South Campground

For those of us who cherish the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Wisconsin generously provides, finding the perfect campground that combines comfort with an authentic outdoor experience is always a top priority. Nestled within the expansive and picturesque Brunet Island State Park near Cornell, South Campground stands out as an excellent choice. It’s a place where the tranquility of island life meets convenient amenities, making it a beloved destination for families, RV enthusiasts, and tent campers alike. If you're looking for a spacious, well-maintained, and accessible spot to immerse yourself in Wisconsin’s stunning landscapes, South Campground at Brunet Island State Park is definitely a place you’ll want to explore.

South Campground is one of two family campgrounds located within the beautiful 1,300-acre Brunet Island State Park, which lies at the confluence of the Chippewa River and Fisher River. This unique island setting creates a serene and diverse natural environment, characterized by hardwood and pine forests, quiet lagoons, and narrow channels. Unlike more rustic options, South Campground offers a more developed camping experience, catering particularly to those seeking the convenience of electric hookups. Visitors consistently praise the "big sites" and "easy in and out" access, making it a popular choice for RVs and trailers. While the sites are nestled within the forest and don't typically offer direct river views, the park's main day-use area, with its river access, is just a short walk away. It’s a place designed for both relaxation and active exploration, providing a comfortable base from which to discover the myriad recreational opportunities that Brunet Island State Park offers.

South Campground is conveniently located at 25166 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732, USA, placing it within Brunet Island State Park, just north of the charming town of Cornell. This location offers excellent accessibility for campers from across Wisconsin. Cornell itself is a small, friendly community where visitors can find essential supplies, groceries, gas, and even a laundromat. The park's entrance is well-marked, and once inside, the campground is easy to navigate. The proximity to major roadways ensures a relatively straightforward drive, making it suitable for both weekend trips and longer vacations. Furthermore, the park's connection to the Old Abe State Trail provides a unique car-free access option for bicyclists. The setting on an island at the confluence of two rivers creates a naturally secluded feel, yet modern conveniences are never too far away, striking an ideal balance for a relaxing getaway.

South Campground at Brunet Island State Park provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all campers. These facilities are a key reason for its popularity.

• Electric Campsites: The South Campground features 24 sites that offer electric hookups (typically 30 amps), accommodating both RVs/trailers and tents requiring power. This is a significant advantage for many campers.

• Accessible Campsite: The campground includes one accessible site specifically designated for individuals with disabilities. This site is thoughtfully located "close to bathrooms and shower buildings for easier access."

• Heated Showers and Flush Toilets: A major highlight is the presence of a shower building with accessible heated showers and flush toilets. These facilities are generally well-maintained and available for all campers in the park, providing a much-appreciated comfort.

• Drinking Water: Accessible drinking water is available throughout the campground, sourced from an electric well and hand pumps.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).

• RV Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is located just north of the park headquarters building on the main park road, free for all registered campers and open throughout the warm-weather camping season.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is typically available for purchase at the park office, ensuring campers have access to burning materials.

• Online Reservations: All 23 campsites at South Campground require reservations, which can be made online up to 11 months in advance or even on the day of arrival, offering planning flexibility.

South Campground at Brunet Island State Park offers a fantastic array of features and highlights that enhance the camping experience and provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. These attributes contribute significantly to its reputation as a top choice for Wisconsin campers.

• Spacious Sites: Reviewers consistently note the "big sites," providing ample room for camping units, vehicles, and outdoor living space, even for those with two large dogs.

• Easy Accessibility: The campground is praised for its "easy in and out" access for vehicles, making setup and departure straightforward for all types of camping units.

• Shaded Sites: All sites in the South Campground offer at least partial shade due to the surrounding hardwood and pine forest, providing a comfortable retreat from the sun.

• Proximity to Park Amenities: The park's main day-use area is within short walking distance, featuring expansive shady picnic areas, an open lawn, a wide sandy swimming beach, and a children's playground.

• Direct Water Access (Park-wide): While South Campground sites don't have direct river views, the park offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the quiet lagoons and narrow channels of the Chippewa River, with a boat landing available on the east side of the island.

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts hiking trails through hardwood forests and open fields, including a two-mile segment of the Ice Age Trail. It also links to the Old Abe State Trail, a paved path perfect for bicycling.

• Accessible Fishing Piers: Accessible fishing piers are located along the Chippewa River near the South Campground and in the North Campground bay, ensuring fishing opportunities for all abilities.

• Wildlife Viewing: The park's diverse habitats provide excellent opportunities for wildlife watching and birding.

• Year-Round Recreation: The South Campground is open from mid-April through November, and the park itself offers winter activities like groomed cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing.

For reservations, current park conditions, or any specific questions regarding South Campground or Brunet Island State Park, the best resource is the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which manages the state park system. Their website provides detailed information and online reservation capabilities.

Address: 25166 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732, USA

Park Office Phone: (715) 239-6888

Wisconsin State Park System Reservations: 866-857-2757

Email: Zachary.Thon@Wisconsin.gov (Park Manager contact example)

For us Wisconsinites, South Campground at Brunet Island State Park represents an ideal blend of natural beauty and practical convenience, making it a highly suitable choice for our next outdoor adventure. Its location near Cornell offers the charm of a small town while providing easy access to a vast natural playground. The campground's reputation for "big sites" and "easy in and out" access is particularly appealing, as it ensures a comfortable setup for all types of camping units, including larger RVs and trailers, which isn't always a given at every state park.

The availability of electric hookups, combined with clean, heated showers and flush toilets, elevates the camping experience, allowing for comfort without sacrificing the connection to nature. This makes it a fantastic option for families, those new to camping, or anyone who simply prefers a few more creature comforts. Furthermore, the park's integrated amenities are a huge draw. Being able to walk to a sandy swimming beach, access extensive hiking and biking trails (including the Old Abe State Trail), or launch a canoe directly into the Chippewa River's tranquil lagoons means there's always something to do for every member of the family, including furry friends.

Brunet Island State Park, and by extension, its South Campground, truly offers the best of Wisconsin's outdoors: beautiful wooded sites, abundant recreational opportunities on and off the water, and thoughtful facilities managed by the DNR. It’s a place where locals can easily escape for a weekend or a longer vacation, create lasting memories, and immerse themselves in the serene landscapes that define our great state.