Group site to replace horse camp at Black River State Forest
April 3, 2013
Contact(s): Peter Bakken , DNR state forest superintendent, 715-284-1406 Ed Culhane, DNR communications, Eau Claire, 715-781-1683
BLACK RIVER FALLS – The existing horse camp at the Black River State Forest will soon be converted into a group camp site, said officials with the state Department of Natural Resources.
The conversion will occur because the horse camp gets very little use and there is an increasing demand, both at Black River State Forest and elsewhere, for group camping options. The change has been approved by the Natural Resources Board, which sets DNR policy.
The campground will close May 28 for the conversion and will be reopened Friday, June 7, said state forest officials. The campground will be reservable through Reserve America and will be open through November.
The new campground will have a maximum capacity of 50 with eight parking pads for wheeled camping units. It will feature a new vault toilet building and a large area for open play. State forest staff will add some additional amenities including a horse shoe pit and volleyball area.
The existing 17-mile trail system within the state forest will no longer be maintained for horse use. Horse riders will still be able to use forest roads for riding. Horse riders have excellent camping options at nearby state and county facilities.
This will be the second group camp at Black River State Forest. This one, however, will serve a different clientele. The existing indoor group camp features a cabin that has an open field where additional tents can be set up. It is not designed to accommodate wheeled camping units. The indoor group camp is extremely popular and is used year round.
Anyone with questions regarding this new facility can contact forest staff at 715-284-4103.