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Day Trips from Oshkosh

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Day Trips from Oshkosh: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Oshkosh, WI. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Oshkosh

High Cliff Escarpment State Natural Area, WI 54129, USA

High Cliff Escarpment State Natural Area

WI 54129, USA

Just 39 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 547 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

39 min4.8 (547)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, WI 54169

High Cliff State Park

Sherwood, WI 54169

Just 36 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 3,241 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

36 min4.8 (3,241)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, Menasha, WI 54952

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Menasha, WI 54952

Just 24 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 1,341 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

24 min4.8 (1,341)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

East Bluff State Natural Area, Merrimac, WI 53561

East Bluff State Natural Area

Merrimac, WI 53561

Just 1 hr 53 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 53 min4.8 (95)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, Grafton, WI 53024

Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve

Grafton, WI 53024

Just 1 hr 24 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 2,512 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 24 min4.8 (2,512)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area, WI 53965, USA

Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area

WI 53965, USA

Just 1 hr 44 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 2,489 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 44 min4.8 (2,489)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Ellison Bluff State Natural Area, Ellison Bay, WI 54210

Ellison Bluff State Natural Area

Ellison Bay, WI 54210

Just 2 hrs 24 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 1,041 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 24 min4.8 (1,041)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Rose Lake State Natural Area, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Rose Lake State Natural Area

Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Just 1 hr 36 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 36 min4.8 (78)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Forbes Springs State Natural Area, Lakewood, WI 54138

Forbes Springs State Natural Area

Lakewood, WI 54138

Just 2 hrs 1 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 1 min4.8 (4)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Ferry Bluff State Natural Area, Sauk City, WI 53583

Ferry Bluff State Natural Area

Sauk City, WI 53583

Just 1 hr 58 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 342 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 58 min4.8 (342)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Kohler Park Dunes State Natural Area, WI 53081, USA

Kohler Park Dunes State Natural Area

WI 53081, USA

Just 1 hr 12 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 604 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 12 min4.8 (604)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, WI 54212

Peninsula State Park

Fish Creek, WI 54212

Just 2 hrs 3 min from Oshkosh, rated 4.8 stars by 5,565 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 3 min4.8 (5,565)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Oshkosh

What are the best state parks near Oshkosh, WI?

The best state parks near Oshkosh offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Oshkosh?

Most state parks near Oshkosh charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Oshkosh are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Oshkosh offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Oshkosh?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Oshkosh. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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