justnorth posted on January 27, 2008 20:15 :: 1060 Views
Having a state park campground nearly to oneself may sound like a dream to someone accustomed to visiting their favorite park on a summer weekend, but for those hearty enough to try their hand at winter camping, park officials say, it is more the norm.
More than 30 Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreational areas offer winter camping opportunities, ranging from backpack camping to family campsites with or without electricity.
All the parks open to winter camping have water available and open toilet facilities; some parks offer electrical hookups. Campers can check the winter camping page on the Department of Natural Resources Web site or contact the parks directly to see if they offer electrical sites in the winter. At some park and forest campgrounds, campsites are plowed out to provide access to recreational vehicles, other parks just plow roads through campgrounds.
During winter, most campsites are available on first come, first served basis, but others may be reserved ahead of time. The winter camping page indicates which parks accept reservations, which can be made by calling 1-888-WI-PARKS (1-888-947-2757).
Both the northern and southern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest offer primitive campsites with shelters. The shelters have a roof and three sides with dirt or gravel floors. Campers must carry in their gear and water. Many campers ski or snowshoe to the shelters. Anyone interested in staying in one of the shelters must register at the forest offices and pay a camping fee. Interested campers should reserve a shelter at least a week in advance for a nominal reservation fee to ensure an opening, because the shelters are often full on weekends, even in winter.
For those who truly want a rustic winter camping experience, several of the northern state forests -- such as the Northern Highland/American Legion, Flambeau River and Brule River -- issue backpack camping permits that allow campers to venture out to find their own ideal site to camp. For their own safety, all backpack campers must register at the main office for the forest in which they intend to camp before beginning their excursion. Most forest offices are closed on weekends during the winter.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wisconsin State Parks – - (608) 266-2181
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