Plan ahead for a successful July 4 weekend outdoors

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to plan ahead this Fourth of July weekend by making camping reservations and purchasing their 2024 annual vehicle admission stickers and state trail passes online.

A Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in most state parks, forests and recreation areas.

When a vehicle admission pass is purchased online, visitors can immediately use the email confirmation as proof of purchase by printing their receipt and placing it on their driver’s side dashboard. Annual admission customers will receive a physical sticker by mail.

For those looking to bike, daily and annual state trail passes can also be purchased online.

Customers who purchase a trail pass online will receive an email receipt that can serve as proof of purchase. The receipt can be printed and carried or downloaded to a Google or Apple digital wallet. Paper passes will not be mailed to customers for online orders.

Trail passes can also be purchased in person. If purchased in person, customers will receive a paper trail pass.

Avoid the crowds at a hidden gem

Wisconsin state parks are popular destinations on holidays and long weekends, and visitors may experience long lines to enter, limited parking availability and crowded trails and picnic areas.

To make the most of the holiday, park goers are encouraged to explore lesser-visited state properties to avoid congestion at the most visited parks. With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, several state recreation areas, wild rivers and flowages to discover, there are plenty of places to find adventure while avoiding the crowds.

Find a new Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area to explore with the DNR’s Find A Park tool, and check out the DNR’s hidden gems and exploration maps to learn about under-the-radar properties around the state.