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Answer
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Dennis
asked
on
2/25/2007,
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Jim, I'd like to take my family on a vacation to Devil's Lake State Park or maybe Peninsula this summer. I was going to call the parks to see if I could make campsite reservations but a friend at work says you can't do this anymore. Is that true? If so, how can I make reservations to camp at a state park? |
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Jim's answer: |
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Dennis, Your friend is correct in that you can no longer call or send in a campsite reservation application to individual state parks anymore, but there's an even better reservation system in place these days. A nationwide company called "Reserve America" is now responsible for accepting campsite reservations for all Wisconsin state park and forest campgrounds. You can contact them anytime and make online reservations at www.reserveamerica.com or if you prefer to talk to a human being, you can also call them at a toll-free number at 1-888-947-2757.
Here's couple of hints if you want to make reservations at state parks and forests for summer. Campers are now allowed to make reservations eleven (11) months in advance now. No more having to wait until January 1st of each year to make a reservation as required in the old system. In other words, many people have been booking reservations for the upcoming July weekends way back last August already. This is great for campers who can plan that far in advance but not so great for people who prefer to make last minute campsite reservations (like me). If you find all the campsites of a particular weekend booked already, I'd suggest that you keep checking campsite availability every few days or so. There are always cancellations that create new openings from day to day. Also, consider a "weekday" camping trip if your work schedule allows. Many parks experience vacant campsites especially starting Sunday nights, plus you won't have the weekend crowds to contend with.
One last suggestion. I know you wanted to camp at Devil's Lake or Peninsula but take some time to search out and discover some of the other lesser known state parks and forests. There are 42 state parks and forests that accept campsite reservations. Most of these smaller campgrounds have the same amenities as the bigger parks and are often located in beautiful, less crowded locations throughout the state. You can find descriptions, maps, and photos of all state parks and forests at www.wiparks.net and even ask questions on line if you want. Hope you're a "happy camper" this summer.
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