Camping Rules & Information

A Camping Reservation is a permit to camp at designated camping locations in the Dane County Park System. Camping fees must be paid prior to use of a Park facility. Please visit our Fees page for more information.

• Cancellation & Change Policy

• To reserve a park facility, including a campsite or shelter, you must be at least 18 years of age.
• Campers must register for or have a reservation for a Campsite prior to setting up camp.
• Campsites must be registered/reserved by the Camping Party occupying the site.
• A Camping Unit must occupy the Campsite the first night of registration/reservation.
• No Campsite may be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
• Only one Camping Party (6 individuals) and two Camping Units (two tents or one RV and one tent) may occupy a campsite.
• Camping is only allowed in signed and designated areas.
• Washing vehicles and vehicle maintenance is NOT allowed on campsites.
• You may move from your assigned campsite to another available campsite for a $5 fee by changing your reservation at www.reservedane.com (Login and then go to My Account, Change a Reservation).
• Camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights. All members of the camping party and camping unit must vacate the campground for at least 48 hours before being eligible for an additional 14-night registration at the campground.
• Park staff may close a Campsite and move a Camping Party at any time to protect the condition of the Campsite and surrounding park land.

• Parks open at 5:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m.
• Campgrounds are closed to non-campers from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.  All visitors must vacate the Campground by 10:00 p.m.  
• Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.  Please be considerate of your camping neighbors. Excessive and disruptive noise is prohibited at all hours.
• A Camping Party may not set up or take down a Campsite between 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. unless approved by a parks employee or law enforcement officer.
• Camping permits begin at 3:00 p.m. on the first day of permit registration and expire at 2:00 p.m. on the last day of the permit registration.

• No person may engage in any loud or disruptive behavior that causes a disturbance.     
• No person may operate any sound device, loudspeaker, generator, air conditioner or other device that produces excessively loud or unusual noises without approval from park staff.
• It is illegal to deface, destroy or vandalize any park property or natural growth. 
• All controlled substances and paraphernalia, identified in Chapter 161, WI State Statutes, shall be prohibited from use or possession.  
• No personal items or equipment may be left unattended in the restrooms/shower areas.

• No more than two (2) motor vehicles or a vehicle and trailer may be parked within the parking area of any Campsite; up to six (6) motorcycles are permitted. At WG Lunney Lake Farm Park certain campsites only have space for one vehicle; overflow parking is provided. At Mendota Park, only one boat is permitted at boat campsites. Park staff may require excessive number of vehicles to be relocated or removed from the campground. Additional parking may be available in other park parking lots.  In this case an overnight parking permit may be issued.
• Vehicles are restricted to designated roadways and parking areas. All vehicles, trailers, and motorized camping units must be parked fully on the campsite parking pad. No vehicle is allowed on turf at any time.

• Only firewood originating from within Dane County is allowed in the parks. See the Firewood Rules & Information webpage for more information.
• Fires are only permitted in fire rings and may not be left unattended.
• Only charcoal fires are allowed in the freestanding grills.  No branches, sticks, or firewood in grills.
• Do not place hot coals on the ground or in trash containers.

• Pets are permitted in the Campground with a registered camper at no additional charge and must be kept on-leash at all times.  
• Pet waste must be cleaned up and placed in the proper receptacles.
• Dogs/pets cannot be left unattended.
• Pets are not allowed in restroom or shower facilities, buildings, playgrounds, or designated beach areas at Goodland, Mendota, and Stewart Lake County Parks.