Brunet Island State Park — Attraction in Town of Estella

My husband, my grown son, 2 family canines and myself decided to take a chance on Brunet Island because the idea of a quiet waterfront campsite just seemed to scream "escape from the daily stress of life". My main fear when we arrived was that it would be nothing special and that the water would be 1/4 mile from our site but I couldn't have been more mistaken. We were right on the Chippewa River only a matter of 15 or so feet away. We had only booked a weekend so we hadn't planned on taking a watercraft on the river but if we had we could have launched it from our site. We stayed in the North campground which has vault toilets and non electric sites, (neither a priority to us), but the generous site size and amazing view of the river would've outweighed the necessity for those anyway. The south campground has it's own benefits such as flush toilets, electric sites, and a very nice shower building. It is closest to the beach area and picnic areas as well, however, it has more of an open community feel vs. a private feel in respect to campsites. Both areas are well kept so it really depends on what a camper can and cannot live without. We prefer private with a view and enjoy "roughing it" for a true camping experience. The weather was mid 80's during the day and we were able to sleep with the screen flaps down on our tent camper. The night sounds were fantastic and lying on our bunk looking out over the river can't be equaled by anything. By the time we finished our weekend my blood pressure probably dropped 20 degrees. The family pups both give this park the "tail waggers paws up" for best park to take a long walk, a great swim, and follow up naps. They loved every bit of it. Brunet Island is a hidden gem which I almost secretly hope stays hidden so that it doesn't become overrun with T-shirt shops, waterparks, and miniature golf courses. It takes me back to my childhood when camping was still a simple pleasure as nature has always intended it to be. Everything about this park was perfect for our needs, don't change a thing. We made plans on our 4 hour drive back home for our much longer return trip in 2020. Thanks to the wonderful staff and hosts for their friendliness and helpfulness. See you...

A great place for camping with gorgeous views in every direction. Because we had a tent, we stayed in the North Campground which did not have electricity, showers, or flush toilets. But we could shower at the South Campground which along with the beach house, had flush toilets.

In the North Campground, the sites were spacious and more private than the South Campground, and even more so once you crossed the bridge to the second section in the North Campground. Most sites were right on the water and even though we were surrounded by water, the mosquitoes were surprisingly not bothersome. During the week, the campground emptied out even in August which made it very peaceful.

The real star is the water so the park is great for canoeing and kayaking. The park also had nice hiking trails and was great for kids on bikes or scooters. The park is connected to the Old Abe bike trail which is paved and connects with 75 miles of other bike trails. Other campers were very friendly.

The park is only about two miles from the town of Cornell which has a well-stocked grocery store and an assortment of restaurants with Dylan's Dairy being the shining star. Cornell also has a great visitor's center. Stop by and get an overview of Cornell's lumber heritage from former Cornell mayor, Judy. Cornell is hands-down the friendliest town in Wisconsin we've visited and we've toured the state...

We stayed here for 3 nights and have to say I liked almost everything about this place. The campsites are spacious and well located. The sites have trees to provide shade but it is not thick or at least in the section with electric. I should mention that the electric sites are where we stayed but the non electric section comes within feet of the river.

I did find it strange that you do not have to prove that you have a state sticker but the park ranger does drive around the park several times during the day. Just enough to remind you of his presence but not enough to feel like you are constantly being watched.

There is a one way loop that goes around the park and there is also a walking/biking trail that also goes around the park. It also has some group areas, fishing docks, and some hiking trails.

The one thing that was kind of a let down was the beach. Not really a sand beach as the entire beach area was heavy with rocks including the swimming area. Unless you have water shoes it is hard to use the beach or the swimming area. I am sure this is because of the current or to keep the weeds from filling the area. Still it does make it harder for young children to enjoy the area.

Overall it was a great stay and a place I would...