Campsite Types
Wisconsin State Park System
Camping opportunities at Wisconsin State Park System properties include standard 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. 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.
- Standard campsites
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Standard campsites
Most campsites at Wisconsin State Park System properties are standard 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. A standard 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. Most standard campsites are directly accessed by vehicle, some sites may require that visitors walk a distance from a parking area to access the site.
- Accessible (ADA) campsites and cabins
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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
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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.
There are backpack shelters in the Northern and Southern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The backpack shelters have a roof, fire ring and vault toilet.
- Water access campsites
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Water access campsites
Water access campsites are accessible by watercraft only. These sites typically accommodate smaller craft such as canoes/kayaks.
- Double campsites
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Double campsites
A double campsite is two separate, standard 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, and a reservation fee is charged for each site. Each side of the double site allows a party size of one to six people.
- Group camping
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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 disabilities 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
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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. Standard equestrian campsites allow for one to six visitors, and group equestrian campsites can accommodate groups larger than six. Equestrian campsites are available at:
- Remote campsites
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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.