Named after Jean Brunet, a French immigrant who played a crucial role in developmental of upper Chippewa River, Brunet Island State Park is a hotbed of land and water activities. Located a few miles north of Cornel Town in northwest Wisconsin, most the 1,225-acre park consists of an island encircled by Chippewa and Fisher Rivers. Established in 1940, the largest section of the park is situated along the eastern banks of Chippewa River thus offering guests a chance to swim, fish, and canoe on its waters. This oasis of beauty beckons to be explored by RVers as well as campers.
RVers will love the abundance of activities available in the park. From miles of hiking trails to picnicking and hunting, there are various summer activities. During the winter guests can snowshoe on the park’s hiking trails or go skiing on the over four miles of cross-country skiing trails.
Brunet Island State Park can easily be accessed from Cornell. Interior roads lead visitors across all points of interests from the campgrounds and picnic areas to the fishing area. Trails are in good shape for hikers and cyclists to wade through as they spot animals and learn about trees. There are many parking spaces available within the facility. Most sites can accommodate larger trailers.
Brunet Island State Park has two pet-friendly campgrounds. Both campgrounds offer a total of 69 campsites for trailers, RVs, and tents. The campgrounds have every amenity that any RV camper could think of including bathhouses, a dump station, electricity, hot showers, grills, water, a pet run area, toilets, and picnic tables. Most sites can be reserved in advance up to 11 months in advance online or by calling the park’s office. Some few campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a 14 days maximum camping stay. Generator use is not allowed. There are no water and sewer hookups in both campgrounds.
South Campground
This campground offers 24 sites equipped with electric hookups. Amenities include ADA accessible campsites, a shower building, and flush toilets. The largest campsites can accommodate a trailer of up to 60 feet.
North Campground
This campground boasts of 45 non-electric campsites located on the shoreline of Chippewa River. Four of the sites are pull-through. Campsites can accommodate a maximum trailer of up to 90 feet. There are pit latrines available.
Groceries, supplies, fuel and overlooked camping accessories can be purchased at the nearby town of Cornel.
Miles of biking trails await those interested in discovering nature in a unique way. After unpacking your bike from your camper you can go through the trail map to choose your desired trail. Most of the park’s trails are multi-use trails and are suitable for mountain biking. With the exception of Jean Brunet Nature Trail, guests can ride their bicycles on all the other trails. The two-mile main road that passes through the park offers cyclists a designated bicycle lane for safety purposes. No matter what your skill level is you can rest assured there is a trail that fits your expertise.
Six hiking trails along varied terrain of Brunet Island State Park give visitors a chance to encounter the park’s beauty in its wildest form. The eight miles of trails offer incredibly stunning views. There is a perfect trail for every level of fitness. If you are interested in nature walks and water views, there is the Spruce Trail that allows you to go along the eastern shores of Brunet Island. If you are a nature person attracted by lush green scenery, the less than a mile long Jean Brunet Nature Trail and Pine Trail are a perfect match for you. The Old Abe State Trail traverses is perfect for wildlife watching, biking, and wildflower views.
For those that love water adventures, Brunet Island State Park has a wide range to choose from. In the southern end of the island, there is a roped-off swimming area. However, there are no lifeguards on duty and pets are not allowed. Anglers can catch plenty of northern pike, walleye and smallmouth bass. There are fishing piers near the south and north campground. A valid Wisconsin fishing license is required.
If you love hunting then Brunet Island State Park should be among your top destination in your campervan. Hunting is only allowed in designated open areas within the park. Hunters are not permitted to hunt near the day use areas and trails. Deer is the most commonly hunted game. A valid hunting license is required.
The two rivers not only act as a habitat for birds but also play a great role in nourishing the park’s vegetation thus making it an awesome wildlife refuge. Brunet Island State Park boasts diverse plant life such as giant hemlock trees, ferns, and lichens. Bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons can be seen along the river banks by taking a hike along the river or paddling. Woodpeckers, otters, and kingfishers are occasionally spotted. During your RV camping stay, you will come across dozens of deer, chipmunks, and squirrels.
With over 20 acres of day use areas, the park offers exceptional picnic spots. Located in the western and southern side of Brunet Islands, the picnic area overlooks the Chippewa River. This picturesque area offers beautiful backdrops for family photos. Here picnickers can enjoy their lunch as listen to the bird calls. The picnic area has a playground.
