Is Richard Bong State Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Richard Bong State Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Richard Bong State Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Richard Bong State Recreation Area has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Richard Bong State Recreation Area?

Richard Bong State Recreation Area is open Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round (property hours).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?

Yes, Richard Bong State Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?

Cell phone service at Richard Bong State Recreation Area is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Richard Bong State Recreation Area have?

Richard Bong State Recreation Area has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?

Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Richard Bong State Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

4.21

232 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

837 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 13 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

837 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A vehicle admission sticker is required. Specific fee amounts not provided on the source page.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 232 reviews

1482 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwater

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Overall reviewers are positive about the park's cleanliness, well-maintained campgrounds, roomy/wooded sites, and varied trails. Common praise centers on wildlife viewing, the lake loop hike, and friendly staff; several reviewers note excellent camping experiences for families."

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Campground Map

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

42.6340, -88.1272

Best Time to Camp at Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Fall delivers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s and crisp nights. Mosquitoes and ticks are heavy during warmer months. Reviewers strongly recommend high-DEET repellent from late spring through summer. The park sees moderate crowds on fall weekends during peak foliage, but weekdays remain quiet. Off-road and ATV trails close frequently after rain due to wet conditions, so check status before visiting. Hunting seasons overlap with fall use; wear blaze orange and verify schedules.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Reviewers call fall the most comfortable season with crisp days and ideal hiking temps.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round (property hours).

About Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Richard Bong State Recreation Area sits on land once slated for a jet fighter base, now transformed into a popular multi-use park in southeastern Wisconsin. The recreation area offers 13 campsites with electric and water hookups, a network of trails for hiking and biking, and a shallow beach popular with families. Reviewers consistently praise the clean facilities and spacious, wooded sites.

Developed state recreation area campground with sites usable by tents and RVs; campground offers a mix of wooded and open sites.

Historical Significance

The property was originally designated as a jet fighter base before construction was abandoned. Local citizens preserved the open space, and the area now honors Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, Wisconsin native and World War II air ace.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s and crisp nights. Mosquitoes and ticks are heavy during warmer months. Reviewers strongly recommend high-DEET repellent from late spring through summer. The park sees moderate crowds on fall weekends during peak foliage, but weekdays remain quiet. Off-road and ATV trails close frequently after rain due to wet conditions, so check status before visiting. Hunting seasons overlap with fall use; wear blaze orange and verify schedules.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's trail system loops through wooded areas and open grasslands at 837 feet elevation, with the lake loop hike frequently mentioned as a highlight. Wildlife viewing opportunities are strong throughout the property. Reviewers report regular sightings of deer, migratory birds, and other species, especially during fall. The beach area sits in shallow water suited for young children, though several visitors note it can be marshy rather than ideal for deep swimming. Scattered picnic areas and shelters occupy shaded spots across the grounds.

Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Combination of modern campground amenities and primitive features; reviewers note clean showerhouse, flush and pit toilets, electric sites and water pumps, on-site firewood kiosks, and roomy wooded sites.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Wide range of land- and water-based recreation: extensive hiking and multi-use trails, wildlife viewing, a shallow beach area at Wolf Lake, ATV/motorized trails and an area for model airplanes/rockets are noted by visitors.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBoardwalk at the Blue/Green trailhead (off parking lot B) is closed until further notice. The property has seasonal/temporary regulations associated with pheasant hunting season (Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026). Visitors should check trail availability before use.

Weather at Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

232 reviews

Satisfactory

Richard Bong State Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall reviewers are positive about the park's cleanliness, well-maintained campgrounds, roomy/wooded sites, and varied trails. Common praise centers on wildlife viewing, the lake loop hike, and friendly staff; several reviewers note excellent camping experiences for families.

Review Summaries

Based on 232 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showerhouse, spacious and private campsites, electric sites with water pumps/spigots, abundant trails for hiking/biking/ATV use, family-friendly shallow beach and strong...

Based on 232 reviews

Common Concerns

Heavy mosquitoes and ticks; nonexistent/advertised swimming beach is marshy; noise from ATV track or discourteous neighbors; outhouses can smell; distant beach access; one report of perceived...

Based on 232 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring strong insect repellent (many reviewers recommend high-DEET formulations), check trail and ATV opening status before visiting, expect shallow water at the beach for young children, buy firewood...

Based on 232 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bring bug spray or die a terrible death of 10,000 mosquito bites."; "One of my favorite camping spots... well maintained state park with large camp sites."

Based on 232 reviews

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