Nature is on the menu at Wisconsin’s state parks, from the lake-studded Northwoods to the forested bluffs along the Mississippi River. Summertime is lake time, and islands, caves, and waterfalls dot the shores of the state’s two Great Lakes, offering endless options for campers. Tent camping is still possible in late spring and early fall—time your visit to admire the cherry blossoms in Door County or enjoy fall foliage hikes in the state forests. Snow cloaks the state from November through February, but many state park campgrounds stay open year-round so winter campers can enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, and tubing.
Where to Go
Northwest Wisconsin
With 22 islands dotting the south shore of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the headline act of northern Wisconsin. Bring your kayak to paddle around the sandstone bluffs, sea caves, and waterfalls, then camp on Madeline Island in Big Bay State Park. Further west, the Mississippi River runs along the Minnesota border, where Interstate State Park lies along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Northeast Wisconsin
The forested hills and lakes of the Northwoods provide spectacular terrain for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as cross-country skiing in winter. Along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Door County Peninsula is home to Peninsula State Park, one of the state’s most visited parks, and Rock Island State Park, which has year-round RV campsites and cabins. Just to the south, High Cliff State Park has the only state campgrounds on Lake Winnebago.
Southwest Wisconsin
At the heart of southern Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells is the Waterpark Capital of the World and a hot spot for family campers. If you prefer to get your adrenaline fix the natural way, head to Devil’s Lake State Park, just south of Baraboo, where hiking trails lead across 500-foot bluffs, or Blue Mound State Park, home to spectacular mountain bike trails.
Southeast Wisconsin
On the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city, from where you’ll find most of the region’s state parks within a 2-hour drive. Some of the best Lake Michigan beaches are at Harrington Beach State Park, which has family and group camping, along with walk-in and kayak sites. Or head inland to explore the glacial hills and kettle lakes of Kettle Moraine State Forest, a highlight for hikers backpacking the 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
State Park campgrounds in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s 66 state parks are as all-natural as its ice cream.
Nature is on the menu at Wisconsin’s state parks, from the lake-studded Northwoods to the forested bluffs along the Mississippi River. Summertime is lake time, and islands, caves, and waterfalls dot the shores of the state’s two Great Lakes, offering endless options for campers. Tent camping is still possible in late spring and early fall—time your visit to admire the
Read more...Nature is on the menu at Wisconsin’s state parks, from the lake-studded Northwoods to the forested bluffs along the Mississippi River. Summertime is lake time, and islands, caves, and waterfalls dot the shores of the state’s two Great Lakes, offering endless options for campers. Tent camping is still possible in late spring and early fall—time your visit to admire the cherry blossoms in Door County or enjoy fall foliage hikes in the state forests. Snow cloaks the state from November through February, but many state park campgrounds stay open year-round so winter campers can enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, and tubing.
Where to Go
Northwest Wisconsin
With 22 islands dotting the south shore of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the headline act of northern Wisconsin. Bring your kayak to paddle around the sandstone bluffs, sea caves, and waterfalls, then camp on Madeline Island in Big Bay State Park. Further west, the Mississippi River runs along the Minnesota border, where Interstate State Park lies along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Northeast Wisconsin
The forested hills and lakes of the Northwoods provide spectacular terrain for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as cross-country skiing in winter. Along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Door County Peninsula is home to Peninsula State Park, one of the state’s most visited parks, and Rock Island State Park, which has year-round RV campsites and cabins. Just to the south, High Cliff State Park has the only state campgrounds on Lake Winnebago.
Southwest Wisconsin
At the heart of southern Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells is the Waterpark Capital of the World and a hot spot for family campers. If you prefer to get your adrenaline fix the natural way, head to Devil’s Lake State Park, just south of Baraboo, where hiking trails lead across 500-foot bluffs, or Blue Mound State Park, home to spectacular mountain bike trails.
Southeast Wisconsin
On the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest city, from where you’ll find most of the region’s state parks within a 2-hour drive. Some of the best Lake Michigan beaches are at Harrington Beach State Park, which has family and group camping, along with walk-in and kayak sites. Or head inland to explore the glacial hills and kettle lakes of Kettle Moraine State Forest, a highlight for hikers backpacking the 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail.