DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Point Beach State Forest's campsite. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Tips To Select The Perfect Campsite
It's time to dust off your tents, pack your backpacks and embark on an amazing adventure in the great outdoors. We are delighted to be your guide for all things camping at state parks. Today, we will focus on defining our campsite types and their best uses.
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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.
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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.
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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 carry all supplies and gear into and out of these sites.
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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.
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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.
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Group camping – Outdoor group campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. Most of the sites are for tents only, but some sites allow wheeled camping units.
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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.
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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.
Wisconsin offers an array of camping experiences. From secluded forest hideaways to sunny lakeside retreats, our diverse campsites have something for all. Read more details about campsite types explore our online reservation system to secure your site.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Check out this beautiful pier! / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Urban Fishing Pond ADA Pier
We have another great project that just finished at Richard Bong State Recreation Area! Richard Bong's new and updated accessible fishing pier is a fantastic addition to the park system.
This pond originally featured two fishing piers that were failing and beyond repair. These old piers and walkways were closed in 2022. The project started the design process in early 2023 and construction started in spring of 2024. It was completed in May 2024.
The Urban fishing pond is stocked annually by DNR fisheries and is popular with many visitors, including children, people with disabilities, and groups. This fishing pier was designed to be universally accessible, including raised and lowered railings to accommodate people of all abilities.
- The project scope included the following:
- Removal of the existing small fishing piers.
- Construction of a larger fishing pier, which includes raised and lower railings to accommodate people of all abilities.
- Improved accessible route of travel from the parking lot.
- Shoreline stabilization and restoration.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area hosts many recreational activities, and additional accessible opportunities including an accessible cabin, accessible campsites, accessible picnic shelters, an accessible boat launch pier, a wildlife viewing platform, universal hunting blind and a nature center with an outdoor classroom. Also, the park has a beach access mat and features a universally accessible trail.
Paddle Safely
Planning to stand-up paddleboard this summer? Don’t forget your life jacket.
Wisconsin law requires everyone on board to have a wearable life jacket that fits and is readily accessible. Since it's difficult to store a life jacket on your paddle board, the best way to obey this law and to ensure your safety is to wear it.
Here are some other safety tips to follow:
- Carry a whistle
- Know the local regulations and navigation rules
- Understand the elements and hazards, including winds, tidal ranges, current and terrain
- Be defensive – don’t go where you aren’t supposed to be and avoid other swimmers, boaters and paddleboards
- Take a paddling safety course
Find more boating safety tips on the DNR website.
Photo Credit: iStock/FOTOGRAFIA INC.
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Property Highlight: Buffalo River State Trail
 The Buffalo River State Trail offers miles of beautiful riding. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
This trail in west-central Wisconsin follows the scenic Buffalo River valley for 36 miles between Mondovi and Fairchild. The river, which lends its name to the trail, was named by early French explorers. They called it Riviere de Beeufs for the many bison that once inhabited the area. The trail is built on a former railroad corridor and passes by farmlands, woods, hills and wetlands while traveling through the communities of Eleva, Strum and Osseo.
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Rail Trail: Yes
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Length: 36 miles
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Surface: a combination of railroad ballast and limestone screenings
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Counties: Eau Claire, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo
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Communities: Mondovi, Eleva, Strum, Osseo, Fairchild
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and Utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) are allowed on the trail year-round. ATVs and UTVs must stay on the graded portion of the corridor. Operators must follow all Wisconsin all-terrain vehicle laws.
ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles are the only motorized vehicles allowed on the trail. dirt bikes, motorcycles and other off-highway vehicles are not allowed on the Buffalo River State Trail.
The trail is open for horseback riding when there is not enough snow cover for a groomed snowmobile trail. Riders should use caution when meeting ATVs on the trail. Each horseback rider needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail. Trail passes must be purchased before riding on the trail and should be carried with you while using the trail.
The trail is open all year for walking. Users enjoy observing wildlife, birding, photography and berry picking. The trail surface may not be suitable for some bicycle types, especially bikes with thinner tires. Mountain bike riders may enjoy the rougher terrain. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail. Trail passes must be purchased before riding on the trail and should be carried with you while using the trail.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Upcoming Events
Shakespeare In The State Parks: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Friday, June 28, 2024 at Hartman Creek State Park
5:30 – 9 p.m.
Kings, queens, fairies, lovers and sprites all collide in an enchanted forest one midsummer night, proving that “the course of true love never did run smooth.” One of Shakespeare's most popular comedies takes us on a beguiling odyssey full of mistaken identities, misguided passions, love potions and magic spells.
The Summit Players Theater is a traveling theatre company that presents free, accessible Shakespeare workshops and performances to audiences at Wisconsin state parks.
The workshop is at 5:30 p.m., recommended for ages 8 and up. The show is at 7 p.m.
Location: Amphitheater
Bring a blanket or chairs!
Performanc es are free. Vehicle admission is required.
Music In The Park: Ryan Meisel
Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Wildcat Mountain State Park
6 – 8 p.m.
Blending his background in jazz with the sounds of Indigenous music from around the globe, Ryan Meisel's "Spiritual Currents World Sound Explorations" is a presentation of music that blurs the lines between performance, meditation and soulful exploration.
Ryan's music honors his deep spiritual connection to the earth and nature while providing a context for his personal expression through organic sound. Ryan performs live saxophones, Native flutes, indigenous woodwinds, whistles and electronic wind instruments, to his pre-recorded accompaniment of drums, shakers, bells, rattles, world percussion and electronics.
Ryan 's show is thought-provoking, energetic and accessible to all ages.
Hedge Parsley-a-thon
Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
9 a.m. – noon
We are expanding our volunteer efforts to target two other invasive plants, Japanese hedge parsley and cut-leaf teasel starting in the Zillmer trails area. Japanese hedge parsley, an easily overlooked member of the carrot family, is particularly abundant in this part of the Northern Unit and we will concentrate on the hiking trails because it has a seed that clings to clothing and animal hair. Past control efforts by DNR staff and our volunteers have had positive results.
Please contact Connie Ramthun, Friends of the Kettle Moraine Invasives Coordinator, at connieramthun@gmail.com or 920-533-8939 with any questions
Meet at the Zillmer Shelter on SS
W833 County Rd SS, Campbellsport, WI 53010
Pop-Up Nature: Bobcats
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Devil's Lake State Park
1 – 3 p.m.
Stop by the pop-up nature table to learn about bobcats.
Each week, the pop-up nature table will have fun information and activities about animals you can find at Devil’s Lake. This program is great for all ages!
This event will take place near Red Cedar Shelter (South Shore).
Love this newsletter? Forward it to a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Park System with our weekly OutWiGo Newsletter. To sign-up for weekly newsletters, visit the OutWiGo webpage.
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