North campground

For many of us who call Wisconsin home, the appeal of a truly classic camping experience, where the natural world takes center stage, is undeniable. If you're looking to unplug and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of our state's woodlands, North Campground, nestled within the picturesque Brunet Island State Park in Cornell, is an excellent choice. This beloved campground offers a rustic charm, with most of its sites thoughtfully tucked away into the woods, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion that many seek in a natural escape.

Brunet Island State Park, where North Campground resides, is a gem in Chippewa County, offering over 1,300 acres of scenic beauty at the confluence of the Chippewa and Fisher rivers. The park's quiet lagoons and channels are a haven for canoes and kayaks, inviting you to explore at a leisurely pace and observe the abundant wildlife. The landscape, shaped by the most recent Ice Age, provides a gently rolling backdrop to your outdoor adventures. The North Campground specifically embraces this natural setting, focusing on a more traditional camping experience without electric hookups, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.

Visitors to North Campground appreciate the feeling of being truly immersed in the forest. While some sites might be closer to roads or each other than others, the general consensus is that the majority offer a good degree of privacy, with towering trees providing shade and a natural barrier. This makes it an ideal spot for tent campers seeking that authentic "back to nature" feel. Even without individual site electricity, the essential amenities are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay. The cleanliness of the vault toilets and the availability of drinking water within each loop are often highlighted by campers, signaling the care taken by the park staff.

Brunet Island State Park is a year-round destination, though the North Campground itself closes for the winter, typically operating from May 1st to October 31st. This seasonal operation ensures optimal conditions for enjoying the non-winter recreational activities. The park also links to the Old Abe State Trail, a fantastic resource for biking and hiking, and even touches upon the larger Ice Age National Scenic Trail, providing extensive opportunities for exploration right from your campsite.

Whether you're an avid paddler, a keen hiker, a birdwatching enthusiast, or simply a family looking to spend quality time together under the Wisconsin sky, North Campground offers a perfect base. It's a place where the simple pleasures of camping – campfires, starlit nights, and the sounds of nature – truly shine, providing a memorable outdoor experience for all.

North Campground is located within Brunet Island State Park at 5RJH+26, Cornell, WI 54732, USA. Cornell is a charming city in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Fisher rivers. This location places the campground in the beautiful Northwest region of Wisconsin, making it a convenient and desirable destination for many residents across the state.

Brunet Island State Park itself is easily accessible, located just north of the city of Cornell. Visitors typically reach the park via well-maintained state and local roads. Once inside the park, clear signage guides campers to the North Campground. While the North Campground is known for its rustic nature and lack of electric hookups, it is still very accessible for both tent campers and RVs (with a maximum RV length of up to 90 feet at some sites, though specifics for North Campground might vary, it can generally accommodate larger units). Many of the 45 campsites in the North Campground are uniquely positioned along the shoreline of the Chippewa River or its scenic bays, offering direct water views and access.

For those requiring additional facilities, the South Campground, which is about a half-mile walking distance from most North Campground sites, offers a shower building with flush toilets. This provides a convenient option for North Campground campers who might desire full amenities without sacrificing the rustic charm of their primary site.

The park's location also provides excellent connectivity to broader regional attractions and trails. As mentioned, it links to the Old Abe State Trail, a popular paved rail-trail for biking and walking that runs from Cornell to Chippewa Falls. It also intersects with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, offering extensive hiking opportunities. This makes North Campground a fantastic base for exploring the local area and the wider Chippewa County region.

• 45 primitive campsites (no electric, water, or sewer hookups)
• Vault toilets located within the campground loops
• Drinking water available via hand pumps
• Picnic table at each campsite
• Fire ring at each campsite
• Accessible fishing pier at the base of the bay within the North Campground
• Dump station located in the South Campground (accessible to North Campground campers)
• Shower building with flush toilets located in the South Campground (approx. 0.5-mile walk)
• Firewood for sale within the park or from local vendors in Cornell (no outside firewood allowed to prevent pest spread)
• Canoe and kayak rentals available from local vendors in Cornell (call park office for details)
• Recycling bins available
• Pet-friendly (pets must be on a leash)

• Most campsites are tucked into the woods, offering privacy and shade
• Many sites are located directly on the shoreline of the Chippewa River or its bays, providing waterfront views and access
• Ideal for tent camping and those seeking a rustic, traditional camping experience
• Quiet lagoons and channels within Brunet Island State Park are excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife watching (beavers, minks, herons, deer, various bird species)
• Access to over 8 miles of hiking trails within Brunet Island State Park, through diverse forest types and birding habitats
• Connects to the Old Abe State Trail for biking and walking
• Intersects with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail for long-distance hiking
• Swimming beach and playground available within Brunet Island State Park
• Designated picnic areas and shelters throughout the park
• Open seasonally from May 1st to October 31st
• Well-maintained grounds and facilities
• Proximity to Cornell for groceries, fuel, and other supplies

Address: 5RJH+26, Cornell, WI 54732, USA (within Brunet Island State Park)

Park Office Phone: (715) 239-6888 (Brunet Island State Park)

Note: Reservations for campsites at Wisconsin State Parks are typically made online through the Wisconsin DNR website.

For Wisconsin locals, North Campground at Brunet Island State Park in Cornell offers an exceptionally suitable and beloved camping experience that embodies the best of our state's outdoor traditions. Its primary appeal lies in its commitment to a rustic, natural setting. With most sites tucked into the woods and many offering direct waterfront access to the tranquil Chippewa River, it provides the privacy and immersion in nature that many Wisconsinites crave, far from the hustle and bustle of more developed campgrounds.

This campground is perfect for those who enjoy traditional tent camping or prefer an RV experience without the need for electric hookups, encouraging a true "unplugged" getaway. The availability of clean vault toilets and potable water within the loops, along with the option to walk to the South Campground for showers, strikes an ideal balance between rustic charm and essential comfort. This makes it accessible for a wide range of local campers, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families introducing their children to the joys of nature.

Furthermore, North Campground serves as an incredible base for exploring the rich recreational opportunities of Brunet Island State Park and the surrounding Chippewa County area. Whether it's paddling the quiet lagoons, hiking the extensive trails that weave through diverse habitats, or biking the accessible Old Abe State Trail, there's an adventure for every interest. The park's abundance of wildlife, from beavers to various bird species, adds another layer of enchantment, appealing to the naturalist in all of us.

In essence, North Campground at Brunet Island State Park is a cherished local treasure. It offers an authentic, peaceful, and amenity-supported outdoor escape that perfectly aligns with the Wisconsin spirit of enjoying our beautiful natural resources. It’s an ideal choice for your next classic camping adventure, creating lasting memories amidst the serene beauty of the Northwoods.