Hiking or Backpacking Newport State Park - [Ellison Bay: Door County, WI]


Where is Newport State Park?

Newport State Park is located in Wisconsin, on the on the eastern side of the Door County Peninsula. Near the northern end of the peninsula, the park is approximately two hours from Green Bay, three hours from Milwaukee, and four hours from Madison.

Why visit Newport State Park?

Per the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: 

"Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing."

The park is a great destination for anyone seeking a wilderness experience in the Midwest. It is also an excellent place for stargazers. 

 

What should one expect on the trails at Newport State Park?

There are four parking lots in the park and one additional parking area solely for campers at sites 14-16. It is a good idea to scout the map ahead of time, to determine where you'd like to hike, or camp.

Most of the trails are relatively wide and flat and wind through forested area. Trail surfaces are primarily dirt or grass. A few of the trails run adjacent to Lake Michigan or Europe Lake. The Lynd Point Trail and the Rowley's Bay Trail provide some particularly scenic views. There is also beach access, near Lot 3, on the Newport Trail. The trails in the northern section of the park feature rolling hills and are likely the most difficult of the trails offered in the park.

Water is available at the park office and seasonally near the picnic area adjacent to Lot 3. Year-round park hours are 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

 



Are pets allowed on the trails at Newport State Park?

Pets are generally welcome at Wisconsin State Parks, as long as they are attended and kept under control at all times. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than eight feet. Please remember to properly dispose of any waste created by you our your pet!

Additional information on bringing your pet to Wisconsin State Parks, provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, can be found here.

Is camping allowed at Newport State Park?

Newport State Park features 17 rustic hike-in campsites, including one group site. Site amenities include pit toilet facilities, benches, a fire ring with flip-up grill grate, and a lock box for your food and other scented items. Most of the sites are very near the water and/or have beach access. The park is quite popular, so we would definitely recommend reserving your campsite as far in advance as is practical.

Additional information on camping at Newport State Park can be located here.

Reserve your campsite here. 



Is there a fee to hike at Newport State Park?

The park does require a vehicle admission fee. The daily fee is currently $8 for vehicles with Wisconsin license plates and $11 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Annual Wisconsin State Parks vehicle admission stickers can be purchased for $28 or $38, respectively.

Useful links:

Park Website
 
Park Map

 

Check out the YouTube video! 


 

Location: Newport State Park, 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, USA

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