Wisconsin state parks and trails are pet friendly

Responsible pet owners and their furry friends are invited to enjoy Wisconsin’s State Parks and trails.

However, to ensure everyone’s enjoyment, there are a few common sense things all pet owners must do.

KEEP YOUR PET ON A LEASH

Pets must be kept on a leash that is no longer than 8 feet at all times while in the park. This helps maintain control and ensures the safety of your pet and others.

PETS MUST BE UNDER CONTROL:

It’s important for pet owners to keep their furry companions under control throughout their park visit. Your pet should not interfere with the enjoyment of other visitors in any way. Failure to properly control your pet or if your pet creates a public nuisance or disturbance may result in being asked to leave the park or even receiving citations. Remember, leaving your pet unattended can be inconsiderate to others and may lead to potential problems.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF PET WASTE:

As pet owners, it is our responsibility to ensure the prompt and appropriate disposal of our pets’ waste. Please use of the available dumpsters or trash receptacles to dispose of any waste generated by your pets.

AREAS WHERE PETS ARE ALLOWED:

Pets are generally allowed in most areas of Wisconsin State Parks, including campgrounds, trails, roads, and outlying regions. You can happily explore and enjoy these sections of the park with your furry companions.

AREAS WHERE PETS ARE RESTRICTED:

To maintain the overall park experience and ensure safety for all visitors, there are some areas where pets are not permitted. These restrictions apply to all pets except for service animals assisting individuals with disabilities.

The restricted areas include: –

Buildings and picnic shelters
Amphitheaters – Picnic areas (unless a designated pet picnic area is specified) – Beaches (except for designated pet swim areas)
Playgrounds – Marked nature trails – Cross-country ski trails when groomed for skiing – Observation towers – Indoor group camps and associated facilities
Designated “pet-free areas” specifically identified on the park properties Please note that there are certain specific locations where pets are not allowed, such as the quiet area at Loop 1 of the Pinewoods Campground in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. Additionally, pets are not permitted in Copper Culture State Park, Heritage Hill State Park, and Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area, as these properties have instituted pet-free policies.

By being mindful of these guidelines, we can ensure the enjoyment and safety of all visitors to Wisconsin State Parks. Let’s make it a pleasant experience for everyone!.

For more information, including pet picnic and swim areas, see the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.