Never Too Cold For Camping

Jump into the new year with winter camping!

Don’t let cold weather, snow or a lack thereof keep you from taking an outdoor adventure this winter. Celebrate 125 years of the Wisconsin State Park System with early-year camping – a challenging and rewarding winter activity.

Winter camping is a more primitive camping experience, a challenge many enjoy taking head-on. Water systems (flush toilet buildings, shower buildings, drinking fountains and dump stations) at state parks and forests are turned off for the winter season, and depending on staffing, campsites may or may not be plowed.

There are tons of ways to enjoy winter camping, from the warmth of a fire to connecting with the landscape and preparing plenty of hot drinks! Have children with you? Consider winter crafts, a nature scavenger hunt, campfire stories and wildlife viewing and tracking. Our other favorite activities include winter photography, cooking over the fire and stargazing. Pro tip: s’mores taste better on cold nights!

Many of these camping opportunities will specify where to park as part of a permit or reservation process. In other cases, campers should follow guidelines for overnight parking on DNR lands. Reminder: as of Jan. 1, 2025, for all outdoor campsites, the check-in time is 3 p.m., and the checkout time is 1 p.m. Save time and purchase your vehicle admission pass online.

Read more about how to stay cozy when winter camping in the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

Note: Not all properties offer camping during nonsummer months, and camping seasons vary by property. Reservations are required for all standard sites. Explore the Wisconsin State Park System Going To Camp website for all available camping options for your selected dates.