Thinking about setting up a tent or hammock for Canoecopia, any recommended spots in the greater Madison area for this time of year?

Dane county park campgrounds are closed until April. The closest campgrounds that I know of that are open for winter camping are state parks - Blue Mound State Park (west of Madison about 30 minutes), Mirror Lake State Park (near Wi Dells), and Devil's Lake State Park (near Baraboo).

I've stayed at Lake Keegonsa State Park just a few miles south of Madison. It is a nice campground but I don't know if it is open this time of the year.

Campground not open til May 1

I love Blue Mounds SP and recommend it. We camp there with the grandkids in summer and walk/ski there all year round. The only downside is there's sometimes overnight semi traffic noise from Hwy 18-151 even though it's a half mile away.

Reading this makes me wonder if in light of changes to the climate if parks should expand their season.

billconner: "Reading this makes me wonder if in light of changes to the climate if parks should expand their season."

It's going to get close to fifty degrees today. Nearly all the snow is gone.

However bike trails still had nearly 3' of snow on them at the start of April last year.

I wouldn't assume this year is indicative of a new normal quite yet.

Thanks for the suggestions here, much appreciated.

billconner: "Reading this makes me wonder if in light of changes to the climate if parks should expand their season."

Maybe year to year. This isn’t that unusual. I’ve built fireplaces and chimneys up the north shore with no shelter in February a few times over the years… one time long ago it was in the 70’s. The other thing I’d think about as far as canoecopia is it’s far enough out things could change drastically by then back to winter or normal which would be marginal winter. It’s that unpredictable time of year. Just less likely with no snowpack.

We actually will be camping at Blue Mounds State Park for Canoecopia.

They *may not* have the full campground open. Meaning you may not be able to drive into your site. You will park in a lot and walk your stuff in. That's the note we got with our reservation. Thought I'd pass it on.