DNR Parks And Recreation News

What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas

Many Wisconsin state parks offer winter camping opportunities. / Photo Credit: iStock/Mumemories

Off-Season Camping Can Make Winter Wonderful

Winter camping: think quieter parks, ultra cozy campfires and unique experiences you just can't have in the warmer months, like frozen waterfalls and snow-covered Lake Michigan dunes.

And you have plenty of Wisconsin destinations to choose from, as more than 20 of our state properties offer camping in the winter.

For a little snowmobiling to go with your winter camping, head to Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, as the entire forest has about 60 miles of snowmobile trails. The southern unit’s Moraine Ridge Trail and the loop and access trails connected to Moraine Ridge allow snowmobiling in winter.

The southern unit is also ideal for snowshoeing, with several miles of trails not groomed for skiing, like the John Muir, Emma Carlin, Connector and Scuppernong trails; all Nature Trails; and the Ice Age Trail. Please note that the John Muir, Emma Carlin and Connector trail are multi-use trails, so your winter hiking/snowshoeing experience on those trails may be shared with other users on mountain bikes.

Keep in mind that the Ottawa Lake campground is the only year-round campground in the southern unit. Backpack camping is available year-round along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, but only at three designated trail shelter sites. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 1-888-947-2757 or online.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit is also a nice pick for snowshoeing. The New Fane trails, Moraine Nature Trail, Tamarack Nature Trail, Parnell Trail, Butler Lake Trail and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail are all open for snowshoeing.

Mauthe Lake campground is the only one open in the northern unit in the winter. Five backpack shelters are available year-round for rustic camping along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Just like the southern unit, reservations are required here and can be made by calling 1-888-947-2757 or online at wisconsin.goingtocamp.com.

Both units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest have plentiful hiking trails, too, with options for long and short winter hikes.

If you’re camping with the family or a large group, Kohler-Andrae State Park plows six family campsites (all with electric hook-ups) and two group sites for winter camping. Take your group cross-country skiing on the one-way loop that travels through the Woodland Dunes Nature Trail and marvel at the snow-covered dunes that slope gently next to Lake Michigan. For a slower-paced trek, strap on your snowshoes or lace up your hiking boots and hit up the one-mile snowshoe trail.

Blue Mound State Park is great if you’re looking for amazing winter scenery. With the help of observation towers, you’ll get a great view of the Wisconsin River Valley, Baraboo Range, Driftless Area and even the city of Madison off to the east. But keep in mind that you’ll have to walk to your campsite, so pack that winter gear lightly.

Seeking solitude? Door County’s Peninsula State Park beckons. This park’s 468 campsites quickly fill in the summer but it may be easier to snag a winter campsite, with 32 options in the Tennison Bay campground. Be active outside in the cooler temps by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding, and entertain your brain with wildlife viewing.

Pattison State Park up in Superior is an excellent pick for cross-country skiing, with 4 miles of trails throughout three linked loops that begin at the campground. You can also snowshoe there on a number of informal trails – but be sure to stay off the groomed ski trails with your snowshoes. Don’t miss out on Big Manitou Falls, Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall at 165 feet. When cooler temperatures comes in early winter, the falls turn into what looks like a giant root beer float that you must see. And when winter really sets in and temperatures stay below freezing, the waterfalls freeze with ice from top to bottom, another must-see.

When you’re winter recreating at any of our public lands, remember your trail etiquette. That means no hiking, snowshoeing or walking your pets on groomed trails or in set track.

How To Book

All of the campsites in the Wisconsin State Park system are reservable, but not all of them are available during the winter.

When you search for sites on the Going to Camp website, it’s easy to see which sites are available during the winter, as they appear green, and sites that are not operating during the time period you selected appear black.

If you’d rather make your campsite reservation over the phone, you can call 1-888-WIPARKS for assistance from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1 through April 30.

And if you’re a last-minute planner or a fresh snowfall beckons you for a camp out, you can reserve a campsite on the same day you want to arrive at a park, either making your reservation online before you go or via phone call when you’re at the park.

One more thing to keep in mind – not all campsites or campground roads are plowed in the winter. How will you know what to expect? Look for a message while booking your campsite or contact the property for more information on property conditions.

Wherever you go this winter, plan ahead, pack some extras and embrace some winter peace.

Property Highlight: Flambeau River State Forest

The Flambeau River State Forest is a beautiful place to find your winter adventure. / Photo Credit: Joe Kraetke

Cross-Country Skiing

The Flambeau River State Forest has 14 miles of cross-country ski trails groomed for both skate and classic skiing, providing opportunities for a variety of skill levels. Access to the ski trail in the north is located on Highway 70 and County Road W to the south. A self-registration station is also located at the trailhead. Other trails on the property are open to skiing but are not groomed.

A trail pass is required for all skiers 16 years of age and older. Check out current conditions on our website or Travel Wisconsin’s skiing and snowboarding and snow conditions reports for updated trail conditions.

Snowmobiling

The forest contains 55 miles of snowmobile trails which provide access to the Tuscobia State Trail and the Sawyer County trail system to the north and the Price and Rusk county trail systems to the south.

Wisconsin law requires those who use Wisconsin snowmobile trails to display either a Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile trail pass.

Day parking is available for vehicles with trailers at the Flambeau Hills trailhead and Dix Dox. A vehicle admission sticker is not required. Parking lots for the state forest trail system are plowed after each major snowfall.

Please see Travel Wisconsin’s snowmobiling list for updated trail conditions.  

Hiking

There are many opportunities for hiking in the forest. Nature trails without interpretive signs can be found at both the Connors Lake Campground and Lake of the Pines Campground. Vehicle admission stickers are required for parking at the campgrounds. No trail pass is needed for the nature trails.

Hiking is allowed on the Flambeau Hills Ski Trail during summer, and in winter whenever the trails are not groomed for cross-country skiing. Visitors can hit the trail in winter for snowshoeing or hiking.

All trails are open during small game and deer hunting seasons. To ensure your safety during these times, avoid brown or white clothing. Instead, wear blaze orange or bright colors (for your dog, too!), including a blaze orange hat.

Camping

A variety of camping types are available on the property including Lake of the Pines Campground, Connors Lake Campground, river camping, backpacking camping, primitive hunter camping and the Elk Ridge Yurt. 

Check availability on our Going to Camp website.

To learn more about recreational options at this special property, visit our Flambeau River State Forest's recreation page.

Upcoming Events

Test Your Nature Knowledge Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Drop-in to Devil's Lake State Park to test your nature knowledge! Stop first at the nature center to pick up your clue card, then head down an easy trail and look for the trivia signs along the way. There will be prizes too. It's a great activity for families to get out and enjoy a winter day. Meet at the Nature Center.

Cabin Fever Series: Creating Ornaments And Gifts Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 Noon – 3 p.m. Drop-in at the Sanderling Nature Center at Kohler-Andrae State Park to create holiday ornaments, gift tags and more using natural and other crafting materials. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and refreshments will be available. The nature center will be open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Little Naturalists: Nature Holiday Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 10 – 10:45 a.m. The Little Naturalists program at Horicon Marsh Education Center helps your little ones develop a love for nature. Come along as we uncover the natural world using literature, music, play and hands-on discovery. Content is made for ages seven and under, but all ages are welcome. This week in Little Naturalists, we will celebrate the holiday season with fun nature-themed crafts and activities. This program is free, and no registration is required. Meet at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032. Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR

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