Parks_Content Page_Camping FAQ

Camping Reservation Frequently Asked Questions

Wisconsin State Park System

See the topics below for more information about camping reservations for Wisconsin state parks, forest and recreation areas.

Making a Reservation

How do I make a reservation?

Camping reservations are required and can be made on the same day of your arrival or up to 11 monthsbeforef your planned occupancy date. Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-888-947-2757

What is the fastest way to find a site?

The fastest way to find a site is to input your needs in the search panel, e.g., the dates you plan to arrive and depart, your party size, etc. You can also select Search Filters to include specific requirements such as electrical service. By entering more information, you can filter out results that don't meet your needs - and find a site that meets your needs more quickly.

I have a favorite site. How can I tell when it is available?

The best way to find a specific site is to use the search panel to input the property it is located in, then select Map, List or Calendar to view your search results. From there, you can choose the campground or area it is located in and select the site itself.

Can I make a reservation for next year?

You can make reservations up to 11 months before the start date of your reservation. Campsite availability for the date 11 months away becomes available at 9 a.m. Central Time for both Internet and telephone customers.

I am unable to select the arrival date I want. Why can I not choose my preferred date?

Reservations are available within an 11-month window, meaning you cannot reserve a site for a date more than 11 months away from today's date. The dates are available in the arrival and departure inputs, and the selection calendar will be limited to dates within the current reservation window.

How can I tell if my trailer or RV will fit on the site?

In the 'Equipment Type' filter, trailer and RV lengths are separated by 5-foot intervals. This length indicates the maximum driveway length you have to fit all your equipment on the site (your trailer or RV, including the tow vehicle).

How can I tell which sites have electric service?

In the search panel, you can select Search Filters to search for specific requirements such as electrical service. After selecting Map, List or Calendar, you can see updated availability based on your selections. Sites that are available but do not meet your needs will be shown in orange with an exclamation point (!) icon. On the Map view, family campsites with electric service are indicated by a circle, and a triangle indicates non-electric campsites.

None of the sites in my search results are showing as available for my dates. How can I find available dates?

Suppose your current search results are not showing any available dates. In that case, you can select the Calendar view to see availability for a range of dates, adjust your chosen dates, or select a different property or campground.

When is the Call Center open?

Customers who prefer a reservation agent to assist in making their reservation can call the Wisconsin Reservation System Call Center at 1-888-947-2757 (1-888-WI-PARKS). The call center hours are shown below.

 
Dates Hours
Nov. 1- Apr. 30 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT Daily
May 1 - Oct. 31 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. CT Daily

*The call center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1).

All the sites in my search results show restrictions. What does this mean?

A site that shows as orange with an exclamation point (!) icon cannot be reserved or does not meet your current search preferences. Changing your search preferences may increase the number of available sites without restrictions. Reasons why your search criteria may show restrictions:

  • The site does not meet your search criteria, such as type of equipment, type of site, party size, or reservable season.
  • If you are trying to book a 1-night stay, you may need to stay at least 2 nights during the peak camping season.
  • The site may be reserved only by calling the property office.
  • The site may be a first-come, first-served site and is unavailable for reservations.
Why can't I reserve a site for one night?

For family campsites, reservations booked before May 15 for stays between May 15 and Oct. 31 require a minimum 2-night reservation. Sites are still available after May 15 for the current camping season and may be reserved for one night. Backpack sites and group campsites are available for 1-night reservations.

Holiday weekend reservations: A minimum 3-night reservation is required on holiday weekends.

  • The camping stay must include Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
  • When Jul. 4 falls on a Monday, the camping stay must include Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of that weekend.
  • When Jul. 4 falls on a Friday, the camping stay must include Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights of that weekend.
When making a reservation, what information should I have ready?
  • Your name, address, telephone numbers and email.
  • Whether you want a tent site, a backpack site or a wheeled camper site.
  • The length of your trailer or RV.
  • The number of people in your camping party.
  • Whether the reservation is for a family or a non-family group.
  • If it's a non-family group, the names of others in your group.
  • The name of the park or forest where you want to camp.
  • When you plan to arrive.
  • How many nights do you plan to stay?
  • If you have a campground and campsite preference.
  • Whether you want a site with electrical service.
  • Whether you need a site accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Your credit card number and expiration date.
Will I be notified when my reservation is confirmed?

Yes. Online and phone confirmations are emailed after your reservation has been made.

Why must I call the property or call center to reserve some facilities?

Some sites or facilities have special restrictions or requirements, which means you have to contact the property for reservations. You can still use the online tools to see information about these facilities, but you have to call to reserve.

Are there first-come, first-served campsites?

Standard campsites at all state parks, forests and recreation areas are completely reservable. There are no non-reservable (first-come, first-served) standard campsites. Some northern forests and flowages may have non-reservable, no-fee camping available in remote areas.

What's the latest I can make a reservation for a site?

Camping reservations can be made for the same day of your arrival or up to 11 months before your planned occupancy date. Shelters and amphitheaters can be reserved up to 7 days before the date of arrival. Contact the property directly to inquire about reserving a shelter less than 7 days in advance.

Payment and Fees

What payment methods can I use to pay for my reservations?

When making a reservation or purchasing through our online reservation system, you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express.

How much do sites cost?

The DNR has updated the rates for campsites, outdoor group campsites and indoor group campsites. Standard campsite fees have been increased by an average of $4 per night to account for inflation and cover operational costs. The new rates apply to new reservations made for stays after Jan. 1, 2025.

Campsite rates for Wisconsin State Park System properties vary and are based on electricity and amenities, location, campsite type, day of week and season. Site rates are visible when you select the site. Nonresident campers will pay $15 per night in addition to the standard campsite fee.

We charge reservation and cancellation/change fees for the convenience of reservations. These fees pay for our entire reservation system and are subject to change.

Reservation fee: $7.95

Cancellation/change fee: $5

Any motor vehicles brought into the property require a vehicle admission sticker. Stickers can be purchased at the property or in advance. Annual stickers offer admission to all state parks and forests for the calendar year. Daily vehicle admission stickers are valid for the date of issue. Daily admission rates vary by property.

A camper without an annual sticker will need to buy one daily sticker for each night of camping. Free daily stickers are available for vehicles towed or carried into the property by a vehicle with a purchased sticker. Ask at the entrance station when you arrive.

*If a self-registration station is available, there will be an additional fee for anyone who fails to pay the fee before using the campsite.

Can we reserve more than one site at a time for a group of families that wants to camp together?

Yes, you can reserve up to six sites at a time provided:

  • You use the call center at 1-888-947-2757;
  • When you call, please provide the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the parties to which you are making reservations.

Using the website, you can reserve only two sites for the same time period.

If we reserve more than one site for our extended family, is the reservation fee charged per call or per site?

It's per site.

What if I don't have a credit card?

A credit card is required for online reservations. If you plan to camp more than 21 days before, the call center accepts a personal check, cashier's check or money order. Your reservation will be unconfirmed until your check or money order arrives. Your reservation will be canceled if the check or money order does not arrive within seven days.

Are discounts or fee waivers available via the Internet?

No. Fee waivers for nonprofit groups serving people with disabilities and discounts for nonprofit Wisconsin youth organizations are available only through the call center at 1-888-947-2757. A group must have a Camping Fee Waiver Request approved in advance to be eligible for a waiver.

Changing or Cancelling a Reservation

What's the cost of changing or canceling my reservation?

We charge reservation and cancellation/change fees for the convenience of advance reservations. These fees pay for our entire reservation system. Fees are subject to change.

Reservation cancellation fee $5

The fee for changing reservation site or dates is $5

You may change the beginning date of your reservation or shorten your reservation as long as at least one day of your stay remains the same. If you want to extend your stay or camp at a different time, you must cancel the original reservation and make a new one.

How do I change or cancel my reservation?

If you created your reservation online, you must 'Sign In' to your account and select 'My Reservations.' Then, locate the booking you would like to update and select either the 'Change this Reservation' or 'Cancel this Reservation' button to start the change or cancellation process.

What is your Change and Cancellation Policy?

Cancellations may be made online or by calling 1-888-947-2757. If you cancel no later than 3 p.m. Central Time two days before the reservation day, you'll be credited a full refund of camping fees, but not the reservation or cancellation fees.

If you cancel after that, you'll be credited a refund of camping fees for all but the first night. You will not be refunded the reservation or cancellation fees or the first night's camping fee.

No refunds are made for any part of a 3-night holiday reservation once the site has been occupied.

Is there a waiting list in case of cancellations?

No. The centralized reservation database does not have a waiting list. In the event of a cancellation, the site goes back into the inventory and is available to the next customer. If a property is full, click on the "Notify Me" button after searching your desired location and dates to receive an alert when a campsite becomes available.

Day-Use Facilities

What are day-use facilities?

Day-use facilities at Wisconsin State Park System properties include picnic shelters and amphitheaters. These facilities can only be reserved during the day and are not for overnight stays. Rates are based on type, size, amenities, demand and location and are visible when you select the facility.

Shelters and amphitheaters can be reserved up to 7 days before the date of arrival. To inquire about reserving a shelter less than 7 days in advance, contact the property directly. The hours these facilities can be reserved vary by property. Some shelters or amphitheaters are reserved for evening events or nature programs during the summer months.

Why is a deposit required for my picnic shelter/amphitheater reservation?

A deposit may be required to protect the facility from damage during use or extra clean-up. If damage occurs or property staff determines excessive clean-up or repairs are required, any cost will be retained from the facility deposit. The deposit will be refunded in full if the facility is left in good condition and does not require extra clean-up.

What is your day-use facility cancellation policy?

Refund requests with 21 or more days' notice for most day-use facilities will be reimbursed 50% of the facility rate payment, less the reservation fee. Refunds will not be made for cancellation requests received less than 21 days before the facility is to be occupied.

Do you offer reduced group rate admission stickers?

Reduced-rate admission stickers for large organized groups are available for day use only. The group rate is $5 per vehicle, with a minimum charge per group of $100. The minimum charge is non-refundable. These stickers are valid for vehicles with either Wisconsin or nonresident license plates. The group must contact the property by mail, telephone, or in person at least 7 days in advance.

Troubleshooting

I did not receive my confirmation letter; what should I do?

Sign in to view your reservation details. Select the 'Email Confirmation Letter' button to re-send the email to yourself or the 'Forward Confirmation Letter' button to send it to someone else.

What browsers are compatible with the reservation website?

The reservation website is compatible with any major web browser on a desktop, tablet, or mobile device. Still, it is optimized for use with the latest Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari versions.

Accessibility

I need an accessible campsite. How can I tell which sites meet my needs?

In the search panel, you can select Search Filters to search for specific requirements such as ADA-accessible campsites. After selecting Map, List or Calendar, you can see updated availability based on your selection. Sites that are available but do not meet your needs will be shown in orange with an exclamation point (!) icon.

I have difficulty viewing colors. Any advice to help me use your website?

Our online reservation system uses colors to convey specific information, such as site availability. To make the site functional for all users, we always pair these colors with icons and labeling (visible on mouseover or long 'tap') to ensure that users with difficulty viewing colors have other ways to access this information.

What other accessibility features does this website have?

Keyboard Navigation. Users can navigate the website using keystrokes instead of a mouse. The 'Skip to Content' button allows users to bypass blocks of repeated content, e.g. main navigation. This will give people who use keyboard navigation direct access to the site's primary content.

Is there a TTY phone number?

Yes. The toll-free TTY number for reservations is 1-844-370-4757. This number is available to the deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired.

General Information

What are the different types of campsites?

Camping opportunities at Wisconsin State Park System properties include standard and group campsites, indoor group camps, backpack and water access sites and equestrian campgrounds. There are also accessible campsites and cabins for persons with disabilities. More information.

Do I need to purchase a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker while camping?

Yes. All motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests or recreation areas must have a vehicle admission sticker. You can buy your sticker when you get to the property or in advance. Annual stickers offer admission to all state parks and forests for the calendar year. Daily vehicle admission stickers are valid for the date of issue.

Do I need to purchase a Wisconsin State Trail Pass?

A state trail pass is required for all people age 16 or older who bike, cross-country ski, horseback ride or in-line skate on certain trails. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking.

Can I bring a pet?

Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Wisconsin State Park properties. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet and under control at all times, including at your campsite. Pets are permitted in most campgrounds, trails, roads and outlying areas of the properties. Pets are not allowed in picnic areas, picnic shelters, buildings, playgrounds, beaches and marked nature trails. More information.

Where can I find more information on events at Wisconsin State Park System properties?

Please visit the Wisconsin DNR Events Calendar for more information on events and nature programs at Wisconsin State Park properties.