Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Lower Wisconsin is the longest free-flowing stretch of river in the Midwest. This 45,000-acre property extends along 92 miles of the river from Prairie du Sac to the confluence with the Mississippi River. A fantastically diverse resource with a wide variety of wildlife, fisheries, historical and archaeological sites, and scenic beauty found nowhere else. Abundant sand bars and islands are a popular destination for boat-in campers.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Lower Wisconsin State Riverway?
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 Lower Wisconsin State Riverway in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking and biking. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, biking and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, biking and horseback riding.
Do you need a state park sticker at Lower Wisconsin State Riverway?
No. Lower Wisconsin State Riverway doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
Can you camp at Lower Wisconsin State Riverway 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 Lower Wisconsin State Riverway?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Tower Hill State Park (16 mi), Governor Dodge State Park (16 mi) and Natural Bridge State Park (24 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is not required at the Lower Wisconsin Riverway.
- Hours: Hours vary by area along the riverway.
- Phone: 608-588-7723
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
- Tower Hill State Park (16 mi)
- Governor Dodge State Park (16 mi)
- Natural Bridge State Park (24 mi)
- Blue Mound State Park (28 mi)
- Belmont Mound State Park (30 mi)
Closures and alerts for Lower Wisconsin State Riverway: 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.