Overview Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.Recreation Boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are Blackhawk's most popular forms of recre…
Overview Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.Recreation Boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are Blackhawk's most popular forms of recreation. Park rangers provide a variety of programs and activities throughout the summer. Interpretive programs are based on recreation, local history and the environment. Other activities range from guided walks and campfire talks, to natural crafts programs. Here, one can view majestic bluffs and rich backwater vegetation. Sometimes a river barge or classic paddle-wheeled steamboat can be seen journeying up the river.Facilities The campground offers 150 campsites, including 73 with electrical hookups. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring provided. Flush toilets and showers are located in the West Camping loop. There are no full-hook up sites but a dump station and potable water are located within the park. The park also has a beach, two picnic shelters, two boat ramps, two playgrounds, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing docks.Natural Features This peaceful park is situated on the main channel of the Mississippi River. Cottonwoods, green ash, swamp oaks, river birch and willow trees forest the site, offering nice shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Visitors commonly see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer and wild turkey. Nearby Attractions The small river towns of DeSoto, Wisconsin and Lansing, Iowa are nearby. DeSoto is 5 minutes south, Lansing is 15 minutes south with a few restaurants and shops. LaCrosse, Wisconsin is 30 minutes north, with restaurants, shops, galleries and farmers markets. Effigy Mounds National Monument which is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) is located about a 40 minutes south of Blackhawk Park and offers excellent hiking opportu
Photos
Cardinal Flower — USACE Blackhawk ParkBlue Heron — USACE Blackhawk ParkMilkweed — USACE Blackhawk ParkBLACKHAWK PARK — Blackhawk ParkGreen Lake Boat Launch — USACE Blackhawk ParkTurtle — USACE Blackhawk ParkBlackhawk Park sign with Bobber the Water Safety Dog — Blackhawk StaffPaddlewheel Boat and Tent Camping — Blackhawk StaffPeck Lake — Blackhawk StaffBlackhawk Park shore fishing — BlackhawkBlackhawk Park Beach — Blackhawk StaffCamping on the river — Blackhawk Staff
How to Get There
From 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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BLACKHAWK PARK
Heading to BLACKHAWK PARK? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BLACKHAWK PARK?
No central reservation system listed for BLACKHAWK PARK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233697) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at BLACKHAWK PARK?
BLACKHAWK PARK has 150 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to BLACKHAWK PARK?
From 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.
