Willow River State Park Conditions

Conditions as of Thursday, June 11 , 2009:

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• Camping
• Fishing
• Nature
• Swimming
• Admission Stickers

Fishing

The persistent cold weather has made for slow fishing on Little Falls lake. Maybe by the weekend there will be enough warmth to turn the fishing back to good. The rain was welcome.

Swimming

The lake could still be a bit cool for swimming although the beach is open. There is a construction project in progress at the beach.

Nature

Deer fawns are out.

It is egg laying time for snapping turtles. One was spotted up near the old office building on the Yellow trail. That is a long way uphill from the lake. If a turtle happens to cross your campsite, just leave it go. The turtle is well equipped to defend itself with claws and a bite for which it is named. A hiss is a warning to stay clear and do not touch!

The Nature Center will be open depending on volunteer availability.

Campgrounds and Facilities

All campsites are now reservable including sites #33-37. Weekends will be full but there is some availability Sundays through Thursdays.

Reservations may made be for dates through October 31 by calling (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275 or using the Web. Campsite # 26 requires that someone in the camping party must have a disability. The group camp is also available for reservation.

Convenience stores nearby have firewood. Campers will find dry wood (oak) along the trail from the campground to the beach. Cutting trees that are already down is allowed with hand tools only, no power saws. Protect Wisconsin’s trees; leave the firewood at home! Any firewood brought into the park from a state other than Wisconsin or from more than 50 miles away will be confiscated and not returned upon your departure. There will be no refunds for commercially packaged firewood confiscated by park staff. Kiln dried lumber and boards are acceptable. Pallets will be confiscated.

When you arrive, buy a vehicle sticker (if you don't already have one) at the window and go inside to the counter to register for campinge. If the office is closed when you arrive, please self-register for camping and vehicle admission as needed outside the office. Self-registration camping stays are limited to two nights. Complete instructions and fees are posted above the yellow box and inside the bulletin board under the light. Annual stickers bought via self registration by campers may be picked up at the office.

Vehicle Admission Stickers

Please self-register for 2009 vehicle admission stickers as needed. Self-registration boxes and complete instructions are at the park office and several outlying parking areas. We will mail annual stickers and change as needed.

Reminder: If you are a Wisconsin resident and you enter the park in a vehicle with Minnesota or other out-of-state plates, non-resident vehicle admission fees apply. Self-registration camping is limited to only two nights until reservable dates end.

Other Conditions

Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Willow River State Park office, (715) 386-5931; Nature Center, (715) 386-9340. When the office is closed, the answering service has optional messages include seasonal topics like camping, skiing, and special events.