Blackhawk Park
4.58321 reviewsE590 CTY RD BI, DESOTO, WI 54624
Blackhawk Park
$1.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $1 per night for off-season bookings to $40 per night for group shelters during peak season. Additional reservation fees apply,...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$26.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$84.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider608-648-3314
About this campground
Discover your perfect riverside escape at Blackhawk Park, where 150 thoughtfully designed campsites await along the mighty Mississippi River. As the crown jewel of Mississippi's Pool 9, this expansive recreational paradise beckons with 73 electric hookup sites and endless adventures. Launch your boat into the legendary waters, paddle through serene backwaters, cast a line for the day's catch, or join engaging ranger-led programs that bring the river's stories to life. Families delight in sandy beach days, while modern amenities including multiple boat ramps, playgrounds, and shaded picnic shelters ensure comfort meets adventure at every turn.
Blackhawk Park offers a variety of camping accommodations, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Primitive camping is available in the non-electric sites.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Mississippi River's ever-changing moods through the seasons at Blackhawk Park. Summer visitors find blessed relief beneath the dense canopy of ancient river trees, where dappled sunlight filters through leaves and cooling breezes drift off the water. Come autumn, the campground transforms into a photographer's dream as cottonwoods and birches paint the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. The riverside location brings its own microclimate, with morning mists rising from the water and the gentle humidity that nourishes this lush river ecosystem.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled along a sweeping bend of the Mississippi River's main channel, Blackhawk Park immerses visitors in a thriving riverine forest ecosystem. Towering cottonwoods stretch skyward alongside graceful green ash, while swamp oaks anchor the banks and river birches dance in the breeze. Weeping willows trail their branches toward the water, creating natural curtains of green. This rich habitat serves as a haven for magnificent wildlife—watch bald eagles soar overhead, great blue herons stalk the shallows, colorful wood ducks paddle past, and white-tailed deer emerge from the forest at dawn and dusk.
Geological RegionBlackhawk Park occupies a prime position on a forested bend where the Mississippi River curves through Pool 9, one of the river's most ecologically diverse sections. This dynamic landscape showcases the power of North America's mightiest river, where centuries of flooding and deposition have created rich bottomland forests. Majestic cottonwoods, resilient green ash, flood-adapted swamp oaks, papery river birch, and flexible willows form a living testament to the river's influence, creating a multi-layered canopy that provides cooling shade in summer and explodes with color each fall.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityBlackhawk Park provides accessible campsites, fishing docks, picnic areas, flush toilets, pit toilets, and showers.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious and level: "We have a 44-foot fifth wheel and we had so much extra room."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies: "Sites are close together," but some areas offer more space: "West Loop has more space per campsite."
Total Campsites150 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWest Loop sites are recommended for proximity to modern facilities and water views, while Upper Loop sites offer more shade and serenity.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
2PM
Stay Limit
- Maximum of 14 nights during a visit
- maximum of 14 nights total within rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
Groups can reserve shelters with electric hookups. Details on the number of guests allowed are missing.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes two main loops: Upper Loop, with older shaded sites, and West Loop, which offers modern amenities and proximity to the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins April 15 and closes December 31 annually. Non-reservable from December 31 to April 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNon-electric sites are non-site-specific and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up availability varies depending on occupancy and season.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee is charged. Late cancellations for individual campsites may result in forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. For group shelters, cancellations less than 14 days before arrival also incur penalties.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Blackhawk Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. The park features two boat ramps, a beach area, and picnic shelters for group activities.
Hiking
Effigy Mounds National Monument, 40 minutes south, offers excellent hiking opportunities. Within the park, there are flat roads suitable for biking or walking.Fishing
Fishing is highly popular, with reviews noting a variety of fish species: "The fishing is good, and the camping is reasonably priced with decent facilities."Swimming
A beach area is available for swimming, with life jackets provided for safety: "Beach area for kids to swim and so many areas to fish and boat."Biking
Flat roads within the park are suitable for biking: "There are about 3 miles of flat roads that are very pleasant for bicycling or walking."Boating
Boating is a primary activity with two boat ramps available. Reviews highlight kayaking and canoeing opportunities: "Great sandbars on the river to beach them and walk around."Wildlife viewing
Commonly seen wildlife includes bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer, wild turkey, and turtles during nesting season: "The place was swarming with turtles nesting and laying eggs."Beach activities
The park includes a beach area suitable for swimming and sunbathing.Cultural and Educational Programs
Park rangers provide interpretive programs, guided walks, campfire talks, and natural crafts programs during the summer.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities, with areas featuring sandbars for resting and exploration.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include proximity to water bodies, occasional flooding in older campground areas, and high mineral content in water spigots. Wildlife such as turtles and deer are present.
Weather forecast
50
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 96%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in DeSoto, WI. Additional resources, including hospitals, can be found in LaCrosse, WI, approximately 30 minutes north.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Some reviews highlight recycling support: "They also support recycling. I personally love this."
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to the Mississippi River, with backwater sloughs and sandy beaches.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention poorly maintained bathrooms and shower facilities, high mineral content in water spigots, and sites being too close together. Noise from train traffic has been reported.
HostHosts and rangers are described as friendly and helpful. Rangers conduct regular patrols and assist with reservations.
Campground Map
E590 CTY RD BI, DESOTO, WI 54624
Driving directionsFrom DeSoto, WI, travel 3 miles north on HWY 35 and turn left on County Road BI. From LaCrosse, WI, travel 25 miles south on HWY 35 and turn right on County Road BI.
Accessible via paved roads, though the turn from HWY 35 onto County Road BI may require caution, especially for southbound travelers as it resembles a sharp U-turn. Seasonal road construction may make accessibility challenging at times.Nearby places
DeSoto, WI: 5 minutes south
Lansing, IA: 15 minutes south
LaCrosse, WI: 30 minutes north.
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in nearby towns like Lansing, IA (15 minutes south) and LaCrosse, WI (30 minutes north). LaCrosse also offers fuel, restaurants, and farmers markets.
Camper Reviews
4.6
321 reviews
Blackhawk Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive about Blackhawk Park's scenic location, cleanliness, and the range of activities available. However, some complaints include crowded sites, maintenance issues, and noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 321 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive themes include clean facilities, spacious sites, excellent fishing, friendly staff, and abundant wildlife. "Beautifully clean and well-kept campground," "The park ranger at check-in was very...
Based on 321 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback mentions sites being too close together, maintenance issues with bathrooms, and noise disturbances: "Sites are close together," "The outhouse is not clean!"
Based on 321 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray during summer months and water due to high manganese content in the park’s water supply. Use AT&T or Verizon for better cell service.
Based on 321 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is popular due to ranger-led activities and favorable weather, though bugs and mosquitoes are noted. Fall offers quieter camping and beautiful scenery.
Based on 321 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The reservable area was very nice while the non-reservable area was still mostly under water." "Watching barges pass by was amazing."
Based on 321 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
West Loop is described as having modern facilities and spacious sites. Upper Loop offers more shade but has older vault toilets. Site-specific feedback includes, "Site 42 had a very nice view of the...
Based on 321 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible facilities received positive feedback, including fishing docks and flush toilets.
Based on 321 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, but leash rules must be followed. Some reviews mention issues with barking dogs: "Other than barking dogs, some off leash, it was enjoyable."
Based on 321 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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