Wisconsin Camping

Wisconsin Camping -Trails

2007-09-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin Camping: Trails by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“

If it is a Hiking Trail your looking for then check out these locations below.

Hiking trails at Big Bay State Park

Hiking trails take you through 7 miles of varied habitat, some of which is detailed through interpretive signage. Bikes are not allowed on any of the trails or boardwalks. Dog sleds are allowed only with a written permit from the park manager.

Boardwalk

The half-mile-long Boardwalk Trail is a a flat, well-marked, accessible boardwalk with wooden benches at several points, interpretive signs, and views of Lake Superior. The trail goes through a northern forest of red and white pines on the Big Bay Sand Spit.

The waxy evergreen needles retain water, as do the leaves of the bearberry and wintergreen below them. Look for reindeer moss, a silver-green plant 3 to 6 inches high. A sign nearby says that reindeer moss is a lichen, not a moss, and that it’s a pioneer that breaks down leaves, trees, sand and rock.

Lagoon Ridge Trail

This 2.6-mile trail goes around the west side of the lagoon and wetlands to the Indoor Group Camp.

Bay View Trail

Sunset from Bay View Trail
Photo by John Gruber

The 1.3-mile Bay View Trail follows the shoreline on the north side of Big Bay Point. Late in the day, it’s a great place to see deer and other wildlife and spectacular sunsets.

Point Trail

Connecting with the Bay View Trail near the tip of the point, this 1.7-mile trail includes a loop with both inland and shoreline segments, plus a trail that winds through the woods between the outdoor group camp and regular campground and beach area. The Cut-Across Trail, a short self-guided nature trail, also serves as a shortcut through the Point Trail loop.

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“400″ State Trail

Wetlands, wildlife, sandstone bluffs, rolling croplands and pastures are just a few of the sights you can enjoy on the “400″ State Trail as it repeatedly crisscrosses the Baraboo River.

Wildflowers skirt a bluff near the trail between La Valle and Wonewoc.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber

The entire length of the 22-mile trail follows along the river valley from Elroy to Reedsburg. It passes through the communities of Union Center, Wonewoc and LaValle.

The trail is used for bicycling, walking, and snowmobiling. A unique feature of the “400″ trail is a 7-mile horse trail parallel to the bike trail between Wonewoc and LaValle. Horses must stay on the grassy portion and are not allowed on the limestone surfaced trail.

The trail is named for the Chicago-Northwestern passenger train that ran on this grade. The train traveled the 400 miles between Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul in 400 minutes.

The renovated Reedsburg Depot is the trail headquarters and also the office for the Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce. The depot is used as an information center with interpretive displays and public rest area facilities.

The “400″ State Trail parallels an active rail line for a short distance.
DNR Photo

State trail passes are required for bikers and horseback riders aged 16 and older. Passes are available at the Reedsburg Depot Trail Headquarters, 240 Railroad St. in Reedsburg, phone ( 608) 524-2850 or(800) 844-3507; Elroy Commons,(888) 606-BIKE (2453); and other outlets in towns along the trail.

Four Trails in One

A bald eagle watches over the trail from its nest.
DNR Photo

Western Wisconsin has a unique network of four connected state trails that provides over 100 miles of continuous trail for users to enjoy. The Great River, La Crosse River, Elroy-Sparta, and the “400” state trails link together unique natural ecosystems, Native American cultural sites, railroad depots and tunnels, and communities which have evolved from railroad towns to tourist destinations.

Bike 4 Trails is a cooperative effort between trail staff, friends groups, chamber of commerce groups, and tourism officials along the four trails. Visit the Bike 4 Trails Web page for maps of the individual trails as well as a large overview of the entire trail system.

You can find much more info at “Wiconsin DNR“

Wisconsin Camping: Trails by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“

Wisconsin Camping - Recreation Areas

2007-09-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin Camping: Recreation Areas by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“

So, your here to look for some Wisconsin Camping: Recreation Areas. Well your in the right place. Below you will find a list of Recreation Areas in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Camping: Recreation Areas List

Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area
Swim, fish, boat on two spring-fed lakes in this day-use recreation area in Green County. Enjoy nature trails and explore a 600-acre wildlife area. Tables, grills and shelters provided.

Capital Springs State Park and Recreation Area
This new state park in Dane County was established during Wisconsin State Parks’ 2000 centennial year. Capital Springs is a partnership project between Dane County Parks and Wisconsin State Parks. Although still in the planning process, Capital Springs offers many recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife watching, picnicking and camping.

Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area
Situated in an area of unspoiled beauty with kettle lakes and glacial features. The interpretive center sits atop a hill that was once a glacial lake bottom. The tranquil Ice Age Trail traverses through hilly, heavily forested terrain where a multitude of bird life abound.Fischer Creek State Recreation Area (No Link)
This 123-acre area has nearly a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic wooded bluffs, grasslands and wetlands. It is managed by Manitowoc County. No camping. Phone# 1-920-683-4185 Address: 4319 Expo Dr., Manitowoc 54220

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area
Hilly, wooded recreation area in northeastern Dunn County near Menomonie. An outdoor group camp for youth groups, an observation tower, a self-guiding nature trail and hiking/skiing trails are available.

Richard Bong State Recreation Area
A smorgasbord of activities await visitors to this 4,515-acre recreation area in Kenosha County, 9 miles west of I-94 on Hwy. 142. Swim, fish, picnic, camp, ride horses, study nature, cross-country ski, motorcycle and hunt.

These are all of the Wisconsin Recreation Areas that are listed with the Wisconsin DNR.

Please check back for any further updates.

Thank You.

Wisconsin Camping: Recreation Areas by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“

Wisconsin Camping - Parks

2007-09-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin Camping: Parks by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“

Well, here we are.

You are on your way to planning a great Wisconsin Camping trip, But first you want to see if there are some nice parks for yo to visit while in Wisconsin. Right here is the best place to start. From here you can read and search for your favorite parks in Wisconsin.

Below is a list of Wisconsin Camping: State Parks

Amnicon Falls State Park
This 825-acre park south of Superior on Hwy. 2 features waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River, viewed from a covered foot bridge. Camping, picnicking, and interesting geology.

Big Foot Beach State Park
This 272-acre park on the shores of Lake Geneva offers wooded campsites, 2,200 feet of sand beach and picnic areas.

Copper Falls State Park
Canyons, streams and waterfalls to delight photographers, hikers and cross-country skiers; just north of Mellen in Ashland County. Swimming beach, miles of trails. Family campgrounds, plus walk-in and backpack campsites available.

Devil’s Lake State Park
An Ice Age unit where 500-foot bluffs flank a 360-acre lake. Swimming, fishing, boating (electric motor only), canoeing, scuba diving, hiking, nature center (by appointment during off-season), year-round naturalist and cross-country skiing.

Governor Dodge State Park
5,000 scenic acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys, plus two lakes offering swimming, fishing and boating (electric motors only). Hike through oak-hickory woods, ride horses over rolling hills, picnic near sandstone bluffs.

These are just a fraction of Parks located in Wisconsin. Please check back often as we will be adding more info.

Thank you.

Wisconsin Camping: Parks by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“

Wisconsin Camping - Forests

2007-09-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin Camping: Forests by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“

Well, if your searching for forests in Wisconsin your in the right place.

In this post I will be talking about Forests in Wisconsin. Below you will find a list and links to some of the best forests Wisconsin has to offer. So sit back and get your mouse ready for a wonderful ride.

Wisconsin Camping: Forests

Black River State Forest
Located in Jackson County off I-94, this four-season recreation area is best known for its hiking and cross-country ski trails. Camp, swim, hunt, fish, snowmobile, ATV and canoe on nearly 67,000 acres of pine and oak forests.

Flambeau River State Forest
Two forks of the Flambeau River provide 75 miles of uninterrupted natural beauty and white-water excitement. Rustic camping at 35 sites along the river and two campgrounds. Nearly 90,000 acres of forest, canoe landings, and fishing for muskie, walleye, bass, trout and panfish.

Governor Knowles State Forest
Visit a scenic wilderness area along the St. Croix River in northwestern Wisconsin. Group and family camping. Rustic river and backpack camping by permit. . Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, cross-county skiing, snowmobiling, horse trails and hunting.

Havenwoods State Forest
Havenwoods is an island of nature within an urban Milwaukee environment. Environmental education programs and walking trails are available for educators, youth groups, families and adults.

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
225,000 acres of beautiful northern Wisconsin forests and lakes offer camping, fishing, swimming, hunting, boating, canoeing, backpacking and winter recreation. Wild and wilderness areas are available for those seeking solitude.

This list is only a few of the wonderful Forests in Wisconsin. Please continue to check back as I will be adding more.

Thank You.

Wisconsin Camping: Forests by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“

Wisconsin Camping

2007-09-19T12:02:00.001-07:00

This is Great, you are interested in Wisconsin Camping?

Wisconsin Camping is a wonderful and fun family event. If you are wanting to take the whole family camping or just want to get away for the day with a loved one, then you’ll want to check out everything I’ll be talking about here.

“The Wisconsin State Park System provides places for outdoor recreation and for learning about nature and conservation. The 98 state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas report about 14 million visits a year. Come and join the fun!” (Quote from Wisconsin DNR)

So without taking up too much more of your time. Let’s get you more information for your Wisconsin Camping trip.

First things First:

If your not already in Wisconsin you’ll need to get to Wisconsin…In order to get to Wisconsin you will need to catch a “Plane, Train or Automobile”. Then grab a map for directions and don’t forget the kids. Now your on your way.

Please keep reading for more information on Wisconsin Camping…

Check back often as we will be updating this site as we find more great stuff on Wisconsin Camping.

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Wisconsin Camping from Joe at “Woods Goods and Stuff“