Wisconsin / Vernon County

Blackhawk Park

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from mid-April through October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Blackhawk Park is the largest public use facility in Mississippi River Pool 9, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Located on a forested bend of the main channel, the campground offers 150 sites including 73 with electrical hookups. All sites include picnic tables and fire rings. The West Camping loop features flush toilets and showers, and the park provides a dump station and potable water. The park's natural setting includes cottonwoods, green ash, swamp oaks, river birch, and willow trees that provide shade in summer and vibrant colors in fall. Wildlife sightings are common, including bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer, and wild turkey. The Mississippi River's main channel offers excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Facilities include a swimming beach, two picnic shelters, two boat ramps, two playgrounds, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and fishing docks. Park rangers provide interpretive programs throughout the summer, including guided walks, campfire talks, and natural crafts programs. Nearby attractions include the small river towns of DeSoto and Lansing, Iowa, LaCrosse 30 minutes north, and Effigy Mounds National Monument 40 minutes south.

Directions

From DeSoto, travel 3 miles north on Highway 35 and turn left on County Road BI. From LaCrosse, travel 25 miles south on Highway 35 and turn right on County Road BI.

Nearby Campgrounds