Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Press Release

Plan Ahead to Make the Most of Labor Day Weekend at Wisconsin State Park System Properties

 

By - Sep 4th, 2026 09:56 am

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to plan ahead this Labor Day weekend to avoid long lines and enjoy more time outside on Wisconsin’s public lands.

With over 20 million visitors annually, Wisconsin State Park System properties can be a popular destination on holidays and weekends. During the summer season, you may experience long lines to enter the park, limited parking availability and crowded trails and picnic areas. Please be patient with staff and fellow visitors over the Labor Day weekend.

Many campgrounds throughout the state are fully booked for the long weekend. The DNR encourages all visitors to be courteous to their camping neighbors. Noise from a campsite should never create a disturbance or interfere with other people’s enjoyment of the park.

Campers are reminded to cancel their reservation if they are unable to make their trip. Reservations can be canceled online or by calling 888-WIPARKS. Cancelations made no later than 3 p.m. Central Time two days before the day of the reservation will be credited with a full refund of camping fees but not the reservation or cancellation fees. No refunds are made for any part of a three-night holiday reservation once the site has been occupied.

Public Lands Are Open For All

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 15,000 lakes and hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan and Mississippi River shoreline, Wisconsin’s public lands have something for everyone. As summer winds down and people are getting out for one last summer camping trip or day at the beach, the DNR reminds the public that everyone is invited and welcomed at Wisconsin’s state parks, trails, forests and recreation areas.

The Wisconsin State Park System continues to partner with The Unity Folks on our shared mission to invite and welcome all folks to camp and enjoy the outdoors. When you see the Unity Blaze, “You are Invited and Welcomed!” as the DNR continues to increase unity in the outdoor community and beyond.

Entering The Property

A Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass is required for all motor vehicles stopping in most state parks, forests and recreation areas. Purchase your vehicle admission pass online before arriving to help save time when entering Wisconsin State Park System properties.

Admission passes can be purchased online, at individual properties, from DNR service centers or when renewing your vehicle registration online or at self-service kiosks at Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) locations.

The DNR Reminds Visitors To “Know Before You Go”

Stay informed about current notices for Wisconsin State Park System properties before Labor Day weekend travel, and year-round, using the Property Condition Notices tool.

Ongoing and scheduled projects at Wisconsin State Park System properties may affect the visitor experience. Impacts can include closures of facilities, campgrounds, boat launches, beaches, trails, parking lots or roads.

Significant projects will be happening at:

  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • Sauk Prairie Recreation Area
  • Amnicon Falls State Park
  • Big Bay State Park
  • Chippewa and Red Cedar State Trails
  • Glacial Drumlin State Trail
  • Interstate Park

Please note this is not a comprehensive list of properties. Be sure to check the DNR’s Condition Notices webpage for additional information and updates before you head out.

Hidden Gems

Looking to avoid the crowds? Find a lesser-known Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area to explore with the DNR’s Find A Park tool.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

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