Smith Rapids Recreation Area

in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

The numbers that decide it

Longest rig
75 ft
Sites
19
Electric hookups
Not published
Pull-through sites
No
Paved access
No
Accessible sites
Not published
Driveway grade
Not published
Bear boxes
Not published
Campfires
Yes
Shade
Yes
Group sites
Not published

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

Smith Rapids Recreation Area

If you are looking for a base camp that is popular for Horse Riding and Camping or a destination campground with a rustic atmosphere, try the Smith Rapids Recreation Area off State Highway 70 east of Fifield. The Smith Rapids Recreation Area on the Park Falls District consists of a campground with 10 sites and is located on the South Fork of the Flambeau River. It provides an ideal focal point for hiking, river fishing, and horseback riding (campsites are equipped with tie stalls and trailer parking designed for horse camping) and canoeing. Seven campsites are designed to accommodate horse trailers with extra-long parking spurs (campsites: 5-11), hitching rails, picnic tables, and fire grills. All campsites may be reserved through recreation.gov . Day use facilities include a carry-in boat access, vault toilets, drinking water and day use picnic area are also provided. There is also an additional parking lot across the road from the picnic area for equestrian use. A special feature near this campground is the Smith Rapids Covered Bridge. If you like horse riding, stream fishing, hiking, picnicking or enjoy the convenience of being close to town, then the Smith Rapids Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located 15 minutes east of Fifield. Smith Rapids Recreation Area is pet friendly; see restrictions below for more information.

Before you go

Season

May 2 – October 31

Reservations

First-come, first-served

Fees

$15 per night for camping. $7.50 with the use of an Interagency Pass (access or senior) . • Day use is $5 per day for non-campers.

Restrictions

Campsite Capacity • A maximum of eight people and four vehicles are allowed at each campsite, to include cars, trucks, wheeled camping units, and trailers. Pets and Animals • Pets must be crated, caged, or on a leash less than 6’ in length while in developed recreation areas. Firewood Closure Order • The firewood closure order prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any firewood that originates more than 25 miles from your campsite. For more information, click here . • For current fire danger, check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources burn restrictions website . Any prohibitions in place, including fire bans, will be posted on our website and site bulletin boards. Quiet Hours • Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. • The use of generators is not allowed during quiet hours. Occupancy & Use Restrictions • Restrictions for all National Forest System lands can be found by visiting Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261 . The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest-specific restrictions can be found on the Occupancy and Use Restrictions page. ATV & UTV operation is prohibited in the campground.

Scenic drives that pass close

Make it a night on a better road

Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.