High Cliff State Park
Frequently Asked Questions About Camping
We frequently get questions from campers on the topics listed below.
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Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are allowed at your campsite. The park enforces a zero-tolerance policy on underage drinking.
Bathroom / Shower Facilities
A combination flush toilet/shower building is open seasonally and located in the family campground for overnight guests. There are several vault toilets throughout the campground.
A combination flush toilet/shower building is open seasonally in the marina for overnight boaters and their guests.
Flush toilets are available by the Lower Shelter and by the Pavilion near the Red Bird Statue for day-use.
Camping Units
Only one wheeled camping unit is allowed per site. Exception will be made if a truck camper or motor home tows in a trailer as part of the camping unit. Multiple tents allowed on any site--as room allows.
Campground Hosts
Campground hosts stay on Site 58 from April through October. They assist in maintaining campground facilities and grounds, help campers comply with rules, and provide visitor information and assistance.
Carry In / Carry Out
Dumpsters are available for campers on the campground entrance road. Day-use visitors are encouraged to take their garbage and recyclables home. We removed multiple garbage and recyclables containers to eliminate smells, mess and pests. More...
Check In / Check Out Times
Check in / check out time is 3 p.m. Earlier occupation may be possible if the site was not occupied the night before. If you are unable to leave by 3 p.m., contact park staff immediately.
Dumping Stations
Dump stations are free to use by all registered campers. A trailer dump fee of $3 will be collected from anyone who wants to use our dump station and is not a registered camper. If you do not have a vehicle admission sticker, you must purchase one in addition to the trailer dump fee.
Eviction
If you or your guests violate any state laws or Department of Natural Resources rules, you may be evicted from the park, have your camping permit revoked, and lose any fees you have paid.
Extending Stay / Switching Sites
Any extensions must be requested the day before the expiration date on the camping permit -- subject to site availability. Campers may not switch sites without prior approval.
Fees
Camping fees only cover camping. Vehicle admission stickers are also required. Daily stickers sold to registered campers expire at 11 PM.the follwoing day of issue. The day of departure does not require an additional purchase.
Fires / Firewood Sales
Fires are allowed in fire rings and grills only. Do not leave fires unattended and extinguish all fires before leaving your campsite. Do not burn garbage, plastic, glass, cans or other recyclable items in fire ring.
Help protect our park. We encourage you to leave firewood at home and purchase the firewood available locally. Firewood from other states or more than 50 miles away is not allowed in Wisconsin state parks and forests. This will limit the spread of pests and diseases that threaten Wisconsin forests. If you bring your own, make sure to burn all that you bring.
Fireworks
Fireworks are illegal. Anything that flies or explodes is considered a firework. Snakes and sparklers are allowed. Always ask a ranger before using anything that may be questionable.
First-come, First-served Camping
High Cliff State Park campground is 100% reservable; therefore, there are no first come, first served (non-reservable) sites. Campers who register when the park office is open, may register for up to 14 days if the site is not already reserved during that time period. Campers who arrive when the park office is closed, may self-register for one night and then must stop at the park office to register for subsequent days based on availabilty.
Food and Camping Concessions
A concessionaire provides food and camping supplies. The concession stands are at the beach in the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area and in the North Parking Lot in the Long Lake Recreation Area.
Garbage and Recycling
Garbage and recycling bins are provided for campers. Removal of garbage and recyclables from your campsite helps eliminate smells and mess, and discourages unwanted pests.
Gift Shop
You may purchase nature related books, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, novelty items, etc. at the park office Purchases support the Friends of the High Cliff State Park which provides funding for programs and special projects within the park.
Junior Ranger / Wisconsin Explorers
Jr. Ranger and Wisconsin Explorer booklets are available at the park office. When your child has finished the required tasks, stop back to pick up his/her certificate and patch.
Length of Stay
No person may camp and no camping unit may remain longer than 14 days in any 3-week period in the property of registration. After 14 days, the camping unit and camping party must be removed from the property for at least 7 days before being eligible to return.
Mopeds
Mopeds are allowed, when operated by a licensed driver and require a vehicle admission sticker. When a vehicle is towed into the park, you can request a "courtesy" vehicle admission sticker at no additional charge. Mopeds are not allowed off-road or on trails.
Motor Vehicles
Vehicle admission stickers are required. This fee is in addition to the camping fee. Vehicles are restricted to the designated parking area on each campsite. No more than 2 motor vehicles (6 motorcycles) allowed per campsite unless otherwise stated. Stickers must be purchased upon arrival. Self registration is available when the park office is closed.
Naturalist Programs
Campers are welcome to attend any of many public programs that are scheduled at various locations throughout the park. Call ahead or check on the web to see if there is a program you'd like to attend during your camping stay.
Occupants
A camping party is defined as any individual, family or non-family group occupying a campsite. A "non-family group" may not exceed 6 persons. Family is limited to parent or parents with their dependent children and not more than 2 guests.
Exceptions: Group Campground sites allow more occupants. See group campground map for number of occupants allowed per site.
Occupation of Site
All registrants without an advance camping reservation must occupy the site with a camping unit the first night of the registration and every night thereafter. A camping unit must occupy the reserved site by 3 p.m. on the second day of the reservation and be present for the duration of the reservation.
One-Night Reservations
One day family campsite reservations may be made starting May 15 and ending October 15 each year for any time between those dates within the calendar year.
Park Hours
The park is closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.. All visitors must leave the park by 11 p.m. During closed hours, campers must be in or be en route to their registered campsite. No camping party may set up or take down a camping unit during closed hours.
Pets
Pets are permitted in the campgrounds. Never leave your pet unattended.
Playground Equipment
Wooden playground equipment is available in the campground. Additional swings, merry-go-rounds and slides are located throughout the park.
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy can be found in the park. Identification cards are available at the park office.
Quiet Hours
Noise on a campsite may not interfere with the enjoyment of the park by others at any time.
Raccoons and Other Animals
Racoons have been seen on numerous occasions, particularly in the campground. At times they can be bold and come very close to you, your camping party, and your food! Do not feed them. Feeding conditions them to expect food and cause future problems (return callers). Always remove garbage and recyclables from your site daily to discourage raccoons' nighttime visits.
Reservations
Reservations are recommended for weekend camping from late spring through October. Availability depends upon the time of year, day of week, and where you plan to camp. Call the park if you are not sure if reservations will be needed.
Reservations can be made on the Web or by calling (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275. If you have difficulties making reservations online, call Reserve America's help line at (800) 372-3607 for assistance. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours before the site is to be occupied.
Self-Registration
Self-registration is available when the park office is closed. Instructions are posted in the park office window adjacent to the yellow pay vault.
Severe Weather
In the event of severe weather, if staffing allows, rangers will try to warn park users over the squad's loudspeaker system of the threat. Additional emergency weather information posted on bulletin boards throughout the park, including what to do and which radio stations to listen to.
Site Descriptions
Partial site descriptions are available on the Web. Each description includes the maximum vehicle length, number of vehicles, driveway length, doublewide driveway or not, back-in or pull-through, paved or gravel, and shady or open.
More campsite information can be found on the individual campground maps which are available on the web or at by calling the park office.
Swimming
The state park has one swimming beach.
Tackle Loan Program
Rods, reels and basic tackle are available at the park office. There is no cost to borrow the equipment. You will need to provide your own bait. Anyone 16 or older will need a Wisconsin Fishing License.
Water Availability
Wells, water fountains and water at the dump stations are turned on and off depending upon the threat of freezing. High Cliff does not offer on-site water hookups. Water is available at the Pavilion Shelter bathroom building or at the park office when the water is turned off in the campgrounds.
High Cliff State Park
N7630 State Park Rd.
Sherwood, WI 54169
(920) 989-1106
Linda Guelig, Visitor Services
Jason Wiese, Park Manager
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