opportunities:** The Jump River is known for its excellent fishing, attracting anglers looking for trout and other regional species.
• **Towering Pines:** The park is flanked by impressive stands of tall white and red pine, contributing to the tranquil, Northwoods ambiance.
• **Playground and Picnic Area:** A dedicated playground and ample picnic areas with tables and grills provide space for family recreation and day use.
• **Horseshoe Pit:** A horseshoe pit is available near the open area (campers must bring their own horseshoes).

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📞 **Contact Information**

For information regarding the **first-come, first-served** campsite availability, park rules, or to inquire about reserving the open-air shelter, Wisconsin users should contact the Price County Forestry & Parks Department, which manages Big Falls County Park:

Address: W11337 Big Falls Rd, Kennan, WI 54537, USA

Primary Park/County Phone: (800) 269-4505 (Often a Price County Tourism/Information line)

Alternative Price County Forestry & Parks Phone: (715) 339-6371 (More specific contact for park inquiries, as noted in public resources)

Reservations: Note that campsites are **not reservable**—they are strictly first-come, first-served. Campers must self-register and pay the fee upon arrival.

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💰 **What is Worth Choosing**

**Big Falls County Park & Campground** is the definitive choice for the Wisconsin camper who seeks **authentic, rustic tranquility and dramatic natural beauty** at an incredible value. It is absolutely worth choosing because it provides an unparalleled river experience for an exceptionally low nightly fee (currently $15 per night, subject to change), without the crowds and commercialism of larger, reservation-heavy parks.

What sets it apart is the genuine primitive feel: the soothing sound of the falls, the lack of electric hookups encouraging a true disconnect, and the bonus of provided firewood. For those who love fishing, swimming, or bouldering, this park places you right in the middle of the action, with the unique backdrop of the Jump River cascading over ancient granite. The small size (only 6 sites) ensures a quiet, intimate stay. For Wisconsin residents ready to leave the electronics behind, pack the tent, and connect with the raw beauty of the Northwoods, Big Falls is the perfect, low-key, unforgettable escape.