Recreation

Horseback Riding

Horseback riders can ride on more than 700 miles of trails in Wisconsin state parks, forests, recreation areas and unsurfaced trails on former rail lines. This page lists places with a mile or more of horse trails. Six of these properties offer a…

Hiking

Wisconsin's state parks and forests protect the most beautiful parts of the state, offering some of the best trails for exploring the outdoors. Whether hiking for a short distance or a multi-day excursion, hikers can find more than 2,700 miles of…

Hunting and trapping in Wisconsin State Parks

State parks hunting and trapping time frame State park maps State trail maps State Ice Age Trail Area and North Country Trail Area maps State parks hunting and trapping time frame In general, there are two time periods where hunting and…

Group camping fee waivers

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is improving the mental or physical health of people with disabilities may be eligible for a camping fee waiver. To apply for a waiver, the group must submit a Camping Fee Waiver Request [PDF]…

Reservable Backpack Camping

Designated backpack campsites are available by reservation at the following properties. These campsites may be several hundred yards to a few miles away from the nearest parking area and campers need to carry all gear in and out. Campsites typically…

Cross-country skiing

Dog-powered Sports

A dog-powered sport is an activity in which dogs provide all or part of the power needed to move a transport. The sports are increasingly popular in Wisconsin and are practiced recreationally and competitively. Though mushing invokes images of sled…

Flying-related activities

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, and other flying-related activities, including but not limited to, hang gliding, parasailing, hot air ballooning, land sailing, flying model airplanes, or sky diving, is prohibited…

Carry in, Carry out

Most Wisconsin state park and forest picnic areas, shelters, beaches and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. When you visit for a few hours or less, you will need to take your garbage and recyclables home with you. Why? The…

Peace and quiet

Many state park visitors enjoy and appreciate the peace and quiet they can find in a state park. Photo by Wisconsin DNR. Peace and quiet are among the things visitors appreciate most about Wisconsin state parks and forests.