Castle Mound Pine Forest — Attraction in Town of Brockway

This is a simply amazing Wisconsin State Natural Area within the Black River State Forest in Wisconsin. The Castle Mound SNA has two main trails: one to what was once a fire lookout and another looping around the mound. Both are accessible from the parking area—just look for the small "Nature Trail" sign which starts both trails. I visited on a weekday and was the only hiker there other than two groups of bouldering folks hiking with their immense "pads" up to their favorite climbing areas. Note that access to the area requires a fee or having a state DNR pass on your windshield. This SNA and all 693 Wisconsin SNAs have parking areas which can be hard to find at times. A free GPS POI file of all Wisconsin SNAs can be found at the POI Factory to help you find...

It seems like a nice location to camp with either groups or family. The sites are not very private and you can see straight through to your neighbors sites. It was just my boyfriend and I over the 4th of July weekend. The campers were respectful of noise and no fireworks, and there were a lot of families enjoying themselves. State park staff was seen throughout the weekend keeping an eye on things. The hiking options were nice and maintained. The facilities were as expected for a busy holiday weekend. I would not camp there again just because I like the sites to be a bit more wooded/private. But I would go back to the area to hike...

Campsites are a generous size. Electric only. Roads were covered with sticks and leaves and the Castle Mound Trail in the park was blocked by several large trees that had fallen in a storm a few days before we arrived. No efforts were being made to clear them. It was worth the hike to the overlook even though it was rough going in some spots because of the fallen trees. Fire wood was well priced and dry. Groceries, gas, several small shops, bars and restaurants are close-by in the town of Black River Falls. Be aware there is an $11 PER- NIGHT night parking fee...