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Camping in Wisconsin: campsites, permits and passes

Camping in Wisconsin starts in one of a few places: Wisconsin State Parks for state park campsites, Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds, or free dispersed camping on National Forest land. Here's where to book each, plus permits, passes and licences.

Most people go to:

State park campsites

Wisconsin state park campgrounds are booked through Wisconsin State Parks ↗. Book as early as you can for summer and holiday weekends, and check each park's page for cabins, yurts, group sites and pet rules.

National parks in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has no national park, but it has National Park Service sites such as monuments, historic parks and trails. See them on the National Park Service Wisconsin page ↗.

National forests and free camping

Wisconsin's national forests include Chequamegon-Nicolet. Developed campgrounds are booked on Recreation.gov (some are first-come, first-served), and most national forest land allows free dispersed camping away from developed sites, usually for up to 14 days. Check the forest's rules and any fire restrictions first.

Permits and lotteries

Most camping in Wisconsin doesn't need a special permit beyond your campsite reservation. Some wilderness areas, rivers and busy trailheads do; check the managing agency before you go.

Fishing and hunting licences

Licences for Wisconsin are sold by the Wisconsin DNR ↗, online or at local retailers. Rules and seasons differ by species and water, so check before you go.

Passes

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks and many federal lands in Wisconsin. State parks usually sell their own day or annual passes; see Wisconsin State Parks.

Best time to camp in Wisconsin

Late May to early October. Fall colour weekends book up early; winter camping is possible in some parks with heated cabins or yurts.

Questions

Packing checklists

Nearby states (Midwest)