High Cliff State Park Conditions

Conditions as of Thursday, February 2, 2012:

• Admission Stickers
• Camping
• Facilities
• Lake Conditions, Access and Seasonal Boat Slip Rentals
• Office Hours
• Park Events
• Shelter Rentals
• Trails
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Weather
• More Information

Trails

The candlelight event scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2012 has been cancelled due to lack of snow and icy conditions.

High Cliff State Park offers over six miles of cross-country ski trails which are groomed and double-tracked for traditional skiing when snow coverage allows. In addition, the family campground roads are closed to traffic and groomed 12-feet wide without tracks for skate skiing.

Please call during regular business hours for a trail conditions report or see the ski trail conditions on the Skinnyski website [exit DNR].

To determine if snowmobile trails are open, call (920) 849-1494.

A reminder to pet owners:

• Pets are allowed on all trails (except designated ski trails when snow covered).
• Your dog must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
• You are responsible for removing and properly disposing of your pet's waste.

Park Events

For upcoming High Cliff naturalist programs and Wisconsin State Parks events, go to DNR Events Calendar.

High Cliff State Park is working with the Community Learning Connections (CLC) which is a collaboration of Fox Cities educational, cultural and environmental non-profit venues, such as museums, nature centers and historic sites. See the CLC web site [exit DNR] for more information about the amazing adventures that await you in the Fox Valley.

Lake Conditions, Access, and Seasonal Boat Slip Rentals

E-mail the Harbor Master for information regarding 2012 seasonal slip rentals.

High Cliff State Park does not monitor lake ice conditions. The Marina roads are not maintained for winter use.

Camping

The family campground roads are closed to traffic, and groomed for skate-skiing when snow coverage allows. Primitive winter camping is available December 1 through March 31. Winter campsites are non-electric and vault toilets are available. Water can be obtained at the park office (when open).

When the park office is closed, campers must use the self-registration pay station at the park office to pay for camping and vehicle admission fees. Self-registration for camping is limited to one night, and no self-registration for camping is accepted before 10 a.m. Campers who self-register should stop at the park office at 10 a.m. the next day if they wish to extend their stay.

Reservations are recommended for electric sites May through October, and all weekend camping mid-May through Labor Day. Only first-come, first-served camping is available in the months of April and November. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. You may reserve a site by calling (888) WI PARKS (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275) or by using the Web.

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 [PDF 102KB] 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, (877) 303-WOOD ((877) 303-9663) for information before packing for a trip.

Facilities

Flush toilets are available year-round next to the Pavilion shelter building in the upper park (as well as at the park office, when open). Vault toilets are available in the Upper Park Pet Picnic Area and Group Campground.

Park Map.

Shelter Rentals

The Pavilion and Upper Shelters are available year-round (hours limited in winter). The Pavilion features a centrally located fireplace (firewood not included). Note: The fireplace is the only heat available in the Pavilion.

The Lower and Pines Shelters are available for rent April through October; however, nearby flush toilet shower facilities are only open mid-May through early-October.

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Stop in or call the park office, (920) 989-1106, to determine shelter availability. Park staff will hold a date for up to 7 days without payment. A confirmation will be returned upon receipt of payment and completed shelter application form.

Volunteer Opportunities

High Cliff has volunteer opportunities in many aspects of park operations, including maintenance, invasive species control, interpretation and campground hosting. If you have a particular talent or trade such as carpentry, woodworking, masonry, painting, or landscaping, the park welcomes your expertise. Ask about the potential to earn an annual park sticker in exchange for volunteer hours (sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff).

The Friends of High Cliff is a non-profit group organized for the charitable and educational purpose of supporting, assisting, and promoting High Cliff State Park. The group offers volunteer opportunities such as General Store / Museum hosting and assisting with administrative tasks, food and wood concessions, and special events.

For more information, contact Linda Guelig, Volunteer Coordinator.

Admission Stickers

A vehicle admission sticker is required year-round. When the park office is closed, use the self-registration pay station to buy admission stickers. Any annual sticker purchases will be mailed to you.

Office Hours

The self-pay station should be used to pay vehicle admission and camping fees when the park office is closed.

• January 1. The park will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the New Year’s Day - First Day Hike.
• January 2 – March 31: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Mondays. (Office Closed New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day and President's Day).
• April 1 – Memorial Day Weekend: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., open later on Fridays to accommodate incoming campers.
• Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day: Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., open later on Friday nights to accommodate incoming campers.
• Labor Day – October 31: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., open later on Fridays to accommodate incoming campers.
• November 1 – December 31: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Mondays. (Office Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve)

On occasion, the park office may be closed without notice when staff is working in the field. If you require personal service, call in advance to insure someone will be in the office to assist you.

Weather

Weather [exit DNR]

More Information

Recommended Travel Routes

For more information, ask:

Carolyn Morgen, Park Superintendent
Linda Guelig, Visitor Services

High Cliff State Park
N7630 State Park Rd.
Sherwood, WI 54169
(920) 989-1106

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