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Brunet Island
Overview
Brunet Island State Park offers a peaceful retreat centered on a 1,300-acre island where the Chippewa and Fisher rivers meet. This park is characterized by its lush rolling terrain and the unique lagoons that lace through the landscape. RVers will find a setting that balances natural preservation with comfortable camping facilities. It is a destination defined by its scenic river views and a remarkably high population of friendly white-tailed deer that often wander through the campsites, providing a unique connection to nature.
Location & Surroundings
Located just north of Cornell, Wisconsin, the park provides easy access to the water from almost every angle. The surrounding area is part of the Chippewa River Valley, offering a landscape of dense hardwood forests and calm waterways. The transition from the town of Cornell to the island feels like entering a secluded sanctuary. Travelers will appreciate the Old Abe State Trail, a multi-use paved path that connects the park to nearby communities, making it an excellent hub for regional cycling and exploration.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features two distinct camping areas, with the North Campground being the primary choice for RV travelers. It offers electrical hookups at 24 of its sites, along with access to a central shower building and seasonal flush toilets. A convenient dump station is available for self-contained units near the park entrance. For those who enjoy being on the water, the park provides multiple boat launches and a dedicated fishing pier, ensuring that the river is always accessible for afternoon outings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the main draw here, with over eight miles of hiking trails weaving through the island's interior. Paddling through the quiet lagoons is a favorite activity, as the water is typically calm and perfect for canoes or kayaks. Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can explore the Ice Age National Scenic Trail or take a short drive into Cornell to see the historic Stacker, a massive remnant of the area's logging history. Fishing for musky, walleye, and bass remains a top-tier regional attraction.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who prefer a rustic and natural atmosphere over a commercial resort experience. It is a fantastic fit for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers who will enjoy the diverse local fauna and migratory species. Families and couples looking for a quiet home base to enjoy water sports or cycling will find the layout perfect. If you value privacy, shaded sites, and the sound of the river over modern frills, Brunet Island is a premier Wisconsin camping destination.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Liz B
Fabulous place to kayak! Lots of little inlets to check out, the water was calm and paddling upstream was easy. The campground has some beautiful sites as well!any trails to meandor around and explore!
Richard DeVries
Beautiful setting, large sites especially in the non electric campgound, and great trails as well as easy access to Old Abe Bike trail. Could use some updates in the bathhouse but it was clean and there is hot water.
Al3x
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!
Teri Curry
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!
Nathan Flaminio
It smells so good here! Almost more Autumn than Spring going into Summer. It was wonderful! I spent all of my time in the island (didn't have enough time for the Nordic Trail), but it was still well worth visiting. Beautiful area, lots of campsites with water access, plenty of parking and restrooms. There's a small beach, a playground area, a ball field, and easy-going hiking trails. Though we're still not in bloom, I recommend traversing the entire island to take in everything there is to offer. There are great water views all around, and plenty of wildlife running around. A few small flowers popping up here and there. The flying insects were not bad at all, and I had no ticks from my time here. Well worth visiting! Seems like an ideal place to camp and bring kayaks or a canoe.