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Backpacking in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests
Multi-Day Backpacking on the Ice Age Trail
The following is a list of some backpacking areas along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The IAT Atlas pages referenced are from the Ice Age Trail Atlas [exit DNR]. The Atlas and Companion Guide [exit DNR], which are available for sale from the Ice Age Trail Alliance (formerly the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation), provide camping and lodging details for all segments of the trail.
Some campsites can be reserved through the Web or by phoning (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275); some are first-come, first-served.
| IAT Segments (General Area) |
Property (IAT Atlas pages) |
Miles | Primary Camping Type | Other Camping within 0.25 mile | Difficulty | Highlights | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firth Lake, Hardwood Lakes, Chippewa Moraine (Northwest WI) |
Chippewa Moraine Reserve, county forest, SIATA, private land (15f - 16f) |
19 | Primitive on county forest | Walk-in campsites available at Chippewa Moraine Reserve after checking in at the visitor center. | Moderate | Many beautiful lakes dot the route. | Includes 0.5-mile road walk on County Highway E. |
| Southern Blue Hills, Northern Blue Hills (Northwest WI) |
County forest, private land (10f - 12f) |
21 | Primitive on county forest | Murphy Flowage Campground. | Moderate challenge on remote, less-maintained trail. | Glacial landforms lay on ancient quartzite mountain range. | |
| East New Wood, West New Wood, Camp 27, Timberland Wilderness, Wood Lake (North Central WI) |
New Wood State Wildlife Area, SIATA, county forest, private land (25f - 27f) |
30 | Primitive on county forest | Wood lake County Park Campground | Moderate challenge on remote, less-maintained trail. | Wild, several active wolf packs, no paved road crossings. | Includes 1.9-mile road walk on gravel Tower Road. |
| Greenbush, Parnell, Milwaukee River (East Central WI) |
Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest (86f - 89f) |
31 | Shelters, reservation required | Reservable campground sites and walk-in campsites at Mauthe Lake | Easier | Landscape formed by interlobate glaciation world famous among geologists. | Birthplace of the Ice Age Trail. |
| Scuppernong, Eagle, Stoney Ridge, Blue Spring Lake, Blackhawk, Whitewater Lake (Southeast WI) |
Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest (78f - 81f) |
32 | Shelters, reservation required | Reservable campground sites and walk-in campsites at Pine Woods and Whitewater Lake | Easier | Nearest backpacking for those living in the Milwaukee or Chicago areas. | Overnight hostel and DNR visitor center near the trail. |
| Mondeaux Esker, Jerry Lake, Lake Eleven (North Central WI) |
Chequamegon National Forest (21f - 23f) |
42 | Primitive | Reservable campground sites and walk-in campsites | Moderate challenge on remote, less-maintained trail | Wild. |
State Parks and Forests
The state forests and parks listed below offer trails and sites for backpack (hike-in) camping.
Some campsites can be reserved through the Web or by phoning (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275); some are first-come, first-served; and still others require a permit from the forest office. Call the park or forest in which you're interested for details.
| Property Name | Backpack (hike-in) Sites | Hiking Trail Miles at Property |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bay State Park | 7 |
10 |
| Black River State Forest | * |
33 |
| Brule River State Forest | * |
26 |
| Buckhorn State Park | 23 |
4 |
| Copper Falls State Park | 2 |
7 |
| Flambeau River State Forest | 14 (canoe) |
22 |
| Governor Dodge State Park | 6 |
38 |
| Governor Knowles State Forest | 6 |
38 |
| Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit | 6 |
133 |
| These sites are along the Ice Age Trail. Each site has a Adirondack style shelter and fire ring. Users may also set up tents outside the shelter. Each site can accommodate 10 people. All camping equipment and drinking water must be backpacked in and all refuse packed out. Camping is limited to one night per site. | ||
| Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit | 3 |
57 |
| These sites are along the Ice Age Trail. Each site has a Adirondack style shelter and fire ring. Users may also set up tents outside the shelter. Each site can accommodate 10 people. All camping equipment and drinking water must be backpacked in and all refuse packed out. Camping is limited to one night per site. | ||
| Lapham Peak Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest | 1 |
21 |
| Newport State Park | 16 |
30 |
| Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest | 13 (wilderness), 73 (canoe) * |
39 |
| Pattison State Park | 3 |
62 |
| Rock Island State Park | 40 |
10 |
*Off-site camping by permit only.
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