Rules and Safety

Chapter NR 45 (PDF, 138KB) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code sets forth the rules and regulations that apply in Wisconsin's state parks and forests. The most pertinent regulations are posted on signs and bulletin boards on the properties.

Rules

Please follow the guidelines below to ensure the most pleasant visit possible for yourself and others.

State Property. Do not remove any plants, animals or firewood, destroy any natural growth, or enter any locked or posted areas. Public use areas are open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Vehicle Admission Sticker. Visitors must attach an admission sticker to their windshield by its own adhesive when operating a motor vehicle within designated public use areas.

Motor Vehicle Operation. All visitors must obey posted speed limits for motor vehicles and park only in designated areas.

Personal Conduct. Disorderly conduct is prohibited on all state lands. Excessive noise in public use areas is not allowed.

Firewood. Visitors are prohibited from bringing firewood from out-of-state when visiting Wisconsin state parks and forests. Please purchase firewood from the state forest office or from a local vendor. Leaving firewood at home will help keep destructive pests that reside in wood, such as the Emerald Ash Borer and Gypsy Moth, from spreading.

Driftwood. Removing driftwood from state property is prohibited by law. Also, please do not try to burn driftwood. Driftwood is generally water logged and does not burn well, even if it appears dry on the outside.

Pets. Pets must be on a leash no longer than eight feet in campgrounds and other designated areas. Please clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed in buildings, picnic areas, playgrounds, beaches or on ski or nature trails.

Camping. All campers must obtain a camping permit prior to setting up their campsite, unless otherwise posted. Camping is allowed in designated areas only, and only one family or single group of six is allowed to occupy each campsite. Only registered campers can be in the campground after 11:00 PM, which is also the quiet hour. A camping fee is charged at all campgrounds.

Backpacking and Wilderness Camping. Visitors should check with the offices of individual state forests to see if backpacking and wilderness camping are available. If these activities are allowed, visitors must obtain a permit from the forest office before heading out to camp.

Hunting. Hunting is permitted on the forests. Hunters are reminded to check their regulations for open seasons and contact forest headquarters to confirm open areas.

Snowmobiles. Snowmobiles are allowed on designated snowmobile trails only.

ATVs. All terrain vehicles are allowed only where posted on the state forests.

Fires. Fires are allowed only in fire rings or charcoal grills in designated public use areas. Do not leave fires unattended.

Carry-In, Carry-Out Policy. Day use visitors must take their garbage and recyclables home unless otherwise indicated. The removal of garbage and recycling containers eliminates smells, mess and pests. Please leave the area cleaner than when you arrived.

Safety

Although not a comprehensive list, the following guidelines will help you to stay safe when visiting Wisconsin's state forests.

Fireworks. It's against the law to possess or discharge restricted fireworks in state forests.

Fishing. Cold water and ice floes can create hazards for early season trout anglers wading in rivers. Anglers are reminded that typical river temperatures range from 33 degrees Fahrenheit to the low 40s. Plan time out of the water to warm up. Afternoon river flows can increase during a thaw, releasing ice that was previously anchored. Wading anglers should remain alert to floating ice.

On Ice. The Department of Natural Resources does not monitor ice conditions. Be extremely cautious of ice conditions at all times. Ice thickness early in the season may not support your body weight. In addition, springs, currents, or animals can cause thin ice conditions at any time.

Cross-Country Skiing. Skiers should be aware that not all trails are groomed, and even groomed trails cannot always be groomed regularly. The quality of grooming also depends upon available equipment. Even the best groomed trails can be quickly destroyed by heavy traffic.

Don't ski beyond your abilities by taking more advanced trails than you can handle. Also take care that your speed on downhill stretches doesn't build beyond your ability to control your descent. Always leave space between you and other skiers and alert others when passing. If you have questions about trail difficulty, talk to forest personnel before starting out.

Swimming. Never swim alone, at night or in unfamiliar places. Never dive from bridges, high banks, or into water of unknown depth. Use caution when wading as water depth may change abruptly. Avoid wading downstream in rivers, as sandbars drop off abruptly on the downstream side. Watch small children closely near the water. Wear a lifejacket when using inner tubes, air mattresses or other floatation devices. Swim at designated beaches whenever possible. Lifeguards are not on duty at most Wisconsin state park and forest beaches.

State Park and Forest Use Areas. Designated use areas are developed areas, such as trails and picnic areas, which are inspected and maintained by the department and shown on official property maps. All other areas are considered undesignated and the department does not maintain or inspect them.

Ticks. The bite of an infected deer tick can transmit Lyme disease, an easily treated infection when caught early, but which can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Bites from wood ticks and deer ticks can be prevented by wearing enclosed shoes, long sleeves and pants, and by tucking pant legs into socks. Avoid sitting directly on the ground or brushing against vegetation when walking on trails. Always check your body, as well as children and pets, for ticks at the end of the day.