Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Star4.16
159 reviews
Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Quick Facts

837 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
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

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 159 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

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

42.6340, -88.1272


Best Time to Camp at Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Best for trails and family camping; summer hampered by mosquitoes and a marshy beach.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter trails, good wildlife viewing and pleasant hiking conditions in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings migration and wildflowers but can be muddy and buggy early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 15% in WI

Open year-round with ice fishing, sledding and winter hikes available.

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

About Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Once destined to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area has been transformed into a beloved outdoor haven where trails wind through preserved open spaces and families gather year-round. Managed by the Wisconsin DNR, this multi-use recreation area welcomes visitors daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with its nature center, extensive trail system, and diverse camping and picnic facilities.
Developed state recreation area campground with sites usable by tents and RVs; campground offers a mix of wooded and open sites.
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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

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.
HikingMultiple trails including a scenic ~4.2-mile lake loop around Wolf Lake; routes pass prairie, marsh and wooded areas with boardwalk sections (note some boardwalks may be closed per property notices).
FishingVisitors mention fishing opportunities at Wolf Lake and other ponds/piers, though some reviewers report overgrown/unkempt fishing areas or limited access at times.
SwimmingA beach area is present but shallow and marshy — reviewers describe it as very shallow and better suited to young children rather than deep-water swimming.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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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

Reviews

4.2
159 reviews
Satisfactory
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 159 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...
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Based on 159 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...
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Based on 159 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...
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Based on 159 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 159 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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Richard Bong State Recreation Area