Lake Kegonsa State Park, located in central Wisconsin, offers everything a nature lover needs. You’ll find beautiful views on the lake, miles of scenic hiking, and excellent hunting and fishing.
More than five miles of trails will lead you around the lake and through the dense, green forests that surround the water. Take a boat out onto the water and enjoy the calm of Lake Kegonsa. Bring rod and reel and try to catch one of the many species of fish that populate the lake. Hunters will find plenty to keep them busy as well, with a wide variety of game calling the park home.
The park also has an abundance of plants and wildlife. You’ll find over 20 species of mammals in the park, as well as 60 species of birds that visit the park throughout the year.
Visiting during the winter? No problem. The miles of trails are converted into a well-groomed cross-country skiing course. And you can head out onto the lake to try your hand at ice fishing.
With over 90 campsites located within the park, your rig will be within walking distance to Lake Kegonsa. No matter how long you plan on visiting, you’ll always have something new to explore at Lake Kegonsa State Park during an RV trip.
Located in central Wisconsin, Lake Kegonsa State Park is within driving distance of multiple major cities in the region.
If you are coming from Milwaukee, the park is just a quick drive on I-94, and you will reach the park in a little over an hour. Driving from Madison, take US-12 and US-18 and you’ll reach the park in around 20 minutes.
The park can also be reached from major cities outside of the state, such as Chicago and Minneapolis. If you are coming from Chicago, take I-90 and you will reach the park in about two hours. From Minneapolis, take I-90 and I-94 and you will arrive at the park in a little over four hours.
At the park, you’ll find that the main roads are well maintained, taking you directly to the main campground.
There are 96 campsites available, 68 of which can be reserved in advance. All of the campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and allow pets. 29 of the sites have electrical hookups. The max RV lengths vary widely, with a maximum of 120 feet, so make sure that the campsite you are booking is the right size for your RV.
There are drinking stations located throughout the campground, as well as flush toilets and a dump station.
The campsites are open from May through November. Reservations can be made online, where you can also see more details on the campsites. Peak season tends to be in the summer. If you plan on visiting the park during this period, you should consider booking well in advance, as the campground fills up quickly.
About one-third of the campsites at Lake Kegonsa State Park Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis from May until November.
Lake Kegonsa State Park is a great place to take a boat out and enjoy the water. Take a kayak out and explore the shores of the lake. Or bring a canoe and relax on the water with your family. The lake is large, so you won’t have to worry about crowding, even during peak months. There is a boat launch that makes getting out onto the water easy. No motors of any kind are allowed on the lake.
One of the most popular activities at the park is fishing. And for good reason. You’ll find a wide variety of fish species in the lake, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, musky, and catfish.
Fishing is excellent any time of year, but really stands out from April through September. You’ll also need a Wisconsin state fishing license if you plan on fishing in the park.
If you want a more relaxed way to enjoy the park, head to the beach. There’s plenty of room for you to lay out a beach towel and soak up the sun. There are concession stands where you can rent equipment.
There are also picnic areas located near the beach, so you’ll be able to have lunch right on the water. No pets are allowed on the beach, and there are no lifeguards on duty.
Those interested in hunting will also find plenty of game in the park. There’s a wide variety of excellent small game hunting, as well as great deer hunting. The varied terrain and secluded woods make every hunt interesting.
Do take note that there is no gun hunting allowed in the park. Only archery and trapping are allowed. And hunting regulations are strictly enforced throughout the park. Always make sure that you are hunting in season, and that you are in areas of the park where hunting is allowed. The park office provides hunting maps that will show you the restricted areas.
If you plan on coming to the park during the winter and still want to fish, no need to worry. The park offers excellent ice fishing. You’ll find the waters well populated with panfish, and there are also other species, such as walleye. Although the waters are full of fish, you’ll have to be patient, as they tend to move slowly in the colder months.
The park does not guarantee the safety of the ice, so you’ll need to check the conditions yourself before heading out onto the lake. Always get the latest ice thickness measurements, as they can change quickly. And make sure to bundle up.
During the winter months, the hiking trails around the park turn into a popular cross-country skiing course. There are trails that are designated for cross-country skiing during the winter, and they are groomed whenever there is snow on the ground. And you won’t have to worry about hikers on the trails when they are groomed, as they are designated for skiing only.
Keep an eye out for wildlife when you’re on the trail, as plenty of species still populate the park in the winter months.
