Is there a check-in procedure?

There is no formal check-procedure. You may go directly to the building/s you have reserved.

Can I get a key for my room?
Keys are not available for rooms.

Do I need to bring my sleeping bag?
Optional. Bed linens, blankets and pillows are available for use at Kemp. However, many prefer to bring their sleeping bag, or perhaps their own blanket and/or pillow. This is a personal choice.

Can I set up my tent?
No. Camping is not permitted on Station property. If you would like to camp, you may do so at nearby state and private campgrounds.

Does Kemp have “quiet hours?”
Yes. Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. During quiet hours, users are asked to gather and socialize in common areas away from sleeping rooms and away from windows of sleeping rooms if outside.

When can we make a reservation request for next year?
Reservation requests for the next calendar year are accepted beginning October 1. More details…

Can our group use the entire Lodge, even if we don’t need all the beds?
During certain times of the year, a group may have the entire Lodge to themselves simply because there are no other requests for the space. However, during high demand periods, it is not uncommon for the Lodge to house multiple small groups of users. During such times, exclusive use of any building will result in additional fees. More details…

Can we choose what building we want to stay in?
Usually not. Space is assigned based on use, group size and space availability. The Mead Residence Hall is used primarily by long-term researchers from May through August.

Can a group use Kemp just for an event, without overnight lodging?
Yes, provided adequate space is available for the desired date. More details…

What happens if I have to cancel or change my reservation?
If you need to cancel or change your reservation, please notify Kemp as soon as possible as additional fees may apply. More details…

How much does it cost to stay at Kemp?
The nightly lodging rate is determined by the type of use: research, instruction, outreach, or conference/meeting. More details…

Does Kemp Station accept credit cards for payment?
Credit cards are not accepted in person or by phone. Please contact Karla if you need to make payment by credit card.

Do you have a cook on site to prepare meals?
No. Food and food preparation is the responsibility of Kemp users. Gas grills are available for use.

Are there laundry facilities at Kemp?
Yes. A coin-operated washer and dryer are located in both the lower level of the Mead Residence Hall and the Lodge. Individual detergents and dryer sheets are also available for purchase in each location.

Can I bring my dog with me?
Yes, provided pet-friendly housing is available for you and your dog, and that you make arrangements in advance. Pets are allowed only in the following pet-friendly buildings with advance permission: Cabin, Office/Lab building, lower level bedrooms and hallway of Mead Residence Hall. NO pets are allowed in the Lodge, Kitchen & Dining Hall, upper level of Mead Residence Hall, the Mead lounge/library, or the Connor Forestry Center. Pets are expected to be under the immediate control of their owners at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after pets and for any damage caused by pets.

Is it okay to have my friends or family come visit while I’m working at Kemp?
Yes, provided you have prior approval from the Superintendent or Office Manager. Overnight lodging for guests must be arranged in advance. Guests may stay up to two consecutive nights. Kemp users are responsible for their guest’s behavior while on the property.

Where can I park?
Park only in graveled parking areas shown on the map and adhere to posted signs. If you are unclear about where you can park, please contact any member of the Kemp staff.

Is it okay to have alcohol at Kemp?
Yes, provided you are of legal drinking age and have filed a signed Alcohol Beverage Policy and User Agreement form.

Is smoking allowed at Kemp? 
Kemp Station is now a smoke-free campus. Use of tobacco, smoking, and vaping (e-cigarettes) is prohibited on Kemp Natural Resources Station property which includes all indoor and outdoor spaces and University owned vehicles. An exception to this policy may be requested of the Station Superintendent in the case of a cultural or religious ceremony or event held at Kemp Station.

Do we have to wash our own dishes?
Yes! Users are expected to wash and put away all of the dishes they use during their stay.

Does Kemp separate recycling from trash?
Yes. Separate collection containers are provided and labeled for recyclables. Containers are also provided for food waste which is composted. Please pay attention to signs on containers and dispose of items properly.

Can I come hike at Kemp? 
The University of Wisconsin has implemented a Closed Campus policy for all remote field stations, including Kemp Natural Resources Station. This means that you must have written permission to be on Kemp Station or other UW field station properties. “No Trespassing” signs are posted at the main entrance, boat launch, and boathouse. Please contact Karla, 715-358-5667 or kortman@wisc.edu, or Scott, 715-892-0391, if you wish to arrange a visit to the property.

Does the Kemp name have anything to do with the ice cream company?
No, although Kemp is a family name. The granddaughters of the original land owners, Edward and Minnie Kemp, donated the property to UW-Madison in 1960. Edward operated a screen door and stove board factory in Rhinelander. More on history…

Why is there a big warning, do not enter sign, at the entrance of Kemp Road?
Kemp Road is a private road. Some of the property on either side of the road is owned by members of the Kemp Woods Association, a private landowner group. The sign was placed at the road entrance by this group. Approved users of and visitors to Kemp Station are authorized to travel Kemp Road to the Station. Please note that the side roads are private and should not be traveled as they lead to private homes.

How do I get a job at Kemp?
Staff at Kemp Station are UW-Madison employees and were hired through the University’s hiring process. The Kemp staff is made up of just four positions — superintendent, office manager, maintenance specialist, and custodian. Vacancies are rare in these positions, but when they occur, they are available first to qualified state employees as internal transfers. If the position is not filled by internal transfer, it is listed at www.wisjobs.com. Successful completion of a state exam may be required in order to be eligible for the position.

Can we hold our family reunion at Kemp Station?
No. Eligible users of Kemp Natural Resources Station include:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty, staff, and students,
• Representatives of research or educational institutions, and
• Resource managers from public and private agencies

who are conducting official business that relates to the spirit and mission of Kemp Station.

Is it okay for my spouse and children to accompany me?
Yes. Your spouse and children are welcome to stay with you while you are working at Kemp, provided that lodging space is available. If your child/ren are under the age of 18, you must submit a Release of Liability. We do expect the primary user to work at least ½ time while using Kemp Station. Enjoy the remainder of your time with your family. Teaching, outreach, and research are the primary mission at Kemp Station.

Can I have mail sent to me at Kemp?
Yes. Mail can be sent to you using Kemp’s mailing address, 9161 Kemp Rd, Woodruff, WI 54568. Your mail will be delivered to your room. If you have your mail forwarded by the USPS, shortly before you leave Kemp, please remember to file a new forwarding order with the USPS.

How do I access the Internet at Kemp?
WiFi access is available in all Station buildings with the network key, kempstation. Internet access is also available on the PCs in the computer lab and by connecting your computer to a data jack in Mead with an Ethernet cable.

Can I use the printers at Kemp?
Yes. Please contact office staff for details.

Can I make photocopies at Kemp?
Yes. The copier is located in the computer lab in the Office/Lab Building. If you will be making more than 100 copies during your visit, you are asked to record the number of copies above 100 that you make. There is a 7-cent/copy charge if using Kemp paper, 3.5-cent if using your paper. Please see Karla or Scott for more information.

Can I send a fax from Kemp?
Yes. A fax can be sent from the Document Center in the Computer Lab in the Office/Lab Building.

I have a lot of research gear. Is there someplace at Kemp this can be stored?
Please contact Karla or Scott to discuss your storage needs. Kemp has both indoor and outdoor storage areas for equipment and gear.

Is there a telephone at Kemp that we can use?
The only land lines at Kemp are located in the Office. Please contact Karla for assistance if use of one of these phones is needed.

How can we be reached at Kemp, in case of an emergency?
Callers may also get a message to you by calling Scott, 715-892-0391 (cell), or Karla, 715-358-5667 (office).