Wisconsin Hiker Biker sites

[Gypsea]

In spite of the document ACA has and what I read therein, I just spoke to someone at one of the state parks (Kohler SP) and here's what they told me...

Most state parks have just one hiker biker site.  First come. If that site is full, and all other campsites are full (weekends usually are), you will be turned away and not allowed to camp in the state park. They will not accommodate a hiker/biker if no designated site is available.  Just a heads up if you are going to Wisconsin expecting a no turn away response.

Anyone have recent first hand experience or more information, I'd welcome your comment.

[driftlessregion]

Wisconsin state parks will not turn away a cyclist if the campground is full. The site they offer may not be great and may not have a table, (I speak from experience) and they only offer this for one night. Kohler-Andrae State Park is very nice. Give a try.

[Gypsea]

Thanks for the input. I wonder why, then, when I called Kohler SP on 6/5/24, the person (ranger?) I spoke to said they WOULD turn me away.  She seemed somewhat familar with the document regarding this, from which I read. It would be pretty stressful to arrive late in the day and be told I have to go someplace else, especially since I don't know the area.  I decided I would call each of the state parks that I expect to visit and ask the same question.

[driftlessregion]

I found this on the Adventure Cycling website  https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/no-turn-away-bike-camping-policies/ and  https://www.adventurecycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wisconsin-no-turn-away-policy.pdf. I will continue to find the citation from state admin code for you to quote when arriving at a park. We had to do that once. Again, don't be surprised if the site offered isn't great. Wisconsin state park campgrounds have been very full last few years.

[Gypsea]

Yes, I have the document that is provided by Adventure Cycling.  If one reads the last four paragraphs, it sort of gives them the option of turning people away.  I called each of the four state parks I planned on visiting.  The DNR manages them and pretty much said we'll turn you away if no spot.  The only one that I will make a reservation for is Kohler.  The others said they would find a place. 
I'd recommend anyone using the hiker biker sites to read the ACA documents carefully and call the individual parks.  However, I know from personal experience that Washington State and Oregon will always take care of any hiker/biker who needs a place to camp.
Tailwinds....

[John Nelson]

What one person tells you would theoretically happen in the future is almost irrelevant. People get their own policies wrong all the time, and the person you talk to today may not be the same person there when you get there. Whenever you can find an official policy in writing, carry a copy with you.

[Gypsea]

Thanks and yes I'll have my copy. And names of the supervisors I spoke to.  I'm sure it will all work out and looking forward to exploring Wisconsin!

[driftlessregion]

Here is what I received from the staff of my state representative:
"Good morning,

I wanted to follow up on your question around the administrative code for the non-motorized camper policy, as I've recently heard back from DNR with some additional information.

When I inquired about the PDF you included, they shared that this looks like a section from their Recreation Area Operations Handbook (HB2505-10). Typically, handbooks are used simply for staff guidance or reference and are defined as "containing continuing procedures, standards, instructions, and techniques that provide functional explanations and steps to follow. They are primarily used by specialists, though some may be widely used."

To answer your original question, these staff guidance documents aren’t in statute or code, but are instead developed by the department. Regardless of the origin, DNR did share that the department does still follow the policy outlined in the text. "

You may have to push a little and ask for a supervisor, as we have done. Don't give up. There are some great parks here in Wisconsin and especially in the Driftless Region

[Gypsea]

Thank you driftlessregion!  What you've stated is sort of what I gathered from the various SP I spoke with.  Still fine tuning logistics and where there's no SP for camping, nor church yard, I'll just stay in a hotel!