Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Star4.16
159 reviews
Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$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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Best Time to Camp at Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.
Historical SignificanceThe property was originally designated to be a jet fighter base and is named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, WI native and World War II air ace; local citizens preserved the open space after construction was abandoned.
Natural Features and SceneryExplore the property's interconnected trail network, where the Blue and Green loops guide you through varied landscapes perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The nature center serves as your gateway to understanding the area's ecology, while scattered picnic areas and shelters offer perfect spots to relax amid the natural surroundings. Seasonal hunting opportunities in designated zones add to the area's multi-use appeal, and though the boardwalk at the Blue/Green trailhead is temporarily closed, plenty of other trails await your discovery from parking lot B and beyond.
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round (property hours).
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups

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
Multiple 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).
Fishing
Visitors mention fishing opportunities at Wolf Lake and other ponds/piers, though some reviewers report overgrown/unkempt fishing areas or limited access at times.
Swimming
A 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.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsBoardwalk 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

-7
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 10.4 mph
Clear sky

Weather History
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Good to know

Common complaintsHeavy mosquitoes and ticks in warmer months; frequent/extended ATV/off-road trail closures due to wet conditions; beach described as marshy (not ideal for deep swimming); occasional issues with overfished or weedy fishing areas; some noise complaints (e.g., illegal generator use).

Campground Map

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Reviews from booking and map sources

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 December 14, 2025
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