Summary
The area covers over 3,500 acres and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of plants and animals.
One of the main reasons to visit Big Bog State Recreation Area is for the unique bog habitats that are found here. Visitors can explore the boardwalks and trails that wind through the bog and see the diverse plant life that thrives here. The area is also home to a number of bird species, including the rare and elusive American bittern.
Other points of interest at Big Bog State Recreation Area include the campground, which offers both RV and tent sites, a picnic area, and a playground. Visitors can also fish in the nearby lakes and rivers, hike or bike on the trails, or go boating on the water.
Interesting facts about Big Bog State Recreation Area include the fact that it is one of the largest peat bogs in the United States, and that it was formed over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. The bog is also home to a number of carnivorous plants, including the pitcher plant and sundew.
The best time of year to visit Big Bog State Recreation Area depends on the activities you are interested in. Summer is a popular time for camping and water activities, while fall is a great time to see the changing colors of the leaves and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and spring is a great time to see the wildflowers in bloom.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Washkish Park
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Red Lake State Forest
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Big Bog State Rec Area
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