Parks_Content Page_Camping Types

Camping Opportunities

Wisconsin State Park System

In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, special conditions will be in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. Changes to campground procedures are in place for 2020. All camping rules still apply.

Reservations

Camping reservations are required and can be made for the same day of your arrival or up to 11 months in advance of your planned date of occupancy. Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site.

Reserve a campsite online or by calling 1-888-947-2757.

Campsite Types

Camping opportunities include family and group campsites, indoor group camps, backpack and water access sites and equestrian campgrounds. There are also accessible campsites and cabins for persons with disabilities. See below for more information.

Site descriptions and photos of many sites are available on the Wisconsin State Parks reservation website and may show maximum vehicle length, driveway length, site access and other details.


Family campsites

Family campsites

Most campsites at Wisconsin State Park System properties are family campsites. A typical campsite is in a natural setting with road access, a fire ring and a picnic table and can be used by vehicle or tent campers. These campsites are for one to six people. A family campsite may be occupied by a parent or parents with their dependent children and not more than two guests, or a group of not more than six persons, regardless of age.

Accessible (ADA) campsites and cabins

Accessible (ADA) campsites and cabins

Accessible (ADA) campsites are available to persons with disabilities. ADA sites typically have a paved driveway and paved pathway leading to an accessible running water restroom/shower building. These sites are intended for use by visitors with qualifying conditions and their family/guests. The disabled visitor must be an occupant of the site during the entire reservation period.

Ten properties have accessible cabins.

Backpack campsites

Backpack campsites

Backpack campsites may be several hundred yards to a few miles away from the nearest parking area. Campers need to backpack all supplies and gear into and out of these sites.

Water access campsites

Water access campsites

Water access campsites are accessible by watercraft only. These sites typically accommodate smaller craft such as canoes/kayaks.

Double campsites

Double campsites

A double campsite is two separate, family campsites that are connected to one another, generally with no obstruction between the sites. These sites are ideal for camping parties that would prefer to camp next to one another in a larger, shared space. The two campsites are reserved together.

Group camping

Outdoor group campsites

Outdoor group campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. Most of the sites are for tents only, but some sites allow wheeled camping units. A few sites have electrical hookups. Youth groups must be accompanied by at least one adult for each 10 members of the group. Most group sites accommodate 20 to 60 people, but the maximum number of people allowed ranges from 12 to 200.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is improving the mental or physical health of people with disabilties may be eligible for a group camping fee waiver.

Indoor Group Camps

Indoor group camps are available at Black River State Forest, Point Beach State Forest, Wyalusing State Park and the MacKenzie Center.

Equestrian campsites

Equestrian campsites

Equestrian campsites are available for campers at five properties and are adjacent to equestrian riding trails. Campers at these sites, must have a horse with them during their stay. Equestrian campsites are available at:

Remote campsites

Remote campsites

There are a limited number of opportunities for very primitive, remote camping on DNR lands that are not associated with a campground and do not require a reservation fee.

Camping rates

All Wisconsin State Park System camping rates are listed on the Online Reservation System. Rates vary and are based on residency, season, location and campsite type. There is a reservation fee for reserving campsites. All rates are subject to change.

*Not all properties offer camping during non-summer months. Camping seasons typically run spring through fall, but dates vary by property. For winter camping opportunities, contact the property where you are interested in camping.

Campers are reminded that a vehicle admission sticker is required for any motor vehicles brought into the property. A camper without an annual sticker will need to buy one daily sticker for each night of camping. Free daily stickers are available for vehicles towed or carried into the property by a vehicle with a purchased sticker. Ask at the entrance station when you arrive.

Alert icon

COVID-19 Update: 

A vehicle admission sticker is required to visit state park system properties. A state trail pass is required on certain trails. Annual stickers and passes can be purchased online or over the phone. Daily stickers and passes can be purchased at individual properties via self-registration stations, electronic kiosk or drive-up window service.

Office buildings, visitor centers, observation towers, enclosed shelters and playgrounds remain closed. Some drive-up windows may be open for admission purchases. Campgrounds are open with special conditions. For more information, please see: