Brule River State Forest Conditions

As of Thursday, June 26, 2008:

• Camping
• Nature
• River
• Trails
• Women in the Outdoors Event
• More Information

Summer is officially here and the last few days have reaffirmed this fact with the sunny and steamy, hot weather....perfect for canoeing/kayaking along the Bois Brule River or relaxing out on the beaches along Lake Superior. The weekend forecast is calling for temperatures to cool down, with thunderstorms possible.

With the Fourth of July coming up, the Brule River State Forest reminds you that it is illegal to set off fireworks in Wisconsin State parks and forests. Sparklers are OK to use but anything that goes "boom", is self propelled, or has flames coming out is considered illegal. This law is in effect to protect the fireworks users, other recreationists, and the natural resources.

Nature

Don't forget to bring insect repellant and to dress appropriately for the biting insects. Wood ticks, mosquitoes, and deer flies are out in force. Deer are being driven to open fields and roadsides by the mosquitoes and biting flies to escape constant attack of the hungry insects.

The dragonflies are out in great numbers (with their voracious appetites) to rally against the mosquitoes and many other nuisance insects. Their aerobatic flights are exciting to see as they are looking for a meal on the wing, defend their territory, and mate.

Also plentiful are the delicate looking damselflies. Damselflies are similar to dragonflies but they hold their wings against their body at rest.

Flowers that have started blooming in the past couple weeks are the wild rose [exit DNR], saxifrage, columbine [exit DNR], buttercup, ox-eye daisy [exit DNR], orange [exit DNR] and yellow hawkweed, purple avens [exit DNR], bunchberry, thimbleberry [exit DNR], yellow lady's-slipper [exit DNR], blue [exit DNR] and yellow [exit DNR] flag iris, and the "garden escaped" lupines [exit DNR].

Trails

Remember that all-terrain vehicles are allowed only on designated routes or trails in the Brule River State Forest. They are not permitted on the logging roads.

Maps of designated ATV and snowmobile trails in Douglas County [exit DNR]

Camping

The Bois Brule and Copper Range Campgrounds are open all year.

Brule River State Forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Visitors are reminded that sites are designed to accommodate no more than two vehicles and six people. See new firewood rules and general burning regulations.

Camping is limited to the two campgrounds. Back country camping permits (required for the North Country Trail) are available at the Brule office. Camping is not permitted on the beach along Lake Superior in the Bear Beach State Natural Area.

There is a nightly fee (per site) for camping, and campers also must have daily or annual vehicle admission stickers. The camping fees are:

• Resident $9 per site per night
• Non-Resident $11 per site per night

Instructions for registering are at campground entrances.

Firewood originating outside of Wisconsin or more than 50 miles away within Wisconsin is prohibited in our campgrounds. Firewood is a prime mover of a number of forest pests and diseases. Firewood may be purchased locally.

River

See the U.S. Geological Survey's page about the river [exit DNR] for provisional data about stream discharge, water level, precipitation, and water quality.

Women in the Outdoors Event - Hunting or Fishing out west

Sponsored by Women in the Outdoors and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)

Ladies, are you ready for some time away from work or stress? Are you ready to escape for a get-away and enjoy yourself? Join us for a weekend of good food and fun. A Women in the Outdoors event is planned for Oct. 3, 4, and 5 at the Bois Brule Campground picnic area in Brule. This event teaches hunting or fishing out west This event consist of everything “you need to know” for a hunting or fishing trip to the western states, including: applying for a license, packing, dress, travel, camp, food, cooking, water treatment, showers, weather, and much more. Experience a simulated hunt as you go though all the steps, including: hiring and outfitters/horses/guides, map and compass, GPS, survival, packing a back pack, scouting, hunting equipment, the hunt, carcass transport, hide care, taxidermy for a trophy, preserving meat, etc. Don’t forget to bring a fly rod (rods will be available for those who do not have any). This event is scheduled during the steelhead season so you can practice for the “western fish” with our feisty steelhead. Your paid registration fee of $50 includes: use of all equipment, program materials, the evening meal Friday and Saturday, lunch Saturday, instruction, and a 1 year subscription to the NWTF or Women in the Outdoors Magazine. This event is open to male participation but they must attend with a registered female. To get more information or to register contact LaVonne Leibzeit at (715) 238-7419 or e-mail at Vonshome@tds.net.

Map [PDF 251KB]

More Conditions

Fire danger conditions
Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]

Brule River State Forest Information: Phone (715) 372-5678 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or e-mail Catherine Khalar.