Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, WI native who was America's leading air ace during World War II. The air base was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Richard Bong State Recreation Area?
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 Richard Bong State Recreation Area in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, ice fishing, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and nature centers. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, hunting and nature centers. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, horseback riding, nature centers and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, horseback riding, hunting, nature centers and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Richard Bong 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 Richard Bong 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 Richard Bong State Recreation Area?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: White River State Trail (15 mi), Big Foot Beach State Park (16 mi) and Kettle Moraine State Forest – Mukwonago River Unit (21 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Accessible cabins
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Mountain & fat biking
- Nature centers
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Picnics & shelters
- Sledding
- 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: 26313 Burlington Rd. Kansasville, WI 53139
- Phone: 262-878-5600
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible cabin
- Accessible fishing pier
- Accessible hunting blind
- Nature classroom
- Adaptive equipment: Beach access mat
- Universal trail: Visitor Center Nature Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- White River State Trail (15 mi)
- Big Foot Beach State Park (16 mi)
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Mukwonago River Unit (21 mi)
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit (27 mi)
- Hank Aaron State Trail (29 mi)
Closures and alerts for Richard Bong 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.