Buckhorn State Park (Yellow & Wisconsin Rivers) in Wisconsin

Trip Overview

The park is on the peninsula with the Yellow River on the west side and the Wisconsin River on the east side. There are 4 boat launches in the park, but campers can put in from many of the campsites that are along the shoreline.

A favorite of ours is to put in at the landing on 29th Street and paddle south, giving us the joy of viewing large patches of beautiful, fragrant water lotus in August and September.

Another is to put in at Launch D and go up the Yellow River, seeing eagles and osprey, deer and carp, and then come back down the river.

Kayaking around Buckhorn State Park can be easy, but depending on the wind speed and direction, waves can make it challenging and a great work-out. The shallow water along the sandy shoreline make it a good place for beginning paddlers. With the exception of holiday weekends, the motorized boat traffic is not too bothersome.

Accommodations:

Camping is available at Buckhorn State Park with a number of walk-in sites, and a few drive in sites. There is a group camp and a handicapped accessible cabin. A handicapped accessible kayak is available at no charge; canoes, kayaks and paddles/PFD's can be rented from the park office.

There are motels in nearby Necedah, Mauston and New Lisbon.

Fees:

A state park sticker is required for vehicles parked in park areas.

Directions:

From Mauston, take Hwy 58 north to Buckhorn G, turn right and go 4 miles to the park entrance.

From the north, get to Hwy 21, then take G just east of Necedah about 10 miles to the park. You will pass the sign showing the 29th St boat launch.

Contact:

Buckhorn State park website or phone 608-565-2789.

Resources:

Maps and more info are available at the park office.