How to Get a Buckhorn South Permit

Cart-in sites on a peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage, most of them near the water and several reachable by canoe.

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About Buckhorn South

Wisconsin DNR: "Buckhorn State Park is a paradise for water enthusiasts, hunters, hikers, campers and nature lovers. The park and two adjacent state wildlife areas cover more than 8,000 acres on a peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage of the Wisconsin River. Family and group campsites, unique cart-in camping, a cabin for people with disabilities, canoe trail and an accessible fishing pier, are all available at the park." (dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/buckhorn, read 2026-08-10.) DNR counts 50 cart-in campsites across the park and does not publish a south/west split — that division is the booking system's, and it is what this watch is scoped to. Buckhorn files its backpack sites under the ordinary campsite booking category rather than the state's "Backpack" category, which is why this permit's provider id carries no `:cat=` segment.

Buckhorn is the state's answer to "I want a secluded site without carrying a full pack." DNR's own framing: "This type of camping offers an opportunity to enjoy nature in a secluded wilderness setting without the effort and weight limitations of backpack camping. No special gear is required." A shared cart does the hauling, and several clusters can be reached by boat.

The Experience

More than 8,000 acres of peninsula between the park and two adjacent wildlife areas, with the flowage on both sides. The sites sit apart from one another, mostly near water, and the nearest thing to a communal building is a screened day-use shelter for getting out of the rain.

What to Expect

DNR describes the whole cart-in group as 50 campsites and names them by number rather than by area: "Camping is available year-round at backpack sites 9, 16 and 26-29. A shared cart is available for sites 10-12, 25 and 199, 23-24, 30-33 and 39-42."

"All the backpack sites are in small clusters and most are secluded and near the water. The individual sites are further apart than traditional campsites."

The one distance DNR publishes: "The campsites near the rustic shelter are only a few hundred yards from the parking area."

"Campers can also get their gear to the sites by boat or canoe."

"Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and bench. A portable toilet is available for each cluster of sites. A small pit toilet is available for sites 26-29."

The 1.5-mile Turkey Hollow trail is the walking access — DNR: it "goes to the west side of the peninsula in the southern part of the park, providing access to backpack campsites."

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Permit Requirements

Road construction closes parts of this camping area through 2026. DNR's tentative dates: group sites A1-A8, B1-B3 and sites 30-45 closed April 1 to July 27; sites 26-29 closed May 1-22 and May 26 to July 17; sites 1-3 and 20-22 closed Aug. 1 to Oct. 10. "Construction dates are subject to change."

The rustic shelter serving sites 10-12, 25 and 199 is "intended for day use only."

Reservations run up to 11 months ahead; backpack sites may be booked for a single night.

Check-in is 3 p.m., checkout is 1 p.m.

No more than 14 days of camping in any 21 days.

A family site takes a parent or parents with dependent children plus up to two guests, or a group of no more than six people of any age.

The park is closed to non-campers between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Firewood must be certified or come from within 10 miles; the park office sells it when open.

Fires in fire rings and grills only.

Pets on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet; the park has a pet swim area on Water Street.

A vehicle admission sticker is required.

Gear & Preparation

Required Gear

•Water — DNR publishes a supply for the group sites but names none at the cart-in sites
•A way to move gear: a cart is shared between several clusters, and DNR says boat or canoe works too
•Rubbish bags

Recommended Gear

•Insect repellent — DNR describes the rustic shelter as somewhere "campers may use it to escape the mosquitoes or to cook food out of the rain"
•A bear-resistant way to store food; DNR names bears on this property

Hazards & Safety

Bears. DNR, on this park's own camping page: "Bears can be present at this property." Statewide guidance adds "Never leave food unattended" and, for remote sites, hang food "12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from any vertical support."

Mosquitoes, which DNR names directly.

2026 road construction — check the closure dates above before booking, because they move.

DNR publishes no water source at the cart-in sites.

Best Time to Visit

Sites 9, 16 and 26-29 are bookable year-round; the rest follow the season. In 2026 the calendar is set by road construction rather than weather — DNR's closures run April through October in staggered blocks, and it advises using the reservation site's "Notify Me" button for sites that reopen.

Written by

PermitSnag Team

100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience

This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Buckhorn South permit?

Buckhorn South permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.

When is the best time to visit Buckhorn South?

What gear do I need for Buckhorn South?

Essential gear includes: Water — DNR publishes a supply for the group sites but names none at the cart-in sites, A way to move gear: a cart is shared between several clusters, and DNR says boat or canoe works too, Rubbish bags.