Bong Recreation Area

12/10/2020

Tonight and tomorrow nights come on out to the Park.
Get away from the light pollution for a chance to see the
"Northern lights" aurora borealis ! ! !
It looks like the possibility / probability is Good
Remember the Park closes at 11pm

11/14/2020

Come visit the new STORYWALK® at the park.
Laminated pages from the children's book
“I am a Leaf” by Jean Marzollo are attached to posts
which are installed along the nature trail.
As you hike the trail search for the next page in the story. Additional activities like scavenger hunts, art projects, snack ideas, experiments and action songs are also included to help you explore nature and learn more about leaves. Bring your phone or camera to take photos of the extra activities that are posted as copies cannot be provided.
It’s a great way to enjoy reading
and the outdoors at the same time.
StoryWalks® have been installed in 50 states and 13 countries and was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and has developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
The book is aimed primarily at a K-2nd grade audience
but the whole family can enjoy the hike.
The .7-mile trail begins right behind the Visitor Center and is limestone-surfaced with some grade to it.
Currently, there are several washouts so do watch your step.
The park is open 6am-11pm.
Hunting is allowed at the park, but this trail is in a no hunting area.
The trail passes the new Nature Explore Classroom but that area is still closed to the public at this time.
There is no cost to hike but you will need to have or purchase a state park vehicle admission sticker. The 2021 stickers will be on sale December 1. For questions call (262) 878-5601.

10/20/2020

Park Hunting and Special Use Zone hours during pheasant hunting season:
* Pheasant hunting opens at 9am closes at 2pm

* Small game hunting opens at 9am closes at 2pm

* Gun deer hunting opens regulation hours but closes at 2pm

* Waterfowl hunting from a blind and archery deer opens and
closes regulation hours

* Waterfowl hunting north of Hwy 142
opens regulation hours and closes at 2pm

* SUZ opens at 2pm for rockets, airplanes and ATV & dirt bikes

* Dog training open at 3pm

09/09/2020

Saturday Sept.12th
Candlelight Hike is canceled !

07/15/2020

We just could not wait!!! Hope you all enjoy the WI Go Camping Show #2. If you hit subscribe and then the little bell, you will be notified of all the future videos. Please leave a comment in the comment section of the Youtube video. And, now, here's the link....

The second, and long anticipated, show for Wi Go Camping. Featuring, Park naturalists, crafts, songs, stories, and kayak adventures. The hour show is sponsor...

06/10/2020

Group sites are still closed

06/04/2020

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will reopen state campgrounds on Wednesday, June 10 with, special conditions to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. All park offices remain closed.

RESERVATIONS

🌞 Camping reservations will be accepted by phone (1-888-947-2757) and online only.

🌞 Check-in is now automatic and touchless -- proceed directly to your campsite and begin setup. Property staff will monitor occupancy.

🌞 Rock Island State Park remains closed through June 30. The Washington Island Ferry Line has also currently suspended all trips to and from the island.

🌞 Camping reservations for June 8 or 9 will be canceled and refunded; if reservations for a longer stay begin on June 8/9 and extend beyond June 10, your stay will automatically be adjusted to June 10.

GROUP CAMPING, SHELTER, AND AMPHITHEATERS

🌞 Group camping, shelter, and amphitheater reservations will be closed through June 30.

RESTROOMS AND BUILDINGS

🌞 Most restrooms at state properties are now open.

🌞 All other facilities will remain closed, including towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, contact stations and concessions.

🌞 Equipment rentals are unavailable at this time.

🌞 Attractions, including beaches, where social distancing cannot be achieved may close as needed.

FIREWOOD

🌞 Firewood is not available at state parks at this time and should be purchased before campers arrive.

🌞 Campers are reminded that certified firewood that has been properly heat-treated or aged must be purchased within 10 miles of their camping location to kill any infesting pests or diseases to protect Wisconsin’s trees.

ADMISSION

🌞 Annual park stickers and trail passes are required to visit state parks and trails – purchase online or by phone: 1-888-305-0398.

🌞 Annual trail and daily passes are NOT available for purchase in-person at our properties.

CAPACITY LIMITS REMAIN IN EFFECT

🌞 Due to high demand, many properties will likely reach their pre-determined capacity limits. When this happens, properties will close until existing visitors leave, and capacity is reduced.

Check out the full details at https://dnr.wi.gov/news/releases/article/?id=5147

06/03/2020

* * * Free Fun Weekend * * *

Saturday and Sunday , June 6 & 7, 2020

Time: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Activities: Free Fun Weekend, Outdoor activity

Location: Statewide

Free Fun Weekend in Wisconsin:
No state park admission stickers
or trail passes are required June 6-7, 2020.
It is also Free Fishing Weekend when people may fish without fishing licenses or state trout stamps.
Non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a non-resident trail pass to ride state ATV trails this weekend.

Saturday, June 6 is also National Trails Day.

05/18/2020

B**g Naturalist Association, (Friend’s group for Richard B**g State Recreation Area) announces ~ A Memorial Day weekend virtual camping experience, Wi Go Camp-in!

Wisconsin State parks remain closed for this Memorial Day and you might be missing out on all the fun of camping with your family and friends. Why not join the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks for some virtual camping fun on Sunday, 5/24/20, 6:30 at the first-ever WI GO Camp-in! Streaming live on YouTube.

Set up your campsite at home-in your house, driveway or backyard and post photos before joining this fun evening. For more information visit: https://sites.google.com/view/wi-go-camp-in/home

Listen to music, learn to make a craft or conduct nighttime experiments. Visit a frog pond, sample wild edible recipes, attend a turtle lunchtime, check out the night sky and much more! The event aims to bring the spirit of Wisconsin state parks right into your home, when you can’t be there in person.

05/04/2020

The park is re-opened May 1 with some restrictions.

Only annual sticker holders can access the park.

The only way to purchase an annual sticker is by phone
8am-3pm, seven days a week 888-305-0398
Park hours are 6am-7pm

Park is closed on Wednesdays for disinfecting

Campgrounds remain closed

Restrooms are closed

No drinking water is available

Playgrounds are closed,
including the Nature Explore Classroom

All programs, events and reservations are
canceled through May 26

The park will be patrolled to ensure there are no problems or overcrowding, if that is the case, visitor numbers may be limited or the park may re-close


Please be respectful and safe so the park can remain open

If you are not from Wisconsin
and your state has a stay at home order,
please do not leave your state

Do not gather in groups of more than 10,
less than five would be even better

Only recreate with members of your household-
-those living under the same roof

Carry out all pet waste, garbage and recycling

Dogs are not allowed at the Vista picnic area
or on the nature trail that starts at the Visitor Center

Dogs must be on a leash 8’ or shorter and picked up after

Don’t trespass, make sure the area you
are accessing is open to the public

Bring your own sanitizer and water

Don’t pick native plants or remove any animals from the park

If you see violations, please report them
or the park may have to re-close

04/28/2020

The park will reopen~
FRIDAY MAY 1st
There will be some restrictions.

Park will be closed on Wednesdays
It will only be open 6am-7pm other days
Visitors must have an annual sticker to get in, no daily admission stickers will be sold
All events and programs are canceled through May 26
Buildings, campgrounds, playgrounds, drinking fountains and restrooms will remain closed
Volunteer activities are suspended until May 26—we will continue to update you on this
If there are carrying capacity issues, limitations on numbers may be put in place
Stay safe everyone!

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers today directed the Department of Natural Resources to re-open several state parks, forests, and recreational areas originally closed due to unprecedented crowds and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health. The DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on ...