Door county is a favorite summer spot for Wisconsinites and those from IL, however, it’s also a great place to go to in winter. There are 2 state parks that are open for camping. There’s also plenty of activities that you can enjoy outside or inside a coffee shop to warm up from a hike. Door County might be the best winter camping in WI for the various activities available to you, on top of the gorgeous scenic views.
Where to Camp
The two parks available to camp during the winter in Door County both have great trails for hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. They are both located near a sledding hill
Potawatomi State Park
There are 3 plowed sites available for winter camping at Potawatomi State Park with no reservations needed. Electrical hookups are available. To get water, you will need to bring your own hose down to the well house by the campground shelter.
Peninsula State Park
Trying to get a campsite at Peninsula State Park in the summer seems almost impossible, but you might have better luck in the winter. Although reservations are not required, only 6 sites are plowed. These sites are located in the Tennison Bay area. There are electrical hookups for RV winter campers, as well as access to water. The water can be accessed at the well house on the main road by Tennison Bay Campground.
Check out this short clip about camping at Peninsula State Park in the cold months.
Activities
Outdoor and indoor enthusiasts alike can find an activity they love here in the winter months. From fishing and hiking, to shopping and eating, Door County offers it all.
Outside Adventures
Dog Parks
If you have dogs, bring them to one of the 4 dog parks located in Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, Baileys Harbor, or Egg Harbor. Here, you can let them run free without worrying they will get lost or run away
Trails
Whether you wish to go hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, there are at least 11 trails to explore in Door County. Keep in mind they all have their own set of rules and regulations. Read on for more details.
The eastern end point of the popular Ice Age Trail is located in Potawatomi State Park near Sturgeon Bay.
- Ahnapee State Trail, Sturgeon Bay: dnr.wi.gov
- hike, cross country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile
- Cave Point County Park, Jacksonport: map.co.door.wi.us/parks/
- hike and snowshoe
- Crossroads at Big Creek, Sturgeon Bay: crossroadsatbigcreek.com
- hike, cross country ski, snowshoeing
- Door County Land Trust, Various: DoorCountyLandTrust.org
- hike and snowshoe
- Ellison Bluff County Park, Ellison Bay: map.co.door.wi.us/parks/
- hike and snowshoe
- Meridian Park, Jacksonport: map.co.door.wi.us/parks/
- hike and snowshoe
- Newport State Park, Ellison Bay: dnr.wi.gov
- hike, cross country ski, snowshoe
- Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek: dnr.wi.gov
- hike, cross country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile
- Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay: dnr.wi.gov
- hike, cross country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile
- Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor: map.co.door.wi.us/parks/
- hike, cross country ski, snowshoeing
- Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon: Baymap.co.door.wi.us/parks/
- hike, cross country ski, snowshoeing
Winter Renting Equipment
If you need to rent any winter sports equipment, you are in luck, as Door County does have 5 renting places.
- Bay Shore Outfitters – Sister Bay: www.kayakdoorcounty.com
- Bay Shore Outfitters – Sturgeon Bay: www.bayshoreoutfitters.com
- Ecology: www.ecologysports.com
- Nor Door Sport & Cyclery: www.nordoorsports.com
- Nor Door Sport & Cyclery of Sturgeon Bay: www.nordoorsports.com
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling in Door County is unlike any other, with it’s beautiful terrain from bluffs, to forests, and even swamps and lakes. Don’t pass up the opportunity to cruise through Peninsula State Park and Potawatomi State Park.
Due to the nature of the trails, you can travel to locations by snowmobile that you can’t reach in the summer.
Door County offers snowmobile clubs, too. If you stop at one of the visitor locations, you can pick up a brochure that will give you these locations, along with other useful information. You can even rent a snowmobile if you don’t already have one.
The top 2 places to go are Peninsula State Park and Potawatomi State Park due to their location and the nature views you get.
Ice Fishing
Door County offers at least 6 ice fishing spots. All of the locations listed below are located in Sturgeon Bay, except the last one. Silver Strike Charter Fishing is located in Bailey’s Harbor.
- Fish Anytime Charters
- Hooked Up Sport Fishing Charters
- JJ’s Guide Service LLC
- Lynn A. Charter Fishing
- Reel Action Sport Fishing Charters, INC.
- Silver Strike Charter Fishing
Ice Skating Rinks
Door County also has a variety of ice skating locations to choose from.
The 2 small rinks are located in either Ellison Bay in Town Park, with the other one in Jacksonport on Country V, one block west of Highway 57
If you are searching for a larger rink to stretch your legs out on, you can find these in Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay
The Sister Bay ice rink offers an open skating area with lights for night skating, along with a closed hockey rink. Amenities include skate rental and concessions in the warming house. This rink is open day or night, starting mid December through February.
At the Sturgeon Bay location, skate rental is free! They also have concessions in the warming house, lights for night skating, and a hockey rink for the more competitive folk.
Sledding
Looking to cruise down a snowy hill on your plastic sled? You can find three different sled hills in Door County.
Potawatomi State Park has a small hill nearby (call 920-746-2890 for more information), whereas Peninsula State Park, in Fish Creek, offers a bigger hill (Peninsula State Park Hill 17).
Lastly, you can find a sled hill in Sister Bay, as well.
Inside Adventures
Looking to get out of the cold while still enjoying all Door County has to offer? Door County is known for small shops and boutiques, art galleries, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cider houses, with many of them still open year-round
Looking for a bite to eat that you don’t have to prepare over your own campfire? Door County offers an abundance of restaurants, cafes and bakeries to satisfy any cravings you may have. Check out my favorite spot, Julie’s Park Cafe and Motel at the entrance of Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek.
Temperatures During Winter
| Month | High | Low |
| December | 39 | 22 |
| January | 31 | 19 |
| February | 33 | 19 |