Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails
Entrance Fee Waivers

Wisconsin state parks and forests offer two types of waivers for entrance fees.

School, Nonprofit, and Government Fee Waivers

Vehicle admission and trail fees may be waived for:

• Authorized public and private school events.
• Groups with mentally or physically disabled persons and their attendants brought by a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is improvement of their mental or physical health.
• People on official government business.

To receive such a waiver, complete a Vehicle Permit/Trail Fee Waiver Request [PDF] form and send it directly to the property from which you're requesting the waiver. The form must be received at the property at least seven days before the beginning of the planned activity. Stop at the property office for a courtesy permit when you arrive.

Disabled Veteran and Former Prisoner of War Fee Waivers

Beginning October 1, 2008, certain disabled veterans and former prisoners of war are eligible to receive waivers of vehicle admission and trail pass fees.

To apply for this fee waiver:

1. Download and complete the Disabled Veteran Free State Park/Forest/Trail Pass Application [PDF] and take it to your County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) to certify. The application must be signed and stamped by the CVSO.
2. Mail the certified application to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Parks and Recreation
101 S. Webster St. P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707

Do not send medical records to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The Bureau of Parks and Recreation will mail you an identification card to be presented each time you visit a state park, forest, or recreation area. The park, forest, or recreation area will then issue a courtesy pass for the day. When using state trails requiring a trail pass, carry the identification card with you.

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.