Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, & Recreation Areas

Attractions - Wisconsin has been blessed with a great abundance of wildlife and natural resources and has long been known as a destination for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, skiing and boating.

Camping reservations are available online or by calling a toll-free reservation number. Contact information is listed below.

A vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state park properties. At each property you can purchase either an annual sticker ($20 resident), for admission to all state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails for the calendar year; or a daily sticker ($5 resident), valid only on the date of issue. One-hour stickers ($3 resident) are available at most locations. Wisconsin seniors (65+) receive a discount. Non-residential stickers are slightly higher.

A trail pass is required for all individuals age 16 or older who are biking, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing on certain designated trails. Residential annual passes are $10 and daily residential passes are $3. Non-residential passes are slightly higher. A trail pass is not required for hiking or for biking on the smooth park roads.

In an effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle, visitors to Wisconsin State Parks day use facilities are encouraged to pack reusable items and required to take garbage and recyclables home.

Pets are welcome in Wisconsin State Parks when on a leash not longer than 8'. Pets are not allowed in picnic areas, building, beaches or on nature trails. Other restrictions may apply.

Recreation - Many state park visitors pursue fishing, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, water sports, horseback riding, nature study, cross-country skiing, and much more.

Climate - Wisconsin experiences four distinct seasons with the average annual temperature varying from 39 degrees F in the northwest to 50 degrees F in the southeast. Great Lakes Michigan and Superior tend to make summers cooler and winters milder close to shore. Average January temperatures range from 12 to 16 degrees F (-11 to -9 degrees C) in the northwest to 22 degrees F (-6 degrees C) in the southeast. Average July temperatures in the northwest range from 70 to 85 degrees F (21 to 26 degrees C). However during the past several decades, average temperatures have risen in Wisconsin changing the imagery of the state. The winter economy has slowed considerable due to the lack of consistent snow, and where maples and aspens set the fall foliage a blaze, now duller elms, oak, ash and pine dominate the woodlands.

Location - Wisconsin State Park facilities are found in all corners and throughout the state.