Resources for Your Visit

Updated 04-20-23

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Newport State Park Trails

There are 26 miles of ‘silent sport’ trails in Newport (hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing).  Trails consist mostly of hard-pack dirt, with occasional rocks and/or roots. Trails are considered easy to moderate, with little elevation change. Of special mention: Fern Trail is an ADA accessible interpretive trail. Poetry Trail features the work of local and regional poets.

Approximately 17 miles of trails are open to off-road bicycles. In the winter, over 20 miles of trail are open for cross-country skiing. There are 12 miles of groomed and tracked trail for classical skiing and two miles are groomed for skate skiing. About five miles of trail are open for snowshoeing.

Camping Information and Reservations

Newport has 17 backpack (hike-in) wilderness campsites (including one group site), all of which may be reserved. Most are situated along or near the Lake Michigan or Europe Lake shorelines. All require anywhere from a 1 to 3.5 mile walk from the closest parking lot. Refer to the trail maps above for location of numbered sites.

Amenities: All sites have a fire ring with an adjustable grill, a steel lock box for storage, and 1 or 2 wood benches. Pit toilets are located nearby each site (bring your own TP). Supplies must be carried in and out from campsites. All trash must be packed out.

Water: Pack in your own water or filtration device. Water is available at the park office or seasonally from a pump near the Lot 3 shelter building. Bathrooms in Park Headquarters are open 24/7.

Firewood: Campers may use any wood that is dead and down. It is illegal and unethical to cut wood from live trees. Firewood is not provided or sold at the park. It may be purchased from local vendors in season. Please do not bring non-local firewood into the park. Information about firewood and the risk of invasive species is here.

Reservations: Campsite reservations can be made online here or by calling 1-888-947-2757.

Swimming and Picnicking

The Newport Beach Area (Parking Lot 3) offers a picnic area complete with a well, tables and grills, restrooms and a reservable shelter building near Lake Michigan. Changing stalls are available for those who wish to sun or swim at Newport’s sand beach. No lifeguards are on duty.

Boating, canoeing, and kayaking

There is no boat launch at the park. Users of canoes, kayaks, or floatation devices should be aware of the wind conditions on Lake Michigan. Strong west winds can blow watercraft away from the shoreline. Small watercraft and rubber rafts require personal floatation devices.

Pets

Pets are allowed on designated trails and campsites, provided they are kept on a leash no more than 8-foot long and are under control at all times. Pets are NOT allowed in the picnic area or on the beaches. Please pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly. There are dumpsters located by the maintenance shop.

Fishing

Fishing is available in Lake Michigan and Europe Lake in the northern part of the park. Fishing licenses apply.

Hunting and Trapping

Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties. For more information on state park hunting rules, regulations and season dates, please see the DNR website here.