FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What do I need to ride an ATV?

A. To ride on the park's ATV/ Dirt Bike trails, an ATV needs to be registered in the state of Wisconsin. The ATV must be registered prior to arrival. You will also need a State Park admission sticker on the vehicle that tows in the ATV(s). You may purchase that when you arrive. Cost for cars with Wisconsin plates is $5/day or $20/year; for cars without Wisconsin plates the cost is $10/day or $30/year. If you arrive when the office is closed you must self-register for an admission sticker or be subject to a fine. Please wear helmets and safety gear and drive responsibly. We recommend that you call ahead to listen to the taped message every time you plan on visiting as trail availability is determined on a daily basis. Number: (262) 878-5600.

Q. What do I need to ride a Dirt Bike?

A. Anyone 16 years of age and older will need a trail pass. Cost is $4/day or $15/year. You will also need a State Park admission sticker on the vehicle that tows in the bike(s). You may purchase both when you arrive. Cost for cars with Wisconsin plates is $5/day or $20/year; for cars without Wisconsin plates the cost is $10/day or $30/year. If you arrive when the office is closed you must self-register for an admission sticker or be subject to a fine. Please wear helmets and safety gear and drive responsibly. We recommend that you call ahead to listen to the taped message every time you plan on visiting as trail availability is determined on a daily basis. Number: (262) 878-5600.

Q. Why are the ATV/Dirt Bike Trails closed?

A.We determine the availability of the trails on a daily basis. They may be closed for an event that is using that area or they may be closed due to weather. We often can not tell you if they will be open tomorrow or on a certain weekend, that's why we recommend you call the day you would like to visit to listen to the taped message (262) 878-5600. Loop 1 (Black Loop) is closed for maintenance. Loop 3 (Purple Loop) is closed until noon every day because dog training and ATV/Dirt Bike riding are not compatible activities. This closure gives the dog trainers a safe time to train their dogs.

Q. What do I do if I arrive and the office is closed?

A. You must self register. Directions to self register: There is a labeled self-registration box located next to the ice machine at the Entrance Station. Lift the lid and there are arrows on the lid indicating which envelope to use for camping/vehicle admission stickers or trail passes or hunting. The registration and envelope are all one form. Please fill out the registration legibly and completely. There is a fee schedule located on the wall of the building (just above the lid), place the correct amount (we take checks or cash) in the envelope. Remove the top copy and place it on your vehicle dash (for camping and vehicle admission) or on your person (for trail or hunting passes). Peel off the strip, fold it over and seal the envelope. Put it in the slot in the yellow post. If you want an annual sticker or annual trail pass, make sure we can read your name and address and put the correct amount in the envelope. We will mail the sticker to you. If you do not self-register, you will be subject to a fine.

Q. Is alcohol allowed at the park?

A. Visitors over the age of 21 may consume alcohol at the park. Park rangers will issue tickets to underage drinkers or people who become drunk and disorderly.

Q. What do I need to train my hunting dog?

A. Anyone who uses live ammunition or live birds must purchase a Training License ($25.00). There are specific areas in which dogs are trained. Occasionally areas may be closed, always call or stop at the Entrance Station to check availability. The Class 2 grounds are closed for nesting season April 15th-July 31st. You must also have a State Park Admission sticker on your vehicle. Cost for cars with Wisconsin plates is $5/day or $20/year; for cars without Wisconsin plates the cost is $10/day or $30/year. You may not use the Service roads or the "Runway" without a pass, available when you purchase your training license.

Q. Are Pets allowed in the Park?

A. Yes but they must be on a leash no longer than 8' and under control at all times. Pets may not be left unattended and are allowed on all trails except the two nature trails (Vista and Visitor Center). Pets are not allowed in buildings, the beach, playgrounds or the observation platform. You must pick up pet wastes and dispose of them properly.

Q. How do I get a campsite?

A. To make reservations for campsites (group or family) you must do it through Reserve America. You may call them toll free at 1-888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance and no later than 48 hours in advance. A non-refundable reservation fee of $9.50 will be charged in addition to camping fees. There are a few first-come, first-served campsites in the park but they fill quickly and may not always be available. Please remember you will need to buy a State Park Admission sticker in addition to the camping fees. Cost for cars with Wisconsin plates is $5/day or $20/year: for cars without Wisconsin plates the cost is $10/day or $30/year.

Q. How many vehicles, tents and people may I have at my site?

A. Only two vehicles are allowed per site. Please keep all wheeled vehicles on the gravel pad. Extra vehicles need to be parked in the overflow lots. (Sunrise campground overflow lots are near the playground or use the east end of the Visitor Center lot. Sunset campground overflow lots are across from sites 311, 402 and 417). No more than one camping party may occupy a single campsite. Non-family camping parties may not exceed six people.

Q. Where can I get firewood?

A. It is sold in the park at the Trailhead parking lot Fridays, Saturdays and holidays from approximately 3:00pm-9:00pm during the months of May-October. After hours and out of season you may buy it locally.

Q. Are there dangerous animals in the park?

A. There are no poisonous snakes in the park. There are stinging insects and they may be especially numerous in the fall. We have never found deer ticks in the park but there are wood ticks. Make sure to check for ticks, especially in spring and summer. Raccoons, skunks or opossums could become pests if they are fed by visitors. Please make sure you keep your campsite clean, never store food in your tent instead put your food in your vehicle and never feed any wild animal.

Q. May I take animals or plants home from the park?

A. You may collect fruits, nuts, mushrooms and asparagus from the park. All plants and animals must stay on property unless hunted or fished with the appropriate licenses. Please do not pick any wildflowers while you are at the park, enjoy them in their natural surroundings.

Q. Are there naturalist programs at the park?

A. From Memorial Day to Labor Day at least two naturalist programs are offered every weekend, usually on Saturdays. Programs are also offered most other weekends throughout the year. Check the bulletin boards or program brochures for details.

Q. Is there a swimming beach?

A. Yes. There is a sand beach with a picnic area and bathhouse. The swimming area is roped off but there are no lifeguards. The lake is relatively shallow.

Q. Do you have a playground?

A. Not yet, but we hope to have one before the summer is over.

Q. What are the hunting opportunities at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?

A. You may hunt small game, waterfowl, deer and pheasant on property. You need the appropriate licenses and stamps which you have to purchase before your arrival. Each day that you hunt in the park a hunting pass must be purchased. The cost is $3.00/day for pheasant and $1/day for everything else. You must also have a State Park Admission sticker on your vehicle. Cost for cars with Wisconsin plates is $5/day or $20/year; for cars without Wisconsin plates the cost is $10/day or $30/year. If you arrive when the office is closed you must self-register for a hunting pass and admission sticker or be subject to a fine.

Q. Is it safe to use the park during the hunting season?

A. It is your decision but there has never been an injury of a non-hunter in the park due to hunting. No rifles or handguns are allowed for hunting, only shotguns which lowers the chance of injury. However, if you are still uncomfortable there are several things you can do. Wearing blaze orange will make you more visible. You may hike before 9:00am or after 2:00pm. The Visitor Center nature trail and the Green trail are in the "No Hunting" area.

Q. Do you rent canoes or boats?

A. No but you may bring your own! Please remember the only motors allowed on the lake are electric. You may also call Tippecanoe Rentals at (262) 537-3227.

Q. Where can I fish in the park?

A. In Vern Wolf Lake, which has an accessible fishing pier and the Urban Fishing Pond which is accessible. If you are 16 years of age or older you will need a fishing license to fish in the park. You need to obtain the license before you arrive, we do not sell them here. If you are fishing in the Urban Fishing Pond and are 16 years of age or older, you will also need an Inland Trout Stamp. Please be aware this pond has a special season in which only persons under 15 or persons with disabilities may fish--that season is mid-March through late-April (see regulations for actual dates). You must also have a State Park Admission sticker on your vehicle. Cost for cars with Wisconsin plates is $5/day or $20/year; for cars without Wisconsin plates the cost is $10/day or $30/year.

Q. Do you rent horses?

A. No. There is no facility that rents horses to bring into the park to ride though there are places to rent and ride horses off-property. You may bring your own horse, there are 13 miles of trails, unloading is at Parking Lot J. Anyone 16 years of age or older will need a Trail Pass.

Q. Are there Bicycle Trails?

A. The hiking trails, North of Hwy 142 double as mountain bike trails. They are grassy and very level. In the spring they are often quite wet. Anyone 16 years of age or older will need a Trail Pass. Paved roads may be ridden without a Trail Pass. No bikes are allowed on any trail south of Hwy 142.

Q. Are fireworks allowed at the park?

A. No, not even sparklers.

Q. How do I get to the hiking trails?

A. All hiking trails begin at the trailhead parking lot which is located just east of the Visitor Center. The trails are all named after colors. Look for the bulletin board with colored arrows. Just follow the colored arrows to the trail that you would like to hike.

Q. How do I rent a shelter?

A. We begin taking reservations for shelters on the first working day after January 1st. Reservations may be submitted in person or by mail. Telephone reservations may be made during June, July and August for dates during that period. Reservations will not be confirmed until payment is received. Reduced rate stickers ($3.00) are available for large groups for day use at shelters with a minimum charge of $60.00. You must arrange for these stickers at least 7 days in advance of your visit and distribute them yourself. There is a carry-in, carry-out policy for all garbage and recyclables.

Q. Are there X-country Ski trails?

A. When there is sufficient snow, the hiking trails turn into ski trails but they are not groomed. When the trails are snow-covered, hikers and pets must stay off the ski tracks. A trail pass is not required to ski but you must have a State Park Admission sticker on your vehicle. Cost for cars with Wisconsin plates is $5/day or $20/year; for cars without Wisconsin plates the cost is $10/day or $30/year.

Q. Do you have Snowmobile trails in the park?

A. The park itself doesn't have snowmobile trails. There is a place to unload snowmobiles in the park and a trail that connects to the County trails. We do not monitor snowmobile trails, that is done by the snowmobile groups. Trails are usually open when there is at least 6" of snow on the trail. Riding on the trails when there is less snow damages them and is bad for your machine. If you park in the park you must have a State Park Admission sticker on your vehicle. Cost for cars with Wisconsin plates is $5/day or $20/year; for cars without Wisconsin plates the cost is $10/day or $30/year. To ride on public trails, snowmobiles must be registered in the state or the rider must possess a trail pass.