Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Current Conditions

Conditions as of Tuesday, November 3, 2009:

• Trails and Recreation
• Hunting
• Fishing, Boating and Swimming
• Camping
• Nature Center
• More Information

Trails and Recreation

Below is information for hiking, walking, jogging, dog walking, ATV/dirtbike, biking, and horseback riding trails at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. For the most current trail conditions, please call (262) 878-5600.

Please be aware that hunting began on this property September 1. It is your personal decision whether or not to use the park during hunting seasons. There has never been an injury of a non-hunter in the park due to hunting. No rifles or handguns are allowed for hunting, only shotguns and muzzle loaders. However, if you are still uncomfortable you have several options. Wearing blaze orange will make you more visible. Parts of the horse trail and the hiking trail on the southeastern end of the park are in the “No Hunting” area.

Hiking, Walking, Jogging

All trails are open.

ATV and Dirtbike Trails

ATV and dirtbike trails will be closed until May 2010.

ATV and Dirtbike Rules [exit DNR]

Biking

Trails are open depending on trail conditions, please call (262) 878-5600 for availability. A State Trail Pass is required for riders ages 16 and up riding on the trails. If the trails are closed, you may ride on the paved roads. Trail conditions this time of year are likely to be dry with some wet areas. Please ride responsibly to not degrade the trails.

Horseback Riding

Trails are open depending on trail conditions, please call (262) 878-5600 for availability. A State Trail Pass is required for riders ages 16 and up riding on the trails. If trails are closed, you may ride on the paved roads at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Please ride responsibly to not degrade the trails. You are required to take any droppings and hay with you from the parking lots when you leave so the natural beauty of the park is not compromised.

Dog Walking

You may walk dogs on the paved roads and hiking trails. They are not allowed on the two nature trails. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet and under control at all times. You are required to pick up after your dog. The pet picnic area adjacent to Shelter #2 is open.

Camping

The Sunrise Campground 200 loop remains open until December 7. These campsites have electrical hookups. Pit toilets and hand pumps are located through that loop.

Sunset campground is closed for the season.

All water to the campgrounds and dump station is turned off for the season.

The bathhouse at the beach is now closed for the season.

Camping reservations can be made by calling (888) 947-2757 or by visiting Reserve America [exit DNR].

The Accessible Cabin is closed for the season.

Camping Fees

Firewood is available nearby. You may ask for maps to local vendors when you arrive.

Firewood Notice: Any firewood brought in from more than 50 miles away or from a quarantined area [PDF, 102KB] or from out of state will be confiscated due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers [exit DNR]. Kenosha County is currently under a quarantine, no wood may be taken from here to another county.

Nature

The wildlife refuge water north of the observation platform has drained due to a failure of the water control structure. We will use this opportunity to improve habitat before repairing the structure. This means there will be no water this fall. Unfortunately, this means there will be no sandhill crane viewing though they may use other parts of the property. This lack of water may also affect property waterfowl populations.

The short-eared owls have returned to the property. Best viewing is at dusk. Hunters be aware they flush from the ground, please know your target before you shoot!

Upcoming Naturalist Programs [exit DNR]

Hunting

Please see hunting regulations and maps. Please check park regulations for opening and closing times. Check with the office as well, our times may differ from the regulations.

Hunters may not use rifles or pistols at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. A daily hunting permit is needed to hunt here - $3 for pheasant and $1 for all other game.

Target shooting and sighting-in firearms is prohibited. Hunters need to practice the four rules of firearm safety and remember that others are recreating here.

Hunting Seasons at Richard Bong:

• Goose - opens October 17 and closes December 17, 2009
• Mourning Dove - opens September 1 and closes November 9, 2009
• Crow - opens September 12 and closes November 19, 2009
• Archery Deer - opens September 12 and closes November 19, 2009
• Fall Turkey - opens September 12 and closes November 19, 2009
• Squirrel - opens September 12 and closes January 31, 2010
• Pheasant - opens October 17 and closes December 31, 2009
• Coyote - open all year

Fishing, Boating and Swimming

Vern Wolf Lake experienced a winter kill and fishing is poor for pan fish at this time. The urban fishing pond is open, but fishing has been poor.

Fishing Regulations

The bathhouse at the beach is closed for the season.

Gas powered motors may not be used at Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

More Information

Annual vehicle admission stickers for 2009 are available and are valid from date of purchase through December 31, 2009.

Weather [exit DNR]

Please call Richard Bong State Recreation Area, (262) 878-5600, for daily updates of open/closed trails and other information.

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