MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to plan ahead this Memorial Day weekend to avoid long lines and enjoy more time outside on Wisconsin’s public lands. 

Wisconsin is home to 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 15,000 lakes and hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan and Mississippi River shoreline. The state’s public lands make it possible for everyone to find their adventure.

With over 20 million visitors annually, Wisconsin State Park System properties can be a popular destination on holidays and weekends. During the summer season, you may experience long lines to enter the park, limited parking availability and crowded trails and picnic areas. 

As one of the first busy periods of the season, please be patient with staff and fellow visitors over the Memorial Day weekend. Stay on the trail and be mindful of trail conditions. If you take a break, move to the side of the trail so others can pass by. Trails are shared by users of all experience levels, so make yourself known and be courteous when passing others.

Many campgrounds throughout the state are fully booked for the long weekend. The DNR encourages all visitors to be courteous to their camping neighbors. Noise from a campsite should never create a disturbance or interfere with other people’s enjoyment of the park.

The DNR reminds visitors that not all occupied campsites look the same. Some campers may use a vehicle as their primary camping unit or plan to set up their belongings later in the day. If a campsite looks empty, this doesn’t always mean it’s unoccupied.

Campers are reminded to cancel their reservation if they are unable to make their trip. Reservations can be canceled online or by calling 888-WIPARKS. Cancelations made no later than 3 p.m. Central Time two days before the day of the reservation will be credited with a full refund of camping fees but not the reservation or cancellation fees. No refunds are made for any part of a three-night holiday reservation once the site has been occupied.

Entering The Property 

A Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass is required for all motor vehicles stopping in most state parks, forests and recreation areas. Purchase your vehicle admission pass online before arriving to help save time when entering Wisconsin State Park System properties.

Once a vehicle admission pass is purchased online, visitors can use the email confirmation as proof of purchase immediately and will receive a physical pass by mail. Visitors may print the vehicle admission email receipt and place it on the driver’s side dashboard so that it can be read through the windshield. Customers who do not have a printer can write the order and pass details on a piece of paper.

The DNR Reminds You To “Know Before You Go”

  • Most Wisconsin state parks, recreation areas, trails and forests are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site. Campsite check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m.
  • Familiarize yourself with property layout and amenities such as restrooms, water sources, trail distance, surface type and concessionaires.
  • Ticks are out, and visitors should take precautions to prevent Lyme disease and other tick-born conditions.
  • Wisconsin state parks, forests and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. When you visit, you will need to take your garbage and recyclables home with you. We all play a vital role in taking care of our natural resources.

Find a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area to explore with the DNR’s Find A Park tool.