Hartman Creek State Park
Canoeists and kayakers looking for quiet lakes and hikers, off-road bikers, and horseback riders looking for a variety of trails should consider a visit to Hartman Creek State Park, in the center of Wisconsin near Waupaca.
A calm, foggy, fall morning at Hartman Creek State Park
DNR Photo
The 1,417-acre park provides outdoor recreation experiences in all seasons.
The park is in two ecological landscapes--forest transition and central sands.
Pope Lake and adjacent wetlands are designated as a state natural area. The Pope Lake Hiking Trail goes along one edge of the 80-acre natural area.
Hartman Creek State Park was established on June 22, 1966.
Camping
Hartman Creek State Park has a 101-site family campground and five group camping sites. The campsites are in either a red pine forest or an old apple orchard/hardwood mix of trees. The campground has spacious sites and has two shower and flush toilet buildings. From December 1 through April 1 both the family campground and group campground are closed.
This spring, our tepee campsite (Site 102) is being moved to a new location in the family campground, between and behind sites 38 and 39. This will make the tepee less susceptible to dampness and make it a more remote campsite.
Reservations can be made by to 11 months ahead of time by using the Web or calling (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275.
Picnicking
The Allen Lake Picnic Area is a short walk from the campground on an accessible trail. The picnic area includes tables, benches, grills, and swing sets
Another picnic area is at Whispering Pines, on the Waupaca Chain O' Lakes. This beautiful 30-acre property was donated to the park in 1977.
Shelter buildings are available for rent at both these locations (for family gatherings, reunions, company picnics, etc.). There is a rental fee, and each vehicle needs a park sticker, but special group rates may apply.
Nature Programs
Volunteer naturalists normally offer some interpretive programs, usually at the amphitheater, throughout the summer.
There also are outdoor skills programs, such as this fishing lesson.
DNR Photo
Hunting
Deer hunting is allowed in about half the park during the regular gun and bow seasons. Only deer may be hunted, no other wildlife. More...
In the Area
Emmons Creek Barrons
State Natural Area
Emmons Creek
State Fishery Area
Waupaca
& Chain O' Lakes [exit DNR]—Accommodations,
activities, dining, events, and more
Waupaca County Parks [exit DNR]
How to Get There
Hartman Creek is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Green Bay and about two hours north of Madison. It is west of Waupaca on Hartman Creek Road, south of State Highway 54 and north of State Highway 22. The park straddles the Waupaca-Portage county line.
Any motor vehicle entering the park must have or purchase a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker.
For more information, ask Hartman Creek State Park, N2480 Hartman Creek Rd., Waupaca WI 54981-9727, (715) 258-2372.
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