Social distancing, wearing a mask, and minimizing travel can have a major impact. Dane County is encouraging people to conduct business with County Departments via phone and email, where possible. Using prevention, we can slow the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable.
Please monitor Public Health Madison & Dane County’s website for more information.
Visit Public Health's Data Dashboard for the latest on COVID-19 case counts, hospitalizations, deaths, tests by date, and more.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
A Camping Reservation is a permit to camp at designated camping locations in the Dane County Park System. Camping fees must be paid prior to use of a Park facility. Please visit our Fees page for more information.
To reserve a park facility, including a campsite or shelter, you must be at least 18 years of age.
Campers must register for or have a reservation for a Campsite prior to setting up camp.
Campsites must be registered/reserved by the Camping Party occupying the site.
A Camping Unit must occupy the Campsite the first night of registration/reservation.
No Campsite may be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
One Camping Unit is allowed per Campsite unless additional units are approved by park staff.
Camping is only allowed in signed and designated areas.
Only one Camping Party (6 individuals) may occupy a Campsite.
You may move from your assigned campsite to another available campsite for a $5 fee by changing your reservation at www.reservedane.com (Login and then go to My Account, Change a Reservation).
Camping is limited to 14 days. The Camping Party and Camping Unit must vacate the Campground for at least 48 consecutive hours before being eligible for an additional 14-day registration at the same Campground.
Park staff may close a Campsite and move a Camping Party at any time to protect the condition of the Campsite and surrounding park land.
Hours
Parks open at 5:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m.
Campgrounds are closed to non-campers from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. All visitors must vacate the Campground by 10:00 p.m.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Please be considerate of your camping neighbors.
A Camping Party may not set up or take down a Campsite between 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. unless approved by a parks employee or law enforcement officer.
Camping permits begin at 3:00 p.m. on the first day of permit registration and expire at 3:00 p.m. on the last day of the permit registration.
Campground Conduct
No person may engage in any loud, drunken, or disruptive behavior that causes a disturbance.
No person may operate any sound device, loudspeaker, generator, air conditioner or other device that produces excessively loud or unusual noises without approval from park staff.
It is illegal to deface, destroy or vandalize any park property or natural growth.
All controlled substances and paraphernalia, identified in Chapter 161, WI State Statutes, shall be prohibited from use or possession.
No personal items or equipment may be left unattended in the restrooms/shower areas.
Vehicles
No more than two (2) motor vehicles or a vehicle and trailer may be parked within the parking area of any Campsite; up to six (6) motorcycles are permitted. At Mendota Park, only one boat is permitted at boat campsites. Vehicles are restricted to designated roadways and parking areas.
A permit is required for vehicles parked outside of the campsite area.
Campfires
Only firewood originating from within Dane County is allowed in the parks. See "Firewood" tab for more information.
Fires are permitted in fireplaces, grills, and fire rings only and may not be left unattended.
Do not place hot coals on the ground or in trash containers.
Pets
Dogs are permitted in the Campground with a registered camper at no additional charge and must be kept on-leash at all times.
Pet waste must be cleaned up and placed in the proper container.
