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Richard Bong
State Recreation Area
Contact information
For information, contact:
Richard Bong State Recreation Area
26313 Burlington Rd.
Kansasville, WI 53139
262-878-5600
Trail information line
For current trail availability, call:
262-878-5600

Richard Bong State Recreation Area Current conditions

Conditions as of Friday, May 17, 2013:

Please be aware that Wolf Lake water levels are very low due to failure of the water control structure. The water levels have dropped below the regular swimming area, and swimming is not advised. Do to extremely low water, boating options are very limited. Repairs are planned but are unlikely to be completed in 2013. Please contact Park staff for information on local area swimming, fishing and boating alternatives.

Ash trees infested with emerald ash borer are being removed from this property. Ash trees are prone to dropping their branches once they are in decline, so the trees could become a safety concern. Because ash was a dominant tree in the campgrounds, campers will notice campsites are more open. Please buy your firewood at or near the recreation area to help prevent the spreading of emerald ash borer and other tree pests or diseases when camping or returning home.

Trails

Trails are open to hikers. Pets must be on a leash 8-feet or shorter at all times. Some hiking trails are closed due to very wet conditions.

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) and dirtbike trails

Availability of the ATV and dirtbike trails is determined on a daily basis. For the most current trail conditions, please call 262-878-5600.

Horseback riding

Trails are open depending on trail conditions, please call 262-878-5600 for availability. A state trail pass is required for riders ages 16 and up riding on the trails. If trails are closed, you may ride on the paved roads at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Please ride responsibly to not degrade the trails. You are required to take any droppings and hay with you from the parking lots when you leave so the natural beauty of the park is not compromised.

Pets

Pets are permitted on most hiking trails, roads and in campgrounds. They are not permitted in picnic areas, buildings or shelters, at the playground, beach, at nature programs or on interpretive nature trails. Pets must be on a leash 8-feet or shorter at all times.

Public use in the Special Use Zone (SUZ)

Activities in the Special Use Zone (SUZ) area must be managed to insure compatibility. Please call ahead at least a week before your planned event for permission to use the area. Check with management if you are planning an activity (rocket launches, free flight airplanes, rubber band airplanes, etc.) in the special use zone.

The Class 2 training grounds are now closed for nesting season and will reopen August 1.

  • Sunday, May 5: Madison West Rocket Launch
  • Saturday-Sunday, May 11-12: Fox Valley Retriever Club Dog Trial
  • Wednesday, May 15: St. Monica School Rocket Launch
  • Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19: Northern Illinois NAVHDA dog trial
  • Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19: WOOSH Rocket Launch
  • Thursday, May 23: Nippersink Middle School Rocket Launch
  • Sunday, May 26: Living Church Rocket Launch

Camping

Campsites in the Sunrise campgrounds are open for camping. The shower building in the 100 loop will open on May 3. Sunset campground will open on Thursday, May 23.

Many ash trees have been cut in the park due to the discovery of the emerald ash borer.

Firewood can be purchased from local vendors. Maps are available at self registration stations.

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 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, 1-877-303-WOOD (1-877-303-9663) for information before packing for a trip. For more information, see firewood facts, rules and advice or ask the park or forest office. Maps are available to view the 25-mile radius of allowable firewood on state properties.

Nature

Fishing

The water level in Wolf Lake is low because of an emergency draw down. Fishing will be impaired, however plans for lake restoration are underway. The urban fishing pond has been stocked with trout. A fishing license and an inland trout stamp are required for all anglers 16 years of age and older.

Hunting

Please check hunting regulations. All species with a hunting season may be hunted at this property. Hunting hours at Richard Bong may differ from the regulations. Call 262-878-5600 for hunting times and questions specific to Richard Bong State Recreation Area. No rifles or handguns are allowed for hunting, only shotguns, bows and muzzle loaders. A daily hunting permit and vehicle admission are needed to hunt on the property. Target shooting and sighting-in firearms are prohibited.

More information

Office hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Offices are closed Mondays.

Annual vehicle admission stickers for 2013 are available for purchase and are valid for admission to all Wisconsin state parks until December 31, 2013.

Last revised: Friday May 17 2013