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Blackhawk Park
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — DESOTO · Wisconsin · Mississippi River - Pool 9
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Mississippi River - Pool 9 |
| Location | DESOTO · Wisconsin · Mississippi River - Pool 9 · 43.46215, -91.22391 · Map |
| Sites | 148 public sites counted from the federal listing — 73 standard electric; 73 standard nonelectric; 2 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 77 of 148 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 2 of 148 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 148 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 148 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 99 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 74 sites · 30 ft: 74 sites · 35 ft: 74 sites · 40 ft: 69 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 3:00 PM · Out 2:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 79 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Water spigots |
| Phone | 608-648-3314 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-04-29.
From the official listing
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 opportunities, and well as picturesque views, and a visitor center, and is free to enter.
The Driftless Area Education And Visitors Center in Lansing Iowa is a short 15 minute drive south, and explores the cultural, recreational, natural, and historical significance of the Driftless Area.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
61 mi straight-line · Potosi WisconsinUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersMain Day Use
109 mi straight-line · SPRING VALLEY WisconsinUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersHighland Ridge
110 mi straight-line · Spring Valley WisconsinFSU.S. Forest ServiceChippewa
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Trip Card — Blackhawk Park
DESOTO · Wisconsin · Mississippi River - Pool 9
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | DESOTO · Wisconsin · Mississippi River - Pool 9 |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 77 |
| Max RV | Up to 99 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 148 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233697 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.