Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Located on the beautiful Chain O' Lakes, Hartman Creek State Park is a quiet and friendly, natural gem and a popular destination in central Wisconsin. The park offers camping, boating, swimming, horseback riding and mountain biking opportunities, the historic Hellestad House log cabin, and four picnic areas including Whispering Pines along crystal-clear Marl Lake.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Hartman Creek State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Hartman Creek State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, ice fishing, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, horseback riding and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, horseback riding, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Hartman Creek State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Hartman Creek State Park 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 Hartman Creek State Park 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 Hartman Creek State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Tomorrow River State Trail (9 mi), Green Circle State Trail (22 mi) and Wiouwash State Trail (32 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Mountain & fat biking
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- 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.
- Address: N2480 Hartman Creek Rd. Waupaca, WI 54981
- Phone: 715-258-2372
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible fishing pier
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Tomorrow River State Trail (9 mi)
- Green Circle State Trail (22 mi)
- Wiouwash State Trail (32 mi)
- Mascoutin Valley State Trail (32 mi)
- Newton Blackmour State Trail (36 mi)
Closures and alerts for Hartman Creek State Park: 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.