State Parks Near Eau Claire, Wisconsin
11 state park units lie within 50 miles of Eau Claire, including 2 parks across the line in Minnesota. The closest is Chippewa River State Trail, about 4 mi west of town. 6 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Chippewa River State Trail4 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 6of 11 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 6parks list campsites
- Dog-friendly
- 3pets allowed
State parks near Eau Claire, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Eau Claire; driving distance is usually longer.
Chippewa River State Trail
Things to do include canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, and biking.
Hours, fees and rules for Chippewa River State Trail →Lake Wissota State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, and swimming. For overnight stays there are 2 camping areas (tent sites and group camping).
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Wissota State Park →Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area
Popular activities here are hunting in season, hiking, and picnicking. Its trail network totals roughly 9 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area →Buffalo River State Trail
Things to do include horseback riding, hunting in season, and biking.
Hours, fees and rules for Buffalo River State Trail →Red Cedar State Trail
The park supports cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, and hunting in season.
Hours, fees and rules for Red Cedar State Trail →Old Abe State Trail
Things to do include horseback riding, hunting in season, biking, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Old Abe State Trail →Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, fishing, and hiking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area →Brunet Island State Park
Things to do include canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, swimming, and biking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Brunet Island State Park →Frontenac State Park
Visitors come for winter sports, historic sites, wildlife watching, ranger programs, and fishing. The official site lists about 18 miles of trails.
Hours, fees and rules for Frontenac State Park →Merrick State Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, fishing, and hiking. The official site lists about 3 miles of trails. Overnight options include 60 campsites across 3 camping areas, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Merrick State Park →John A. Latsch State Park
Things to do include wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for John A. Latsch State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Eau Claire
- Lake Wissota State Park 14 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area 28 mi north · Campground listed
- Brunet Island State Park 30 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Frontenac State Park 47 mi southwest · 77 campsites
- Merrick State Park 47 mi south · 60 campsites
+ 1 more in the list above
Dog-friendly state parks near Eau Claire
- Lake Wissota State Park 14 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
- Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area 17 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules
- Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area 28 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Eau Claire
- Lake Wissota State Park 14 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Brunet Island State Park 30 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Eau Claire
- Lake Wissota State Park 14 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area 17 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Old Abe State Trail 22 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area 28 mi north · Hiking trails listed
- Brunet Island State Park 30 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Fishing near Eau Claire
- Lake Wissota State Park 14 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area 28 mi north · Fishing listed
- Brunet Island State Park 30 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Frontenac State Park 47 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Merrick State Park 47 mi south · Fishing listed
Questions about state parks near Eau Claire
What is the closest state park to Eau Claire?
Chippewa River State Trail is the closest, about 4 miles west of Eau Claire in a straight line. Next are Lake Wissota State Park and Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area.
How many state parks are near Eau Claire?
11 state park units are within 50 miles, and 6 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Eau Claire have camping?
6 parks list camping, the nearest being Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area and Brunet Island State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Eau Claire?
Yes, at 3 parks, including Lake Wissota State Park, Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area and Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Eau Claire?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near River Falls, WI55 mi west
- Near Red Wing, MN57 mi west
- Near Marshfield, WI66 mi east
- Near La Crosse, WI70 mi south
- Near Rochester, MN74 mi southwest
- Near North Branch, MN86 mi northwest
- Near Lakeville, MN87 mi west
- Near Wisconsin Rapids, WI87 mi east
Or see all Wisconsin state parks, Minnesota state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.