Wisconsin State Parks To Remain Open; Campsites, Offices To Close

MILWAUKEE, WI — As Wisconsin residents get used to new social distancing restrictions amid the new coronavirus public health emergency, state officials said Friday that Wisconsin State Parks and Trails will remain open to the public.

"We recognize that spending time outdoors benefits both physical and mental health. Getting outdoors can also help relieve stress, especially during this public health emergency. A quiet walk does wonders to reduce our anxieties," DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole said in a statement. "The DNR is committed to providing a safe environment for our visitors to enjoy, while protecting the health of our staff."

In order to follow state-mandated mass-gathering restrictions, parks, law enforcement and property staff will be ensuring groups larger than 10 do not congregate, as well as provide routine sweeps of state park system properties.

Beginning March 19, 2020, the DNR will implement the following changes:

Voluntary Registration Fees: Admission will be voluntary via self-registration or electronic kiosks.

Closures: All state park offices, visitor centers, and non-essential buildings will close; bathrooms will remain open.

• Effective immediately, the DNR will close the following state buildings to the public: Park headquarters, offices, visitor centers, nature centers, research stations, ranger stations, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries, shelters, showers, concessions, and indoor group camp buildings on all DNR owned properties open to the public.
• Restrooms on state properties will remain open given there are enough resources, cleaning supplies and access to personal protective equipment for staff to maintain them.
• Properties will continue to be staffed and outdoor recreational opportunities (hiking, trails, fishing, hunting, etc.) remain open at this time.
• Visitors are reminded to practice proper personal hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to limit group sizes to under ten people when enjoying state properties.

Camping And Special Permits

• Refunds will be issued to all customers.
• No new reservations will be accepted until further notice.
• DNR staff or Camis Reservations staff will be reaching out to individuals with current or upcoming group camping reservations to issue refunds. Any other questions regarding camping reservations can be directed to the Camis Call Center at 1-888-947-2757.
• DNR property managers will also be contacting groups or individuals who have existing special event permits.
• Customer service representatives also continue to provide service via phone at 1-888-936-7463 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.