Camping

Camping at the Park

Richard Bong State Recreation Area has the perfect campground sites for individuals and families alike! The park has two family campgrounds with a total of 217 campsites. Reservations are accepted for all of the outdoor group sites and most of the family campsites.

Reserve Your Campsite Today!

• General Wisconsin Park Camping Information

  • Wisconsin State Parks Camping Fees
  • Wisconsin State Parks Camping Information
  • Wisconsin State Parks Rules and Procedures
  • Wisconsin State Parks Firewood Regulations

• The Use of Firewood

  Firewood can be purchased at the park on Friday evenings 5-9 p.m. and Saturday evenings 3-6 p.m. There are local vendors that also sell firewood. Ask for maps to local vendors when you arrive.

  Firewood notice: Due to the potential of carrying harmful tree pests and diseases, firewood from out of state or from more than 25 miles away is not allowed on Wisconsin State Park or Forest properties. Also, firewood that has been in the Wisconsin emerald ash borer quarantined area is not allowed on properties outside of the quarantined area. Please buy firewood at or near the park or forest where you are going. Call the DNR toll-free Firewood Hotline, 1-877-303-WOOD (1-877-303-9663) for information before packing for a trip. For more information, see firewood facts, rules and advice or ask the park or forest office. Maps are available to view the 25-mile radius of allowable firewood on state properties.

• Pets in the Park

  Pets are welcome at Richard Bong State Recreation Area when their owners obey the rules. Basic Rules Rules apply to all dogs except service animals assisting people with disabilities.These guidelines also apply to other pets.

  • Dogs are permitted in campgrounds and on trails, roads, and outlying areas. They are not permitted in picnic areas, any buildings, shelters, the beach area, playgrounds, naturalist programs or marked nature trails.
  • Dogs must be on a leash, no longer than 8 feet, at all times.
  • Dogs must be under control at all times.
  • Dogs can not be left unattended.
  • Dog owners are responsible for removal and proper disposal of waste.
  • Dogs cannot interfere in any manner with the enjoyment of the park by others. Most of the complaints we receive about dogs concern their behavior–droppings, biting, barking, unattended animals, and other annoyances.
  • If a dog owner fails to control their dog or their dog creates a disturbance, a citation may be issued and they may be asked to leave the property.

  Hiking/Picnicking

  The only picnic area where dogs are allowed is the designated and signed pet picnic area in Parking Lot B. Dogs are prohibited on nature trails at all times; these include the Vista nature trail and the Visitor Center nature trail. Dogs (and hiking) are prohibited on trails in the winter while they are snow-covered. This preserves the ski track for cross-country skiers.

  Pets are allowed on-leash on any of the trails listed below:

  • Gray (1.7 miles)
  • Red (8.3 miles)
  • Orange (6.4 miles)
  • Yellow (4.4 miles)
  • Green (1.8 miles)
  • Blue (4.2 miles)

  Dogs in the Water

  Dogs are prohibited at the beach. If you want to cool down your pet, we suggest taking them to the boat launch area. Because that area is also used for fishing, please be cautious of fishing line and hooks.

  Dog Training Area

  The park has an area designated as a training area for hunting dogs. The area is used for on-foot training, training with horses and training in the water. A training license is required when using live birds or ammunition. Dog training means the activity of teaching a hunting dog to retrieve, point, flush, and/or track game for the purpose of hunting or for dog trial competition. Dog trainers are serious about training, have paid their license fee and do not appreciate pet dogs running loose while they are training. Please keep in mind that live ammunition is used in the dog training area.

  Nesting Season

  To protect nesting birds and other animals, the Class 2 dog training area is closed April 15-July 31.

  Be Nice to Your Pet and Your Neighbors

  • Leaving your pet unattended is prohibited. It is not fun for your dog and is inconsiderate to others.
  • Do not leave your pet in a vehicle. The temperature inside, even with windows cracked, can quickly reach dangerous or fatal levels!
  • Bring plenty of water when you and your dog hike together.
  • Be mindful of where you tie your dog while camping or picnicking so that children or other visitors will not be frightened or bitten.
  • Responsible dog owners clean up droppings, it will reduce water pollution and disease risks.
  • Your dog should have a current rabies/distemper vaccination and an identification tag.
  • Bringing your dog to the park puts it into unfamiliar surroundings. Keep your dog in your tent or camper at night. It will be more secure and less likely to bark.
  • Remember pets are susceptible to ticks too. Be sure to check your pets for ticks.

• Miscellaneous Camping Information

  • Quiet hours are 11pm-6am, campers must be set up by 11pm. Only registered campers are allowed on a site after 11pm.
  • Checkout time is 3pm. No camper may remain in a campground for longer than 14 days in a 21 day period.
  • If you want to extend your stay you should do it by 10am the day prior to your original departure date.
  • If you want to switch a site you should do it by 3pm.
  • Showers are available mid-April to mid-October in the 100 and 200 loops of Sunrise Campground and Memorial Day to Labor Day in Sunset Campground.
  • A dump station for camper holding tanks is located near the entrance station. It is always open for dumping but water for rinsing or filling is only available mid-April to mid-October.
  • Firewood can be purchased Friday from 5pm-8pm and Saturday 3pm-6pm with expanded hours on holiday weekends. The firewood shed is located in the Visitor Center parking lot. Cost is $5.00 per bundle of kiln-dried and pest-free wood. Fires may only be made in fire rings or grills. Only dead and down wood may be collected on-property, tickets will be issued if standing trees are cut or vandalized.
  • Only six non-related people and two vehicles are allowed on a family campsite. Additional vehicles must be parked in the overflow parking areas. All wheeled vehicles must be on the gravel campsite pads, not on grass.
  • Laundromats are located in nearby towns.

Related Information