High Cliff State Park RV & Campground Guide
Wisconsin
- Home
- State Parks
- Wisconsin
- High Cliff State Park
High Cliff State Park is located near Sherwood in Wisconsin. It’s the only state-owned recreational area on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest lake. Covering an area measuring 1,187 acres, the state park contains stunning cliff environments, an undisturbed wet-mesic forest, and more than a mile of Lake Winnebago shoreline. Its Effigy mounds, which were built between 1,000 and 1,500 years ago by nomadic Siouan Indians, are also important archaeological features. High Cliff State gives visitors the chance to partake in outdoor activities such as camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, fishing, and hunting. Multiple trails are also available for biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Wildlife in the park includes fox, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, deer, and woodchucks, among other animals. High Cliff is also a birders paradise, with many flocking here in spring to watch the migration of the warbler. While its winters are moderately warm, the region experiences sub-zero winters, experiencing a low of just 10°F. If you’re planning a visit to High Cliff State Park, you’ll certainly want to come prepared. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about camping, in-park activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 22°F - 67°F
Summer 55°F - 81°F
Fall 28°F - 73°F
Winter 10°F - 31°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in High Cliff State Park
Looking to camp within High Cliff State Park? While the park provides both tent and RV camping, we recommend visiting this stunning place in an RV to have access to your own cosy bed, fully-stocked kitchen, and private bathroom. If you don’t own one, you can easily rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget and needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
The state park has 112 regular (family) campsites, 32 of them with electric hookups, and eight group sites. Pets are permitted in the family and group campgrounds. Amenities include toilets (flush and vault), showers (May to mid-October), and a dump station.
There are also several campgrounds located within vicinity to the state park, three of which we’ve listed below.
Hickory Oaks Campground
AtHickory Oaks Campground, you can set up camp nestled within a wood of majestic oak and hickory trees, surrounded by a spring-fed, 4-acre lake. There are 29 sites with water and electric hookups, as well as 48 no-hookup sites on offer. Rates start at $24 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: toilets, showers, dump station, laundry facilities, sandy beach for swimming and fishing, pavilion, firewood for sale.
Hucklberry Acres Campgrounds/Bar Restaurant
Hucklberry Acres Campground is just over a 40-minute drive from the state park, so you’ll never be too far from the action. Along with a number of in-park amenities to help you and your family have a comfortable stay, there’s also a restaurant, bar, and beach on-site! RV rates are $35 per day.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: general store, restaurant, bar, swimming / fishing pond, playground, arcade, mini golf, beach, dump station.
Apple Creek Campground
Just a 25-minute drive from the state park isApple Creek Campground, which offers 135 RV/tent sites nestled throughout 20 acres. It’s a great home base for visiting all of the great area attractions around Green Bay or Appleton. RV sites start at $40 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: heated swimming pool, fishing (catch and release), planned activities, playground, dump station, convenience store, game room, laundry room, showers, restrooms, sport courts, snack bar, picnic tables, fire rings.
What to Do at
High Cliff State Park
Inside High Cliff State Park
While High Cliff State Park is popular due to its camping, it’s also a widely-visited region because of the number of fun recreational activities on offer. With its picturesque trails, historic Effigy mounds, lakeside setting, and more, you certainly won’t be bored during your time here.
Hiking : The park features more than 25 miles of trails which are used for hiking, biking, horse riding, and winter activities. The most popular of these include the Butterfly Pond Trail, Indian Mound Trail, and Lime Kiln Trail.
Winter activities : Of the park’s 25 miles of trails, many of these can also be used for winter activities when they are covered in snow. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and fat tyre biking.
Boating : The state park has four developed boat launches, allowing visitors to partake in windsurfing, kite boarding, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The marina also has over 100 slips available for rent. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required to use the launches.
Swimming : Lake Winnebago’s shoreline in the park also provides a swim area for visitors. No lifeguards are on duty, so always take care. Amenities near the swimming beach include a bathhouse with flush toilets, showers, changing areas, and open shelters.
Fishing : Both the Butterfly Pond and Lake Winnebago provide fishing opportunities, however you'll need a Wisconsin fishing license. Anglers can expect to catch species such as largemouth bass, panfish, walleye, white bass, and perch.
Outside High Cliff State Park
If you thought there was plenty to do inside of the park, then you’ll be surprised by just how many experiences are on offer outside of the park too. High Cliff State Park is surrounded by breath-taking locations and is just over 12 miles from Appleton, the heart of the Fox River Valley.
Restaurants
Mohnen's
Mohnen's is one of the most popular restaurants within the region and for good reasons too. They serve up American comfort eats, plus take-&-bake meals, all at reasonable prices. Locals highly commend the service, portion sizes, and food quality. Don’t forget to try the hand-dipped ice cream too!
Type: American family restaurant
Location: Appleton, WI
The Outpost
The Outpost is a family-owned pub that has been in operation since 2005. Stop by and enjoy their take on “mid-west comfort meets American pub food”. There’s even weekly trivia, happy hour, and live music.
Type: Pub
Location: Sherwood, WI
TJ Sushi & Japanese Steak House
Located just a 15-minute drive from the state park isTJ Sushi & Japanese Steak House, a contemporary and low-lit restaurant serving some of the best Japanese food you’ll ever eat. Locals love their sushi, hibachi style grill, and full bar.
Type: Japanese
Location: Appleton, WI
Sightseeing
The History Museum at the Castle
Located in Appleton is theHistory Museum at the Castle, which houses exhibits on Houdini and other significant Fox Valley people and events. Check theevent schedule for the latest museum activities. Admission ranges from $7 - $12.
Location: Appleton, WI
Bay Beach Amusement Park
If you’re craving a family day out that involves fun rides at a beachside setting, then a trip toBay Beach Amusement Park is highly recommended. It’s around a 45-minute drive from the state park and offers both free admission and parking. Ride tickets are just $.25 each with most rides requiring one or two tickets per rider.
Location: Green Bay, WI
Menominee Park Zoo
Menominee Park Zoo is also within vicinity of the state park and promises a great day out for visitors of all ages. This 8-acre zoo has a rotating roster of 30-50 native and exotic animals on display each year. Admission is free for all ages.
Location: Oshkosh, WI
How to Get to
High Cliff State Park
High Cliff State Park is 9 miles east of Menasha on State Highway 114. Turn south off Highway 114 at Pigeon Road and go about 1.6 miles to the State Park Road. Turn left on State Park Road to the park entrance.
To reach the park from the south, take US Highway 151 north from Fond du Lac about 18 miles. Continue north on Wisconsin Highway 55 to Sherwood. Turn left on State Highway 55/114. Stay on Highway 114 for about 2 miles to Pigeon Road. Turn left on Pigeon Road and go about 1.6 miles to the State Park Road. Turn left on State Park Road to the park entrance.
Entering High Cliff State Park
Avehicle admission sticker (costing $3 - $15) is required to enter the state park.
We’re very excited you’re planning a trip to High Cliff State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]. We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About High Cliff State Park
You can visit the park any time of the year. In the spring, the flowers bloom. In winter, you can see the snow and ice on the cliffs, and in the summer, you can enjoy the warm weather and go swimming.
The climate is typical of the Midwest, with hot summers and cold winters. However, because of its location on the escarpment, High Cliff State Park experiences cooler temperatures than the surrounding area.
High Cliff State Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. It provides a habitat for deer, squirrels, red foxes, great blue herons, raccoons, and birds such as hawks, eagles, and vultures.
High Cliff State Park offers tent and RV camping, with electrical and water hookups. There are also dump stations for easy disposal of waste. Hiking and biking trails are also present for you to have fun in the park.
The park is pet-friendly, so you don't have to leave your furry friend at home when you come to enjoy the great outdoors. Dogs must always be on a leash, but two picnic areas are designated as dog-friendly.