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Enjoying the Parks with your Pet

Wisconsin State Park System

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Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Wisconsin State Park System properties. There are a few simple rules to ensure that you, your pet and other visitors will enjoy your visit.

Keep your pet on a leash

Pets must be on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet at all times.

Pets must be under control

Pets must be under control at all times. Pet owners are not allowed to let their pets interfere with other people's enjoyment of the property. Pet owners who fail to properly control a pet or whose pet creates a public nuisance or other disturbance may be asked to leave the property or may be issued citations. Leaving your pet unattended for periods of time is inconsiderate to other park users and exposes you to potential problems.

Loose pets may be seized

Loose pets may be seized and are subject to local laws pertaining to stray animals. Owners of loose pets may be ticketed. If your pet is lost, inform property staff and immediately call the local authorities to find the location of the nearest stray-holding facility.

Dispose of waste properly

Pet owners are responsible for the proper removal and disposal of their pets' waste products. Waste should be disposed of in dumpsters or trash receptacles. Violation of this requirement may result in a citation.

Areas where pets are permitted

Pets are permitted in most campgrounds, trails, roads and outlying areas of properties.

Areas off limits to pets

Pets are not allowed in the following places (this rule applies to all pets except service animals helping people with disabilities).

  • Buildings and picnic shelters
  • Amphitheaters
  • Picnic areas, except designated pet picnic areas
  • Beaches, except designated pet swim areas
  • Playgrounds, except those signed as open to pets.
  • Trails marked as closed to pets
  • Cross-country ski trails when groomed for skiing or being prepared for grooming
  • Observation towers
  • Indoor group camps and related facilities
  • Designated "pet-free areas" identified at properties
    • Including Loop 1 of the Pinewoods Campground and the Paradise Springs area in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.
  • Anywhere in:
    • Copper Culture State Park
    • Heritage Hill State Park
    • Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area

Pet swim areas and picnic areas

The following properties have designated pet swim or picnic areas. Pets must be on a leash at all times when not in the water.

Richard Bong State Recreation Area has a designated area for teaching dogs to retrieve, point, flush and/or track game for the purpose of hunting or dog trial competition. The area is used for training on foot, with horses and in the water. It is in the Special Uses Zone in the southwest area of the property. A license is required to train if live birds or ammunition is used. Please Note: Dog trainers are serious about training, have paid their license fee and do not appreciate pet dogs running loose while they are training. Please keep in mind that live ammunition is used in the dog training area.