Wisconsin State Parks by Region: The Ultimate Guide
Wisconsin’s 50 state parks range from Lake Superior waterfalls and Door County beaches to Driftless bluffs, ancient cultural sites and an island park in downtown Milwaukee. This guide skips the rankings and organizes every current Wisconsin state park by region so you can find the right destination for a day trip, camping weekend or longer road trip.
Use the interactive map near the top of this guide to search by park or town and filter for camping, swimming, paddling, waterfalls and historic sites. The amenity summaries below highlight the experiences families are most likely to plan around, but facilities, trail conditions and seasonal services can change. Before leaving home, check the Wisconsin DNR park finder, current property notices and reservation availability.
Before You Visit a Wisconsin State Park
Most state parks require a Wisconsin vehicle admission pass, although a few urban and historical properties have different rules. Camping reservations are required and may be made the day of arrival or up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin State Park reservation system. Popular summer weekends at Devil’s Lake, Peninsula, Kohler-Andrae, Willow River and other destination parks can fill quickly.
Pets are welcome on most trails and in most campgrounds when kept on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet, but they are generally prohibited in buildings, shelters, playgrounds and regular swimming beaches. Review the DNR’s state-park pet rules and designated pet areas before bringing your dog.
Accessibility varies by property and sometimes by weather or water conditions. The DNR’s accessible recreation guide identifies accessible campsites, cabins, fishing piers, universal trails, adaptive equipment and beach access.
Families planning an overnight trip can also compare destinations in our guide to the best campgrounds in Wisconsin, family-friendly Wisconsin camping guide and Wisconsin waterfront camping roundup.
Explore All 50 Wisconsin State Parks
Search by park or community, choose a region, or filter for the experiences your family wants. Tap a marker for a quick planning snapshot.
Lake Superior and the Far North
Amnicon Falls State Park — South Range
The Amnicon River tumbles around rocky islands and through a compact series of waterfalls connected by short trails and a picturesque covered footbridge. It is easy to combine with Pattison State Park in one waterfall-focused day.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, waterfalls, picnicking, fishing and river scenery. There is no developed swimming beach; currents around the falls can be dangerous.
Big Bay State Park — Madeline Island
Reached by ferry from Bayfield, Big Bay pairs a long Lake Superior sand beach with a lagoon boardwalk, sandstone shoreline and island camping. Build ferry time and the drive across Madeline Island into your schedule.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, fishing, picnicking and beach-access equipment.
Copper Falls State Park — Mellen
The Doughboys Trail is one of Wisconsin’s classic walks, following the Bad River gorge past Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls and dramatic lava-rock formations. Loon Lake adds a quieter beach and paddling option away from the gorge.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, waterfalls, swimming beach, fishing, paddling, picnicking, winter recreation and accessible shoreline features at Loon Lake.
Pattison State Park — Superior
Big Manitou Falls drops 165 feet, making it Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall, while Little Manitou Falls offers a second scenic stop. Short family-friendly trails and Interfalls Lake make the park more than a quick overlook.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, waterfalls, swimming beach, picnicking, fishing and pet picnic areas.
Northwoods and Northeast Wisconsin
Council Grounds State Park — Merrill
This compact park occupies a wooded peninsula along the Wisconsin River and Lake Alexander. It works well for an easy camping weekend built around water access, fishing and short forest walks.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, picnicking, playground and pet picnic area.
Governor Thompson State Park — Crivitz
Governor Thompson spreads across forests, wetlands and shoreline on the Caldron Falls Flowage. Families come for roomy campsites, Woods Lake, quiet trails and access to the larger Peshtigo River recreation area.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, swimming at Woods Lake, paddling, boat launches, fishing, picnicking, playground and designated pet areas.
Rib Mountain State Park — Wausau
Ancient quartzite outcrops and expansive overlooks make Rib Mountain a four-season Wausau landmark. The park shares the mountain with Granite Peak Ski Area, but hiking trails and viewpoints remain the state-park draw.
Amenities and activities: Hiking, scenic overlooks, observation tower, picnicking, playground, concessions and winter recreation. There is no state-park campground or swimming beach.
Northwest Wisconsin and the St. Croix–Chippewa Region
Brunet Island State Park — Cornell
At the meeting of the Chippewa and Fisher rivers, Brunet Island offers shaded camping and calm backwaters that are especially inviting for canoes and kayaks.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, picnicking, playground and pet swim and picnic area.
Interstate Park — St. Croix Falls
Wisconsin’s oldest state park protects the Dalles of the St. Croix, where steep basalt walls frame a deep river gorge. The short Pothole Trail reveals glacial potholes carved into the bedrock, while longer trails climb to river overlooks.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, scenic overlooks, paddling access, fishing, picnicking, playground, interpretive exhibits and a pet picnic area. Swimming is not a primary park feature.
Kinnickinnic State Park — River Falls
The Kinnickinnic River meets the St. Croix at this bluff-and-ravine park. A sandy delta, river views and boat access make it popular with paddlers and anglers, while the uplands offer hiking and winter trails.
Amenities and activities: Hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, picnicking, river beach access and limited group camping rather than a standard family campground.
Lake Wissota State Park — Chippewa Falls
This family-friendly park sits on a large Chippewa River flowage with a sandy beach, wooded trails and easy access to Chippewa Falls.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, playground and designated pet swim and picnic area.
Straight Lake State Park — Luck
Straight Lake is deliberately quiet and lightly developed, with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail passing through forests and along two lakes. It is a strong choice for solitude rather than campground conveniences.
Amenities and activities: Hiking, backpack camping, paddling, fishing, picnicking and winter recreation. There is no drive-in campground, shower building or developed swimming beach.
Willow River State Park — Hudson
Willow Falls is the centerpiece, reached by a steep trail into a gorge east of the Twin Cities. Little Falls Lake, campgrounds and a broad trail system turn the park into a full weekend destination.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, waterfall, swimming beach when conditions allow, paddling, fishing, picnicking, playground and pet picnic area.
Mississippi River and Western Wisconsin
Merrick State Park — Fountain City
Merrick’s campsites and boat access sit among Mississippi River backwaters and wooded islands. It is especially appealing to anglers, paddlers, birders and travelers following the Great River Road.
Amenities and activities: Camping, paddling, boat launch, fishing, hiking, picnicking and river wildlife viewing. There is no developed swimming beach.
Perrot State Park — Trempealeau
Bluffs rise dramatically above the Mississippi and Trempealeau rivers. Brady’s Bluff is the signature climb, and the adjacent Great River State Trail adds an easy biking option.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, scenic overlooks, paddling, boat launch, fishing, biking connection, nature center and winter recreation. There is no developed swimming beach.
Wildcat Mountain State Park — Ontario
Wildcat Mountain rises above the winding Kickapoo River, pairing bluff-top hiking and equestrian trails with one of Wisconsin’s favorite quiet-water paddling corridors. The overlooks are especially rewarding during fall color.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, scenic overlooks, paddling access, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, playground and winter recreation. There is no developed swimming beach.
Central Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Dells
Buckhorn State Park — Necedah
Buckhorn occupies a peninsula on Castle Rock Lake, with a mix of drive-in, walk-in and water-access camping. Sandy shoreline and protected inlets make it a flexible base for paddling and fishing.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, picnicking, playground, accessible beach equipment and pet swim area.
Hartman Creek State Park — Waupaca
Clear spring-fed lakes, approachable trails and a relaxed campground make Hartman Creek an easy family choice near the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes. The Ice Age Trail crosses the park.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, fishing, biking, picnicking, playground, concessions and pet picnic area.
Mill Bluff State Park — Camp Douglas
Sandstone buttes rise abruptly from the flat landscape around Interstate 90/94, remnants of islands in glacial Lake Wisconsin. A staircase climbs Mill Bluff for a broad view over the surrounding countryside.
Amenities and activities: Seasonal camping, hiking, swimming pond, picnicking and scenic overlook. Facilities are comparatively simple.
Mirror Lake State Park — Baraboo
Sandstone cliffs and pine woods frame a narrow, no-wake lake made for quiet paddling. The park is close to Wisconsin Dells but feels removed from its busiest attractions.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, biking, picnicking, playground, accessible fishing access and an accessible cabin.
Roche-A-Cri State Park — Friendship
A long staircase climbs the 300-foot Roche-A-Cri mound to panoramic views. At the base, visitors can view protected petroglyphs and pictographs without touching or entering the fenced area.
Amenities and activities: Seasonal camping, hiking, observation stairway, cultural history, picnicking and playground. There is no swimming beach or boating access.
Rocky Arbor State Park — Wisconsin Dells
Rocky Arbor protects a small pocket of sandstone walls and pine forest minutes from downtown Wisconsin Dells. Its short nature trail and campground make it a convenient, peaceful base rather than an all-day attraction.
Amenities and activities: Seasonal camping, short hiking trail, picnicking and playground. There is no swimming beach or boat launch.
Madison, Baraboo and the Lower Wisconsin River
Aztalan State Park — Lake Mills
This National Historic Landmark preserves the remains of a major Middle Mississippian community occupied centuries ago. Reconstructed stockade sections and flat-topped mounds help families visualize the settlement, but the site should be approached as a culturally significant place rather than a playground.
Amenities and activities: Interpretive trails, archaeology, cultural history, riverside picnicking and fishing. There is no camping or swimming beach.
Cross Plains State Park — Cross Plains
This developing park preserves glacial landscapes and connects with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail west of Madison. It is best for hiking, birding and quiet exploration.
Amenities and activities: Hiking, Ice Age Trail access, wildlife watching and limited day-use facilities. There is no campground, swimming beach or boat launch.
Devil’s Lake State Park — Baraboo
Quartzite bluffs tower over a 360-acre lake, with two beaches and challenging routes on both the East and West bluffs. Crowds and parking can be intense on summer weekends, so arrive early, visit midweek or use shoulder season. Our complete Devil’s Lake family guide covers hikes, beaches and arrival strategy.
Amenities and activities: Large campground system, two swimming beaches, hiking, rock climbing, paddling, boat launches, fishing, concessions, nature center, accessible beach equipment and pet swim and picnic areas.
Governor Nelson State Park — Waunakee
On the north shore of Lake Mendota, Governor Nelson gives Madison-area families a beach, prairie trails and lake access without leaving the metro area.
Amenities and activities: Swimming beach, hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, picnicking, playground and designated pet swim and picnic area. There is no standard campground.
Lake Kegonsa State Park — Stoughton
Oak woodland and prairie surround a broad Lake Kegonsa shoreline southeast of Madison. The park’s beach, campground and trails make it a straightforward warm-weather family getaway.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, picnicking, playground and pet swim area.
Natural Bridge State Park — North Freedom
Wisconsin’s largest natural rock arch shelters the Raddatz Rockshelter, where archaeological evidence points to human use thousands of years ago. Short wooded trails make this a rewarding half-day stop.
Amenities and activities: Hiking, natural arch, archaeology and picnicking. There is no camping, swimming beach or boat launch.
Tower Hill State Park — Spring Green
A trail climbs to the reconstructed shot tower where workers once used gravity to form lead shot above the Wisconsin River. It pairs naturally with a Spring Green arts or architecture weekend.
Amenities and activities: Seasonal camping, hiking, historic structures, river access, paddling landing, fishing and picnicking. There is no developed swimming beach.
Driftless Southwest Wisconsin
Belmont Mound State Park — Belmont
Wooded trails cover a prominent mound near Wisconsin’s First Capitol historic site. This is a quiet day-use stop with regional history and spring wildflowers rather than a full-service recreation destination.
Amenities and activities: Hiking, picnicking, scenic setting and nearby territorial history. There is no campground, swimming beach or boat launch.
Blue Mound State Park — Blue Mounds
Wisconsin’s highest point in the southern part of the state offers two observation towers, wooded trails and direct access to the Military Ridge State Trail. A seasonal swimming pool is unusual within the state-park system.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, observation towers, seasonal swimming pool, mountain biking, trail connection, picnicking, playground, accessible cabin and winter recreation.
Governor Dodge State Park — Dodgeville
One of Wisconsin’s largest parks has two lakes, broad campgrounds, equestrian trails and the short walk to Stephens Falls. It is a versatile first state-park camping trip because families can mix beach time, hiking and paddling.
Amenities and activities: Camping, two swimming beaches, hiking, waterfall, paddling, boat launches, fishing, horseback riding, biking, concessions, playground and pet swim and picnic area.
Nelson Dewey State Park — Cassville
Bluff-top overlooks face the Mississippi River near the homesite of Wisconsin’s first governor. Combine the park with Stonefield historic site when operating schedules align.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, Mississippi River overlooks, picnicking and history. There is no developed swimming beach or park boat launch.
New Glarus Woods State Park — New Glarus
This small wooded park makes a convenient camping base for exploring New Glarus and riding the nearby Sugar River State Trail. Trails are short and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, picnicking, playground, biking access to the Sugar River State Trail and winter recreation. There is no swimming beach or boat launch.
Wyalusing State Park — Bagley
High bluffs overlook the meeting of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Trails, effigy mounds and sunset viewpoints make Wyalusing one of the state’s most memorable camping destinations.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, scenic overlooks, cultural history, paddling access, boat launch, fishing, nature center, playground and winter recreation. There is no developed swimming beach.
Yellowstone Lake State Park — Blanchardville
A large man-made lake anchors this rolling Driftless park, giving campers easy access to fishing, paddling and a family beach.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, playground and concessions.
Southeast Wisconsin and Lake Michigan
Big Foot Beach State Park — Lake Geneva
Big Foot Beach is the state-park camping option closest to Lake Geneva, with a beach across the road from the main campground and quick access to town.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, paddling, fishing, picnicking, playground and designated pet picnic area.
Harrington Beach State Park — Belgium
Lake Michigan shoreline, a limestone quarry lake and the Jim and Gwen Plunkett Observatory make Harrington Beach an easy Milwaukee-area day trip with enough variety for a weekend.
Amenities and activities: Camping, Lake Michigan beach, hiking, fishing, quarry lake, observatory, picnicking, accessible beach equipment and pet swim and picnic area. Lake conditions can change quickly.
Kohler-Andrae State Park — Sheboygan
Two miles of Lake Michigan beach, rolling dunes and an interdunal boardwalk give this park one of Wisconsin’s signature shorelines. It is also a popular family campground between Milwaukee and Door County.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, nature center, picnicking, playground, accessible cabin, beach wheelchairs and pet swim and picnic area.
Lakeshore State Park — Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s urban state park sits on a peninsula beside Discovery World and the Summerfest grounds. A paved loop delivers skyline, harbor and Lake Michigan views and connects easily to Milwaukee’s trail network.
Amenities and activities: Paved walking and biking, fishing, marina, paddling access, picnicking and urban views. No vehicle sticker, campground or swimming beach is required or available.
Fox Valley, Green Bay and Door County
Copper Culture State Park — Oconto
This small park protects a prehistoric burial ground associated with the Old Copper Complex and includes an interpretive museum in a historic home. Visit respectfully and confirm museum hours before planning around indoor exhibits.
Amenities and activities: Cultural history, museum, short walking areas and picnicking. There is no camping, swimming or boating.
Heritage Hill State Park — Green Bay
Heritage Hill is an outdoor living-history museum with preserved and reconstructed buildings representing centuries of northeastern Wisconsin history. Admission and operating schedules differ from a typical day-use natural park.
Amenities and activities: Historic buildings, exhibits, programs, restrooms and visitor facilities. There is no camping, swimming beach or boat launch, and pets are not permitted.
High Cliff State Park — Sherwood
Set on the Niagara Escarpment above Lake Winnebago, High Cliff combines an observation tower, limestone quarry remnants, effigy mounds, marina and family campground.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, observation tower, paddling, marina and boat launch, fishing, nature center, playground and pet picnic areas.
Lizard Mound State Park — West Bend
This day-use park protects one of Wisconsin’s largest and best-preserved collections of effigy mounds. A short interpretive trail passes the earthworks; visitors should remain on designated paths and never climb on the mounds.
Amenities and activities: Interpretive walking trail, Indigenous history, wildlife watching and limited day-use facilities. There is no camping, swimming beach or boat launch.
Lost Dauphin State Park — De Pere
Lost Dauphin is a small wooded day-use property on a bluff above the Fox River. Its short trails and overlook work best as a quick Green Bay-area nature stop.
Amenities and activities: Hiking, picnicking and scenic views. There is no campground, swimming beach or boat launch.
Newport State Park — Ellison Bay
Door County’s wilderness park protects miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and offers only walk-in backpack campsites. Newport is also Wisconsin’s designated International Dark Sky Park, making clear nights part of the experience.
Amenities and activities: Backpack camping, hiking, beaches and shoreline access, paddling, dark-sky viewing, winter recreation and beach-access equipment. There is no drive-in campground or regular shower building.
Peninsula State Park — Fish Creek
Door County’s largest state park combines Green Bay shoreline, the accessible Eagle Tower canopy walk, a beach, golf course, lighthouse, summer theater and an extensive family campground system. Explore more trip ideas in our Door County hiking guide.
Amenities and activities: Camping, swimming beach, hiking, biking, paddling, boat launch, fishing, golf, lighthouse, nature center, amphitheater, concessions, accessible beach equipment and pet picnic area.
Potawatomi State Park — Sturgeon Bay
Forest trails and Green Bay shoreline make Potawatomi a quieter Door County base near Sturgeon Bay. The restored observation tower adds a major viewpoint, while the campground provides convenient access to the southern peninsula. Our Potawatomi State Park guide has a deeper family itinerary.
Amenities and activities: Camping, hiking, observation tower, paddling, boat launch, fishing, nature center, playground and winter recreation. There is no large developed swimming beach.
Rock Island State Park — Washington Island
Reaching Rock Island requires a ferry to Washington Island and then a passenger ferry to the car-free park. Visitors walk to campsites, trails, shoreline and the historic stone boathouse; ferry schedules and Lake Michigan weather shape every trip.
Amenities and activities: Walk-in camping, hiking, swimming beach, paddling, fishing, historic boathouse and lighthouse, picnicking and car-free exploration.
Whitefish Dunes State Park — Sturgeon Bay
Whitefish Dunes protects high dunes and a long Lake Michigan beach next to Cave Point County Park. Old Baldy is Wisconsin’s tallest dune, reached by a trail rather than by climbing its protected slopes.
Amenities and activities: Swimming beach, hiking, nature center, paddling, picnicking, beach-access equipment and a designated pet swim area. There is no campground.
A Simple Way to Choose Your First Park
Choose Devil’s Lake, Peninsula or Governor Dodge when you want a full weekend with many activities.
Pick Kohler-Andrae, Harrington Beach, Big Bay or Whitefish Dunes for sand and Great Lakes scenery.
Build a waterfall trip around Copper Falls, Pattison, Amnicon Falls, Willow River or Governor Dodge.
Try Aztalan, Heritage Hill, Lizard Mound, Copper Culture or Tower Hill when history is the main event.
For solitude, look toward Straight Lake, Newport, Rock Island or the backwaters at Merrick.
No park has to be “the best” to be worth a weekend. The most useful question is what your family wants today: a beach, a waterfall, a quiet paddle, a challenging climb, a history stop or simply a campsite beneath the trees.
Wyalusing State Park
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