Emergency_Content Page_Covid-19

Wisconsin DNR & COVID-19

We remain at your service through this emergency

Covid-19

We at your Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources want you to know we are here for you and our great state as we go through the COVID-19 public health emergency together.

The DNR continues to receive the most up-to-date information and will adjust operations as conditions change. We will also continue to monitor on-the-ground circumstances each day to determine additional conditions that may become necessary.

Please check back regularly for updates or follow @WIDNR on Facebook, @wi_dnr on Instagram, or @WDNR on Twitter.

COVID-19 VACCINE

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, free and widely available. Everyone age 5 and older is recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. You do not need an ID or insurance to get a vaccine. Learn more about the vaccine on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website here.

State Parks, Trails, Forests, Recreational Areas and State Natural Areas

Father and son camping

Visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing, frequent hand washing and to wear a face covering if not fully vaccinated or if social distancing cannot be maintained. Visitors are also reminded to follow all existing state park rules and guidelines. Please see below for additional details.

VEHICLE ADMISSION STICKERS AND STATE TRAIL PASSES

  • A vehicle admission sticker is required to visit most state park system properties. Visitors must have an admission sticker adhered to their vehicle or proof of purchase for entry.
  • A state trail pass is required for anyone age 16 or older biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating on certain trails. A state trail pass is NOT required for walking or hiking.
  • The 2022 annual vehicle admission stickers and state trail passes are valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2022.

HOURS OF OPERATION AND BUILDINGS

  • State parks and forests properties are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
  • Park offices, visitor centers, nature centers and other buildings are open for the season.

CAMPING AND RESERVATIONS

  • Camping reservations are required before setting up camp. Reservations can be made through the online reservation system or by calling 1-888-947-2757.
  • Check-in is not necessary at the office or visitor station when coming to a property with an existing camping reservation. Please proceed directly to your campsite and begin setup.

EVENTS

  • DNR-led and co-sponsored events such as naturalist activities, education programs, Friends hikes and candlelight events are now being held at properties. Group sizes vary and may be limited to promote social distancing. Participants are encouraged to practice social distancing, frequent hand washing and to wear a face covering if not yet vaccinated or if social distancing cannot be maintained. If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you refrain from participating in any program.

PROPERTY CLOSURES AND CAPACITY LIMITS

  • Due to high demand during peak seasons, some properties may reach their pre-determined capacity limits. When this happens, properties will close until existing visitors leave, and capacity is reduced. State Parks likely to temporarily prohibit additional visitors include:
    • Copper Falls
    • Devil's Lake
    • Governor Dodge
    • Governor Nelson
    • Harrington Beach
    • Hartman Creek
    • High Cliff
    • Interstate
    • Kinnickinnic
    • Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
    • Lapham Peak
    • Perrot
    • Rib Mountain
    • Roche-a-Cri
    • Whitefish Dunes
    • Willow River

Business Operations

The following DNR service centers are now open to the public: Eau Claire, Fitchburg, Green Bay, Janesville, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Rhinelander, Spooner, Waukesha, Wausau and Woodruff. Hunting and fishing Licenses are available for sale 24 hours a day through the DNR’s online license portal Go Wild at: gowild.wi.gov or at agent locations throughout the state.

License Sales

  • Our Customer Service Representatives are available to assist you 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. 1-888-936-7463
  • Hunting and Fishing Licenses are available for sale 24 hours a day at: GoWild.WI.Gov

Toll Free Hotlines

  • DNR Violation Hotline:
    1-800-847-9367
  • Emergency Spill Hotline:
    1-800-943-0003

Questions?

  • Our Customer Service Representatives are available to assist you 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. 1-888-936-7463

THANK YOU

We at the DNR thank you for your patience and cooperation as we all go through the COVID-19 emergency. We will update information as needed during this fluid situation. For specific information regarding COVID-19 we encourage the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

Be more than safe and stay healthy out there.