5 Wisconsin state parks with bargain rates for campers this summer

If you're planning on camping this summer at a popular state park like Devil's Lake or Peninsula, it's going to cost you a little more.

As of Feb. 15, nightly rates went up at 38 properties around Wisconsin that have 80% occupancy rates during designated periods. But fees also went down at 36 others that are not as popular, with 30% occupancy rates.

The price changes are based on a new demand-based pricing system.

"We believe this new pricing structure will help us better manage the demand we're seeing at some of our highly used properties while encouraging use at our lesser visited properties." Ben Bergey, director of the Wisconsin State Park System, said in a statement.

RELATED: Wisconsin DNR to increase camping fees at most popular parks; cut fees at parks that get less traffic

At Devil's Lake, summer weekend prices jumped from $30 to $37 for an electric site and $20 to $22 for a nonelectric site. The park, Wisconsin's most popular, sees more than 2.5 million visitors every year. The daily entrance fee has also gone up at Devil's Lake, from $8 to $13 for Wisconsin residents and $11 to $16 for nonresidents. Annual admission stickers remain at $28 for residents and $38 for nonresidents.

But at parks like Lake Kegonsa in Stoughton, a nonelectric site on a summer weekday dropped from $20 to $15.

Even at $22, camping is still a bargain for a weekend getaway, and cheaper than many private campgrounds. At Merry Mac’s campground near Devil’s Lake, for example, the cheapest water and electric site during prime summer months is $42.50.

If you're looking to save a little on a camping trip at a state park this summer, consider a few things: opt for a nonelectric site, visit during the week, choose a walk-up site once you get to the park instead of reserving in advance (which will cost you a $9.65 reservation fee), and go to a less-popular park. Here are five worth a visit.

Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville

This state park offers terrific views of the Mississippi River from a handful of walk-in campsites and five short trails on a bluff 500 feet above the river. The rest of the campground offers plenty of foliage for privacy between sites.

Nonelectric sites cost $15 per night on weekdays and $16 on weekends. That's slightly cheaper than Wyalusing State Park, about 20 miles north, where nonelectric sites are $18 during the week and on weekends. Electric sites at Nelson Dewey are $26 and $28; Wyalusing's electric sites are $30.

In the area: Visit Stonefield, the country estate of the park's namesake, Nelson Dewey, Wisconsin's first governor. It's open 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Monday, May 26-Oct. 19.

Stop for beer, a bite and a bit of history at Potosi Brewery, about 20 miles south. The brewery is also home to the National Brewery Museum and across the street, the world's largest cone-top beer can, a 40-foot replica of a 1950s Good Old Potosi.

Take a drive along the Great River Road, which winds between bluffs and the Mississippi River. The road usually follows Highway 35 and is a national scenic byway.

RELATED: The Great River Road is perfect for a great Wisconsin road trip

Rocky Arbor State Park, Wisconsin Dells

Avoid the higher fees at Devil's Lake and prime summer rates at waterpark resorts with a stay at this small park just north of the Dells. The park is just off the interstate, so choose an interior site to get away from the worst of the highway noise (avoid sites 68-89 if you can).

Nonelectric sites are $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends; electric sites are $26 and $30.

In the area: Mirror Lake State Park is a gem in the state park system, with 19 miles of hiking trails and a placid, no-wake lake for paddling. The park’s campsites (and daily entrance fees) are also cheaper than Devil’s Lake, at $20 and $22 for a nonelectric site and $30 and $32 for an electric site.

The Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area is what made the area famous. Take in the sandstone formations along the river at Chapel Gorge, accessible via a parking lot off River Road north of downtown, or the Cambrian Overlook, on the west side of the river off 61st St.

Tour the summer shack of Wisconsin conservationist Aldo Leopold at the Aldo Leopold Foundation along the Wisconsin River in Baraboo.

Ishnala is a classic Wisconsin supper club on Mirror Lake. Reservations aren't accepted, so get there early to sip an Old Fashioned on the expansive deck overlooking the lake.

RELATED: Things to do in the Dells and Baraboo

Tower Hill State Park, Spring Green

This little park preserves land along the Wisconsin River, plus an old shot tower that was used to turn lead into shot in the 19th century. Two miles of trails wind through the park, including one that leads down to the base of the shaft the lead was dropped down.

The park’s campground is rustic (no flush toilets or showers) and small, just 11 nonelectric sites, almost guaranteeing quiet. They are all non-reservable and cost $15 during the week and $16 on the weekend.

In the area: One of the biggest benefits of Tower Hill is it can serve as a launch pad for exploring all the vibrant Spring Green area has to offer.

Taliesin, the Wisconsin home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is accessible only on a guided tour. The two-hour Highlights Tour, offered May through October, gives visitors a look at the architect's home, Hillside Studio and Theater.

The American Players Theatre is a premier outdoor theater, claiming to be the second largest in the country dedicated to the classics. This year, look for Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” and George Bernard Shaw’s “Heartbreak House.”

RELATED: American Players Theatre's 2018 season will highlight roles played by women

For more nature, head to Natural Bridge State Park, about 20 miles north. The park is home to Wisconsin’s largest natural stone arch.

About 15 miles south, the big and popular Governor Dodge State Park offers nearly 40 miles of hiking trails through rolling Driftless terrain. Check out the short Stephens’ Falls trail, which leads to a little 20-foot waterfall.

RELATED: Governor Dodge State Park is big on natural attractions

Roche-a-Cri State Park, Friendship

This park in central Wisconsin protects one of the only spots in the state for the public to see petroglyphs and pictographs. The American Indian drawings are visible at the base of the 300-foot rock outcropping for which the park is named. Five miles of trails wind through the park, including to the top of the mound where you can see other similar outcroppings in the area.

The campground is wooded and rustic (no showers or flush toilets). Nonelectric sites are $15 during the week and $16 on weekends; electric sites are $26 and $28.

RELATED: Ancient rock carvings, towering bluff make Roche-A-Cri a standout state park

In the area: Buckhorn State Park, 20 miles west, is situated on a peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage. Four miles of trails wind along the water and through wetlands, prairie and savanna. The park also has a swimming area and boat launches.

Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area, about 10 miles south, offers rustic hiking trails around three prominent mounds. Wear long-sleeves and DEET: It's prime habitat for ticks in the summer.

New Glarus Woods State Park, New Glarus

Similar to Tower Hill, one of the greatest benefits of this park is its proximity to a small town with a lot going on, including one of the state's biggest craft breweries.

But the park has its perks, too: 8 miles of hiking trails and a trail spur connecting the park to the 24-mile Sugar River State Trail for more hiking and biking.

Nonelectric sites are $15 on weekdays and $18 on weekends. The only electric site is an accessible site and costs $26 and $28. The 14 walk-in sites are situated along the trail spur and Highway 69, so be prepared for some highway noise if you choose one of those sites.

In the area: New Glarus Brewing, of course. The craft brewery that sells its beer only in Wisconsin and is most well-known for its ubiquitous Spotted Cow is just 1 mile north of the park. If you bike there, be prepared for the big climb up to the hilltop brewery. The reward is cold brews and views from a large beer garden.

In New Glarus, Puempel's Old Tavern has had just three owners since it opened in 1893. The beautiful cherrywood bar dates back to 1912.

The Sugar River State Trail crosses more than a dozen trestle bridges as it crosses the Sugar River and its tributaries. In Monticello, the trail intersects with the 40-mile Badger State Trail. Both are crushed stone trails.

RELATED: New Glarus is a slice of Switzerland in Wisconsin

More information: For more on camping at Wisconsin state parks, see wiparks.net. To make reservations, see wisconsinstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

Note that Reserve America is still in the process of updating rates for 2018; some of the reduced summer rates might not appear for a few more weeks.