
Brunet Island State Park
A 1,300-acre riverside park offering camping, kayaking, hiking, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for water lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Brunet Island State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1,300-acre riverside park offering camping, kayaking, hiking, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for water lovers and nature enthusiasts.
"Awesome State Park! Love being able to camp right near the water."

🎯 Book Campsites Early
Popular campsites, especially those with electric, fill up fast. Reserve months in advance!
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Friendly
The park is ideal for paddlers. Rentals are available, and the calm rivers are perfect for exploration.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chippewa River Kayaking
Cornell Flowage
Paddle through scenic waterways, explore inlets, and enjoy calm waters perfect for all skill levels. Kayak rentals available!

Island Exploration
Brunet Island
Hike or bike across the island, discovering water views, wildlife, and a small beach. Don't miss the Nordic Trail!

Riverside Camping
Campgrounds
Spacious, clean campsites, many with water access. Enjoy the chill vibe and abundant chipmunks!

Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for deer swimming across rivers, cute chipmunks, and diverse birdlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Book Ahead
Embrace the Waterways
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Campsites Early
Popular campsites, especially those with electric, fill up fast. Reserve months in advance!
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Friendly
The park is ideal for paddlers. Rentals are available, and the calm rivers are perfect for exploration.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the island trails and surrounding areas. You'll want to be comfortable for hiking and biking.
🐿️ Wildlife Encounters
Watch for deer, chipmunks, and other animals. Remember to observe from a distance and not feed them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Campsites Early
Popular campsites, especially those with electric, fill up fast. Reserve months in advance!
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Friendly
The park is ideal for paddlers. Rentals are available, and the calm rivers are perfect for exploration.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the island trails and surrounding areas. You'll want to be comfortable for hiking and biking.
🐿️ Wildlife Encounters
Watch for deer, chipmunks, and other animals. Remember to observe from a distance and not feed them.
🔋 Power Up Your Stay
If you need power for devices, consider a portable battery pack for quieter, cooler campsites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brunet Island State Park for its beautiful riverside camping, abundant wildlife, and excellent opportunities for kayaking and exploring the island's trails. The park offers a peaceful and scenic escape, though some note the limited number of showers and recommend booking campsites well in advance due to popularity.
"Took advantage of warmer temps to log some IAT miles. Nice to have access to electric to heat my little camper...not to mention, no crowds! I'm sure that isn't the case during the peak months!! Great opportunity to get a photo of the Milky Way! Close to town for easy access to Cornell businesses and fairly close access to IAT segments in the area!"
Jane Wakefield
"Great camping ground for bonding and great times! Located near a VERY small town, making it very chill! At our camp site, there was lots of cute chipmunks! The only thing I disagree with is the 2 showers/flush bathrooms (1 bathroom with flush and shower and 1 that’s just flush) in an area with a bunch of RVs with showers and I would just suggest at the showers/flush bathrooms should be in the campsites with no access to showers and no pit bathrooms. Overall a very good area for kids and families!"
Al3x
"Awesome State Park! Love being able to camp right near the water. Campground was clean and spacious and most importantly dog friendly 😁👍🐕🦺 When I took my dog out at 5 am, and walked towards the bridge I heard a big plunk in the water. It was a deer swimming across to an island. He got out snorted and ran off. It was so cool. Will definitely camp here again!"
Teri Curry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brunet Island State Park is located near Cornell, Wisconsin. You can reach it by car via US-12 W and WI-27 N. The park is well-signed from the main roads.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available throughout the park, including near trailheads and the beach area.
The park is accessible for RVs, and many campsites offer electric hookups. Some Reddit users noted that campsites on the north side can be quieter.
The closest town is Cornell, Wisconsin, which offers businesses and amenities. It's a small, chill town.
Public transport options are limited in this rural area. Driving is the most practical way to reach Brunet Island State Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wisconsin State Parks typically require a state park admission sticker. You can purchase daily or annual stickers at the park office or online.
State parks are generally open year-round from 6 AM to 11 PM. However, camping facilities and the park office have specific operating hours.
Campsites can be booked online through the Wisconsin DNR website or by calling the park office. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
Yes, the park offers various campsites, including those with electric hookups, which are popular for RVs and campers needing power. Some sites are more secluded.
While walk-in sites may be available, it's not guaranteed, especially during peak season. Booking ahead is strongly advised to secure a spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating, and camping. There's also a small beach and playground.
Yes, the park offers easy-going hiking trails, particularly on the island, with beautiful water views.
Yes, the park is dog-friendly! Many campers enjoy bringing their furry friends along.
There are flush bathrooms and showers available, though some visitors noted a limited number for the size of the campground.
There is a small beach area where you can swim. The surrounding rivers also offer opportunities for water activities.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Boating
Fishing is popular in the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers, offering opportunities for various freshwater species.
Yes, there are boating access points. The Cornell Flowage is ideal for boating and paddling.
While kayak rentals are available, boat rentals are not explicitly mentioned. It's best to bring your own or check with local outfitters.
Yes, a valid Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone fishing in the park's waters.
Many campsites offer direct water access, making them great fishing spots. Exploring the river inlets can also be fruitful.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers stunning reflections on the water, especially during calm mornings, and opportunities to photograph wildlife.
Yes, with minimal light pollution, Brunet Island State Park can be a great spot for astrophotography, including capturing the Milky Way.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for landscape photography, while early mornings are ideal for capturing reflections and wildlife.
The island trails provide numerous vantage points with water views. The bridge areas also offer scenic perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is recommended for low-light photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛶 Paddlers and Boaters
🏕️ Campers Seeking Tranquility
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Kayaking and Boating Adventures
For those with their own watercraft, boat launch sites are available. The calm waters are suitable for a variety of boats, allowing you to explore further along the rivers. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or trying it for the first time, the park's waterways provide an accessible and enjoyable experience. Remember to check water conditions and always prioritize safety.
Camping at Brunet Island
Campers often mention the 'chill' atmosphere of the park, especially in the smaller town nearby. You might even encounter friendly chipmunks at your campsite! While the park offers a good number of amenities, some visitors have noted that the number of showers and flush bathrooms might be limited relative to the number of RV sites. Booking your campsite well in advance is highly recommended, as popular spots, especially those with electric, tend to fill up quickly, particularly during peak season.
Exploring the Island Trails
While the park has various trails, the Nordic Trail is a notable option for those seeking a more dedicated hiking experience. Even if you don't have time for the full Nordic Trail, exploring other paths on the island is well worth the visit. The trails are generally described as easy-going, making them accessible for most visitors, including families. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a pleasant walk or bike ride through the scenic surroundings.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit