Recreation areas, trails, and most campgrounds set to re-open in Forest
Recreation areas, trails, and most campgrounds in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are set to re-open this week for the 2024 summer season. Weather permitting, all trails will re-open to approved recreation activities on May 1, 2024. The Chippewa campground at Miller Dam (Chequamegon Waters Flowage) will re-open on May 20, 2024. All other campgrounds will re-open on May 2, 2024.
“The 2024 camping season starts this week, and we are excited to see you in campgrounds and on trails enjoying the National Forest,” said Recreation Program Manager Karen Katz. “The team has been busy preparing campgrounds for public use by removing hazard trees, testing drinking water wells, and training campground hosts. We hope that everyone will be able to spend some time here this season. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned recreationist, please take some time to review the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and general safety reminders for recreating outdoors. Whether you’re seeking a rustic tent camping experience, setting off on a road trip in your Recreation Vehicle (RV), or planning a family picnic, there are many ways to make sure that your experience is fun and safe. USDA Forest Service officials recommend being prepared for upcoming outdoor recreation.”
Resources and information for making the most of your experience in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest this season are available online: Camping Safety Tips: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/ know-before-you-go/camping Occupancy and Use Restrictions: https://www.fs.usda. gov/alerts/cnnf/alerts-notices General Campground Information: https://go.usa.gov/ xHj4w Campground Reservations: www.Recreation.gov Rules and Restrictions for Dispersed Camping: https:// go.usa.gov/xHjDe The USDA Forest Service manages 44 developed campgrounds with anywhere from six to 99 campsites. Most sites accommodate up to eight people and a few campgrounds include group sites for up to 30 people. Amenities vary from pit or vault toilets to flush toilets and showers. Some sites provide trash collection, utility hookups, and dumping stations.
Trails were closed to recreational activities until May 1 this year as part of annual spring closures to help protect the integrity of the trails. Each year in spring, the USDA Forest Service closes trails to snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), mountain bikes and horses or other pack or saddle animals. Melting snow coupled with spring rain makes the ground vulnerable to damage. Keeping heavier traffic off the trails reduces rutting and erosion, which is more likely when the ground is saturated. Protecting the recreation trails with seasonal closures minimizes the need for summer closures to repair damaged segments.
