We recently camped at Blackhawk Memorial Park in Southwest Wisconsin. This was our second time at Blackhawk. I first learned of the park from a great book, Best Tent Camping: Wisconsin. Blackhawk Memorial Park is perfect for last-minute camping trips. The campground is never full, even on Memorial Day weekend.

A great place to camp in Southwest Wisconsin! - Blackhawk Memorial Park - Local attractions, tips & more.
Our campsite

Getting to your site can take a little time. There is a one-lane gravel road to the sites that permits two-way traffic. We often had to back up to let an oncoming car pass.

The sites are beside Bloody Lake and the backwaters of the Pecatonica river, so bring your boat. We camped on the shore of Bloody Lake.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Bloody Lake, the site of the 1832 Battle of Bloody Lake

Also, don’t forget your bug spray. Even though there are tons of bats at this park, mosquitos can still be a problem.

  • Location: County Road Y near Argyle, WI
  • Reservations: None, pay at box when you arrive and select your site
  • Camping fees: $5/day during the week, $10/day on the weekends
  • Firewood: Available on-site from 5PM-7PM daily
  • Picnic tables: Most sites do not have picnic tables, so you may want to bring a fold-up table.

The area around Blackhawk Memorial is abundant with wildlife.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Blue Heron in a pond just south of the park on Co. Rd. Y
Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Sandhill Crane
Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Turkey Vulture

Blackhawk Memorial park is ideally situated for exploring other attractions in the area.

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area
Fishing is a popular activity at Cadiz Springs. We hiked the one mile self-guided Zander Lake Nature Trail, and then we explored the unnamed trails.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Yellowstone Lake State Park
I highly recommend the wildlife loop trail near the park office. Just don’t forget your binoculars.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Bald Eagle

We were lucky enough to spot two bald eagles.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Bald Eagle guarding a nest

We saw a large variety of other birds as well.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Male Red-winged Blackbird
Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Female Red-winged Blackbird
Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Spotted Sandpiper

New Glarus Woods
We visited New Glarus Woods and did the 4.2 mile Havenridge nature trail. It took us through beautiful forests and prairies. I’d definitely recommend a hike at New Glarus Woods followed up by a beer at New Glarus Brewery.

Camping at Blackhawk County Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Celebrating our first anniversary with a hike in New Glarus Woods.

We ran into several people who were collecting Morel mushrooms. One couple told us they collected over 600 morels this year!

I’m happy to help you plan your camping trip! Please leave your questions in the comments, and I will do my best to respond.

11 Comments on Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

  1. we are always looking for new camping opportunities and I have this one question about this campground: are the sites close by one another and/or are some sites more private than others?

    Thanks for your response. HW

    • Hi Henry! It really depends on the site. The sites on the river are not private, but all the other sites offer some privacy. Plus, the campground is rarely full, so you can pick a spot away from the other campers. I hope you have a great camping trip!

    • Hey Henry, The sites on the north end of the river are very private but there is farmland across the river. So sometimes you are awakened by a combine or tractor but that’s about it. The water is very soothing when sleeping.

    • Good questions Bevin. Many of the sites do not have picnic tables. The road to the sites is a gravel road. Let me know if you have any other questions.

  2. Hey Noreen! Happy to see a fellow Blackhawk Memorial Park lover! I’ve been to this site 3 times now (going on 4 this coming weekend). I guess we lucked out because all of the sites we picked did have a picnic table…..of course, we usually don’t camp on the river, so perhaps site on the river don’t have tables, but the other sites typically have one. I haven’t been there since 2013 so maybe that has changed? I’ll find out tomorrow! Anyway, I wanted to say Hi to a fellow Blackhawk liker! Best. Camping. Ever!

  3. Did you find a store nearby to buy firewood? A previous comment mentioned it being sparse at times on the campground so I want to be prepared. Thanks!

  4. Hi! My name is Lauretta and I’m looking into camping at this location! I have a question for you: can you drive up on your campsite? Or if you backpack to your location, how far does your car have to be parked?

    Thanks!
    Lauretta

  5. Hi Noreen! Are all of the sites only for tents or can pop ups or small campers use them also? I don’t need electric or water.

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