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Blackhawk River Runs
"The Best Kept Secret On The Lower Wisconsin River"
About Us
Blackhawk River Runs, nestled between Mazomanie and Sauk City, WI, is your premier family-owned choice for canoe rentals and sandbar camping on the Lower Wisconsin River. Since 1970, we've been the area's best-kept secret for outdoor adventures. Whether you're interested in canoeing, kayaking, or experiencing the unique sandbar camping, we're here to help create unforgettable memories. We're proud members of the Better Business Bureau and the Sauk Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and our team includes fully licensed CDL bus drivers. Get in touch to explore the scenic Lower Wisconsin River with us!
2026 season info -
Opening May 2! Weekends only! Water and weather permitting!
Sat 8-5
Sun 9-5
Open 7 days a week starting June 10 Till Labor Day
9-12:30 Monday – Friday (reservations after 12:30)
Sat 8-5
Sun 9-5
Last weekend September 19th and 20th
Areas Served
Spring Green, WI | Dodgeville, WI | Middleton, WI | Portage, WI | Wisconsin Dells, WI | Baraboo, WI | Okee, WI | Waunakee, WI | Lodi, WI | Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Our Professional Associations
- Better Business Bureau
- Sauk Prairie Chamber of Commerce
Our Certifications
- CDL Fully Licensed Bus Drivers
What We Offer
Our Specialties include:
- Canoe Rentals
- Shuttle Service
- Fishing Trips
- Final departure time for day trips is 12:30.
- Reservations required for overnights and car shuttles leaving after 12:30 Monday through Friday.
- Call for information anytime - even in the off season!
Our Services include:
- No motors of any kind are allowed on rented equipment!
- Canoe and Kayak Rentals
- Day or Overnight Trips
- Sandbar Camping on the Lower Wisconsin River
- Cater to Large or Small Groups
- Reservations After 12:30pm are for Overnight Trips and Car Shuttles Only.
- Final Departure @ 12:30pm
- Shuttle Service
- All Trips are Weather and Water Level Permitting
- No Glass Containers Allowed
Testimonials
On 7/7/2025
Robert Van Tholen
had this to say:
Great family business!
Our friends use them every summer and this weekend was our first time canoing the WI river.
Friendly and helpful. I will definitely be using them again.
On 5/21/2025
Z
had this to say:
My dad John has been using these guys for decades. He's brought me past few years and too am a lifer now!
On 8/11/2024
Sara Kneevers
had this to say:
Our third year sandbar camping and we went through Blackhawk River Runs. Fantastic service! Bought our ice and firewood right at the launch area and took off. Canoes were large enough for all the gear and PFDs were new and clean. Met them at Peck's Landing right on time and they brought us, our dogs, and all our gear back to the vehicles. Major bonus- we were able to dispose of our garbage with them, it wasn't a huge amount, but I didn't want to haul it the 2 hours back home. Everyone was very friendly and professional. This was the easiest outfitter we have worked with so far. Zero complaints, all the stars. We will absolutely go through them again.
Testimonial written by Sara Kneevers on this site.
On 8/7/2024
Kevin Sanchez
had this to say:
Our yearly canoe trip has used these folks for over a decade. Great people, great experiences. We've never had a problem with their equipment either. Highly recommend
On 7/30/2024
Mike Beuche
had this to say:
They make the river as perfect as it can be. For 11 years we've used their services of rentals and shuttling. Great every time.
Trusted by 22 of us this year.
Contact Us
Blackhawk River Runs
10032 CR Y Mazomanie, WI 53560
Phone: (608) 643-6724
Public Parking. Close to Other Attractions and Restaurants
2026 season info -
Opening May 2! Weekends only! Water and weather permitting!
Sat 8-5
Sun 9-5
Open 7 days a week starting June 10 Till Labor Day
9-12:30 Monday – Friday (reservations after 12:30)
Sat 8-5
Sun 9-5
Last weekend September 19th and 20th
Where To Find Us
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Payment Types Accepted
Personal Checks
Our Hours
Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Reservations are required for car shuttles and overnight trips departing after 12:30 PM.
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Reservations are required for car shuttles and overnight trips departing after 12:30 PM.
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Reservations are required for car shuttles and overnight trips departing after 12:30 PM.
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Reservations are required for car shuttles and overnight trips departing after 12:30 PM.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Reservations are required for car shuttles and overnight trips departing after 12:30 PM.
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
News
🌊🚣 Season Update! 🚣🌊We’re planning to open May 2 at Blackhawk River Runs!
✅ Weekends only
✅ Water & weather permitting
Mother Nature has the final say, but we’re hopeful and excited to get back on the river soon. Keep an eye on our page for updates as opening day approaches!
📍 Mazomanie, WI
#BlackhawkRiverRuns #RiverSeason #OpeningSoon #MazomanieWI #WeekendAdventures
Dreaming of that river sleep under the stars? ✨ Blackhawk River Runs makes it easy with canoe, paddle, and PFD rentals for your sandbar camping adventure. Bring your own camping gear, and we’ll take care of getting you and your boat on the river for a one-of-a-kind getaway. 🌙 #SandbarCamping #RiverAdventure #GetOutside
On 3/27/2026 this was posted:
🌊🚣 THEN & NOW at Blackhawk River Runs 🚣🌊
We want to see how far your river adventures have come!
📸 Show us a picture from your FIRST trip
📸 Then share your MOST RECENT trip
Drop your then & now photos in the comments or attach them to your post and tell us how long you’ve been floating with us!
📍 Mazomanie, WI
💙 Memories made on the river last forever
#BlackhawkRiverRuns #ThenAndNow #RiverMemories #MazomanieWI #RiverLife
Optional image to use:
Expires 3/23/2027
🌲 “From the moment we arrived, the team at Blackhawk River Runs made our river adventure worry-free. C’s and P’s were covered — clean gear, equipment that fit, and helpful maps to boot. The shuttle was right on time and our trip down the Wisconsin River was peaceful and memorable. We’re already planning our next outing!” — A happy first-timers family.
💬 Have your own story to share? Head over to blackhawkriverruns.com/reviews and let us know how your paddling trip went! #GuestReview #RiverTrip #FamilyAdventure
Looking to go a bit further? 🌅 Blackhawk River Runs offers sandbar camping trips on the scenic Lower Wisconsin River — complete with your canoe, paddles, and PFDs included. Pack your own camping essentials, and we’ll handle the river logistics for a smooth, unforgettable experience. 🛶 #SandbarCamping #RiverEscape #NatureLovers
FAQ
2. Please adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles by ensuring you leave no trash behind. Bring back all waste with you, including cold and dry charcoal, and we'll dispose of it for you.
3. Camping is only allowed on sandbars and islands. The shoreline beyond these areas is private property, so please respect land ownership and ensure you camp appropriately.
4. Campfires are permitted on sandbars and islands unless there is a burn ban in effect. You'll be informed of any such bans on your trip. Ensure all fires are completely doused and left uncovered.
5. Everything we offer is dependent on water levels and weather conditions. For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, we may shut down operations during severe weather or high water levels. Stay informed by checking weather updates before your visit.
6. Fishing is allowed and the river is teeming with fish. Enjoy the opportunity to catch a variety of species as you explore the river.
7. When securing your tent, use 10-inch plastic sand stakes as aluminum ones are ineffective on sandy terrain.
During Memorial Weekend (May 23rd-26th), we're open every day.
From June 13th through Labor Day, we're open 7 days a week.
Saturdays and Sundays only post-Labor Day.
If you're interested in trips outside of our standard hours, feel free to call ahead to discuss possibilities. If we can make the trip happen, we will!
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