How to Get a Buckhorn West Permit

The western shore of the Buckhorn peninsula — cart-in sites you can also reach by boat.

About Buckhorn West

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 publishes no west/south split — that division belongs to the booking system, and this watch is scoped to the western map. Like its sibling, it books under the ordinary campsite category rather than the state's "Backpack" category.

The west-side sites face the Castle Rock Flowage from the other shore, and they book separately from the southern cluster, so a night that is gone on one map may still be open on the other. That is the practical reason to watch both.

The Experience

Sites set far enough apart that you do not see your neighbours, a fire ring, a bench, and a portable toilet for the cluster. Most of them are near water, and a canoe is a legitimate way to arrive.

What to Expect

DNR treats the cart-in sites as one group of 50 and identifies them by number, not by shore: "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."

"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."

DNR publishes a walk-in distance for only one cluster — "The campsites near the rustic shelter are only a few hundred yards from the parking area" — and none for the rest.

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Set Up Alerts

Permit Requirements

Road construction closes parts of the 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."

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.

Fires in fire rings and grills only.

Pets on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet.

A vehicle admission sticker is required.

Gear & Preparation

Required Gear

•Water — DNR names no supply at the cart-in sites
•A cart, a boat or a pack, depending on which cluster you draw
•Rubbish bags

Recommended Gear

•Insect repellent; DNR mentions mosquitoes by name at this park
•A bear-resistant way to store food — DNR names bears on this property

Hazards & Safety

Bears. DNR, on this park's camping page: "Bears can be present at this property."

Mosquitoes, which DNR names directly.

2026 road construction — the closure dates move, so check before booking.

No published water source at the cart-in sites.

Best Time to Visit

Sites 9, 16 and 26-29 are bookable year-round and the rest follow the season, but in 2026 the road project decides more than the weather does. DNR advises using the reservation site's "Notify Me" button to catch sites as they 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 West permit?

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

When is the best time to visit Buckhorn West?

What gear do I need for Buckhorn West?

Essential gear includes: Water — DNR names no supply at the cart-in sites, A cart, a boat or a pack, depending on which cluster you draw, Rubbish bags.