Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Just minutes from downtown Madison, Capital Springs State Recreation Area and Dane County's William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, offer many recreation opportunities, including camping, hiking and skiing trails, picnicking, fishing and a boat launch on Lake Waubesa. The Capital City State Trail connects both properties to the city of Madison and links to regional Dane County bicycle trails.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Capital Springs State Recreation Area?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, boating & paddling in June–September and ice fishing in January–February.
What can you do at Capital Springs State Recreation Area in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, boating & paddling, fishing, biking and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Capital Springs State Recreation Area?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Capital Springs State Recreation Area needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Capital Springs State Recreation Area in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. The DNR's pages for this property don't list winter camping.
What state parks and trails are near Capital Springs State Recreation Area?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Capital City State Trail (2 mi), Lake Kegonsa State Park (7 mi) and Governor Nelson State Park (9 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Phone: 608-224-3730
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Capital City State Trail (2 mi)
- Lake Kegonsa State Park (7 mi)
- Governor Nelson State Park (9 mi)
- Cross Plains State Park (14 mi)
- Badger State Trail (22 mi)
Closures and alerts for Capital Springs State Recreation Area: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.