Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Newport 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 Newport State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and stargazing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, biking, stargazing and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, stargazing and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, stargazing, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Newport State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Newport 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 Newport 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 Newport State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Rock Island State Park (13 mi), Peninsula State Park (14 mi) and Whitefish Dunes State Park (23 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Stargazing
- 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: 475 Cty Hwy NP Ellison Bay, WI 54210
- Phone: 920-854-2500
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Adaptive equipment: Beach wheelchair
- Universal trail: Fern/Europe Bay Trail Loop
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Rock Island State Park (13 mi)
- Peninsula State Park (14 mi)
- Whitefish Dunes State Park (23 mi)
- Potawatomi State Park (34 mi)
- Pike Wild River (47 mi)
Closures and alerts for Newport 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.