How to Get a Chippewa Moraine Permit
Three outpost sites on the Ice Age Trail — two a half-mile in, one five miles out by canoe.
Check Chippewa Moraine permit availabilityAbout Chippewa Moraine
Three backcountry sites along the Ice Age Trail.
The Chippewa Moraine is a piece of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, and the trail through it follows the edge of the last continental glacier in Wisconsin. DNR: "Hike or snowshoe the trails to see glacial kettle lakes, hummocks, ice-walled lake plains and wildlife." Three sites means the whole 23-mile trail network has three legal places to sleep.
The Experience
Kettle lakes in every hollow and hummocks between them, on foot only — no bikes, no horses, no engines. Two of the sites are close enough to walk in after work; the third takes a boat and most of an afternoon.
What to Expect
DNR: "Three outpost campsites provide a peaceful experience for those who enjoy primitive camping."
They are not equivalent. DNR: "Two of the sites are within a half-mile of the interpretive center. The third campsite is a canoe-in site about 5 miles away from the park headquarters."
"Each site has a fire ring and an open-air toilet." DNR makes no statement about water at the sites either way — plan to carry it.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the property and connects the interpretive centre, the loop trails and all three campsites.
"The trails are for foot travel only and motorized vehicles, horses or mountain bikes are not allowed in the Chippewa Moraine."
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Permit Requirements
"Camping reservations are required and can be made for the same day of your arrival or up to 11 months in advance of your planned date of occupancy. Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site."
Check-in is 3 p.m., checkout is 1 p.m.
No more than 14 days of camping in any 21 days.
The property is closed to non-campers between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Firewood must be certified or come from within 10 miles.
Fires in the fire ring only; carry out all rubbish.
Pets on a leash 8 feet or shorter and under control at all times near the visitor centre.
Vehicle admission stickers are required at the North and South Shattuck boat landings and at the County Highway M trailhead.
Certain federal entrance passes are honoured here — the property is part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve — but DNR is explicit that "camping fees are not affected."
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Water for the stay; DNR publishes no supply at the sites
- •A boat for the third site, which is canoe-in about 5 miles from headquarters
- •Rubbish bags
Recommended Gear
- •Snowshoes in winter — DNR lists snowshoeing as a main activity here
- •A map of the Ice Age Trail segment; 23 miles of it are marked across the property
Hazards & Safety
The canoe-in site is about five miles out and DNR names no water source on the way.
Ice, if you are here in winter. DNR: "Ice fishing is available. Staff members do not monitor ice conditions on the area lakes."
Wisconsin state park water systems are weather-dependent and may be off from roughly Oct. 1 through May 15.
Best Time to Visit
DNR publishes no season for the outpost sites and no seasonal recommendation for the property; it is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and DNR lists hiking, snowshoeing, backpack camping, fishing and bird watching as what people come for. Interpretive centre hours vary.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Chippewa Moraine permit?
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Chippewa Moraine permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Chippewa Moraine?
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DNR publishes no season for the outpost sites and no seasonal recommendation for the property; it is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and DNR lists hiking, snowshoeing, backpack camping, fishing and bird watching as what people come for. Interpretive centre hours vary.
What gear do I need for Chippewa Moraine?
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Essential gear includes: Water for the stay; DNR publishes no supply at the sites, A boat for the third site, which is canoe-in about 5 miles from headquarters, Rubbish bags.
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