Astico county Park - Columbus, WI
If you're looking to escape for some camping, fishing, hiking, and canoeing, Astico County Park has you covered. This 100 acre park about 3 miles east of the City of Columbus spans both sides of the Crawfish River/Danville Mill Pond, connecting via the Ninabuck and Scofield Bridge (two historic bridges joined to make one bridge).
The east of Danville Mill Pond side features a fishing dock, and about two miles of hiking trails through woodland and prairie. Parts of the trail wind along the pond, then loop back up a slight hill. The entrance to this side of the park can be made via a gate off of County Road T, from April through November. Though, the day I was there, it was not open. Not sure why, though it was a weekday, so...?
I was able to reach the trails via the historic bridge from the west side of the park by parking near Picnic Shelter #1, and taking the steep walking trail down that starts just to the right of the restroom building. The views of the river when crossing the bridge are stunning. Definitely worth the effort. There are viewing stations on the north and south side of the bridge.
A Belted Kingfisher made some noise as he flew from tree branch to tree branch, fishing along the shoreline. I'm not doing any fishing these days, but judging by the amount of fish jumping while I was standing on the bridge, the fishing must be good. According to the DNR, fish found in the Danville Mill Pond include Panfish, Northern Pike, Walleye and Catfish. I wasn't quick enough to identify which ones were jumping, but no doubt this is a popular fishing spot in the area.
If you're looking to do some camping, the park has 63 river's edge and upland campsites, some sites have electric service, some do not. Normal camping season is April 15 - October 31. Off-season (Winter Camping) is available, November 1 - April 14.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Launch areas are available within the park. Bicycles are allowed on the park roads, but not on the hiking trails. There are woodland hiking trails that span the length of the park on the west side, passing the camping sites, picnic areas, and picnic shelters. There are playground areas in two locations, one near the main entrance, and one a little further north.
Restrooms and showers are available to campers.
Pit toilet restrooms are scattered throughout the park.
Fees: Daily Entrance is Free Daily Hours: 7am - 8:30pm.
Camping Fees/Reservations Here
Pets are permitted in the park, but must be on-leash at all times.
Location: N3620 County Road TT, Columbus, WI (Dodge County)
For more information, click here. Park Map.
The east of Danville Mill Pond side features a fishing dock, and about two miles of hiking trails through woodland and prairie. Parts of the trail wind along the pond, then loop back up a slight hill. The entrance to this side of the park can be made via a gate off of County Road T, from April through November. Though, the day I was there, it was not open. Not sure why, though it was a weekday, so...?
I was able to reach the trails via the historic bridge from the west side of the park by parking near Picnic Shelter #1, and taking the steep walking trail down that starts just to the right of the restroom building. The views of the river when crossing the bridge are stunning. Definitely worth the effort. There are viewing stations on the north and south side of the bridge.
A Belted Kingfisher made some noise as he flew from tree branch to tree branch, fishing along the shoreline. I'm not doing any fishing these days, but judging by the amount of fish jumping while I was standing on the bridge, the fishing must be good. According to the DNR, fish found in the Danville Mill Pond include Panfish, Northern Pike, Walleye and Catfish. I wasn't quick enough to identify which ones were jumping, but no doubt this is a popular fishing spot in the area.
If you're looking to do some camping, the park has 63 river's edge and upland campsites, some sites have electric service, some do not. Normal camping season is April 15 - October 31. Off-season (Winter Camping) is available, November 1 - April 14.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Launch areas are available within the park. Bicycles are allowed on the park roads, but not on the hiking trails. There are woodland hiking trails that span the length of the park on the west side, passing the camping sites, picnic areas, and picnic shelters. There are playground areas in two locations, one near the main entrance, and one a little further north.
Restrooms and showers are available to campers.
Pit toilet restrooms are scattered throughout the park.
Fees: Daily Entrance is Free Daily Hours: 7am - 8:30pm.
Camping Fees/Reservations Here
Pets are permitted in the park, but must be on-leash at all times.
Location: N3620 County Road TT, Columbus, WI (Dodge County)
For more information, click here. Park Map.
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2023 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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