Zimmerman Prairie will be expanded — *Kayaking on Lake Joanis in Schmeeckle*

Outdoor Gear Rentals

Schmeeckle Reserve is your source for outdoor equipment rentals in central Wisconsin. We offer a variety of paddling and winter recreation gear, including canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, snowshoes, and cross-country skis. Gear can be used at Schmeeckle or taken off-site to wherever your adventures lead.

See below for our inventory and prices. Join the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve for special discounts

Group rates of 15% off are also available when 5 or more of the same items are rented together.

Location: Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point

Cross-country skis can be rented at Schmeeckle — *Cross-country skiing at Schmeeckle*

Outdoor Gear Rentals

Schmeeckle Reserve is your source for outdoor equipment rentals in central Wisconsin. We offer a variety of paddling and winter recreation gear, including canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, snowshoes, and cross-country skis. Gear can be used at Schmeeckle or taken off-site to wherever your adventures lead.

See below for our inventory and prices. Join the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve for special discounts!

Group rates of 15% off are also available when 5 or more of the same items are rented together.

Location: Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point

Renting and Reserving Equipment

Drop-in rentals: Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis during regular operating hours at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center (Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Reservations: Reservations for outdoor gear can be made in advance, if you plan to pick up equipment no less than 48 hours in the future. Gear pickup and drop off must be scheduled during the regular operating hours of the visitor center (Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). To make your reservation request, use our online form by clicking below.

Click here to reserve your outdoor equipment (pick up time no less than 48 hours in the future)

Outdoor Rental Gear at Schmeeckle

Click a category below to see the gear available to rent at Schmeeckle.

Paddling Sports

Canoe or Kayak Lake Joanis

Looking to enjoy Schmeeckle Reserve from the water? Rent a canoe or kayak to paddle Lake Joanis! Several boats are available at the south shore launch for an easy and convenient paddling trip for one or more people. Just stop by the visitor center to pick up keys, paddles, and life jackets. Kid-sized life jackets are available. Items must be returned before the visitor center closes for the day. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

	First canoe/kayak rented (return same day)	Each additional canoe/kayak rented at the same time
Regular prices	$15	$10
Friends member prices	$10	$5

Canoe Packages

Durable fiberglass and polyethylene canoes are the perfect choice for one or two people in all types of water. Our inventory includes Old Town Canoes, Mad River Canoes, and Wenonah Canoes. Packages include paddles, life jackets, and foam pads and tie-down straps for attaching to a vehicle. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

	First day (return same day)	Each add. day	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$30	$15	$55	$90
Friends member prices	$25	$12	$45	$75

Single Kayak Packages

Lightweight single kayaks are the perfect way to explore waterways. We offer recreational kayaks from Perception Kayaks and longer sea touring kayaks from Old Town. Packages include paddles, life jackets, and foam pads and tie-down straps for attaching to a vehicle. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

	First day (return same day)	Each add. day	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$25	$12	$45	$75
Friends member prices	$20	$10	$35	$60

Tandem 2-person Kayak Package

Our tandem kayak from Perception Kayaks is a fun way for two people to enjoy the water. A slip-in child seat is available for this kayak, allowing a little one to join in the fun. The package includes paddles, life jackets, and foam pads and tie-down straps for attaching to a vehicle. Only one tandem kayak is available for rent. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

	First day (return same day)	Each add. day	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$30	$15	$55	$90
Friends member prices	$25	$12	$45	$75

Paddle Board Package

Stand up paddle boards are a unique and fun way to experience the waters of Wisconsin. Rent our BIC Sport paddle boards for an elevated journey. Packages include: paddles, life jackets, and foam pads and tie-down straps for attaching to a vehicle. Only two paddle boards are available for rent. Note: Paddle boards are not allowed on Lake Joanis in Schmeeckle. They must be taken off-site. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

	First day (return same day)	Each add. day	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$30	$15	$55	$90
Friends member prices	$25	$12	$45	$75

Dry Bags

Waterproof dry bags protect your gear even in the wettest conditions. We offer several different sizes, including large 115-Liter bags, medium 80-Liter bags, and small personal-sized bags.

	First day (return same day)	Each add. day	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$6	$3	$10	$18
Friends member prices	$5	$2	$8	$15

Canoe/Kayak Trailer

For larger groups, we offer a canoe/kayak trailer that can haul up to 8 canoes, kayaks, and/or paddle boards at a time. A cargo box in the middle of the trailer is a perfect storage space for paddles, life jackets, and other items. The trailer hooks up to a standard 2-inch ball hitch and requires a four-pin flat connector for its lights. The trailer comes with rubber straps to secure the boats. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are rented separately.

	First day (return same day)	Each add. day	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$40	$20	$70	$120
Friends member prices	$33	$17	$58	$100

‭(Hidden)‬ Camping & Backpacking Gear

Note: Camping and backpacking are not permitted in Schmeeckle Reserve. All tents and sleeping gear must be taken off-site where overnight use is allowed.

2-Person Tents

Lightweight 2-person Sierra Design Reverse Combi tents are ideal for backpacking or individual car camping. Each tent includes stakes, poles, a rainfly, and carrying bag. Packaged weight is 6 lbs. 3 oz. Floor dimensions are 86 x 54 inches. Peak height is 40 inches.

	First night	Each add. night	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$15	$8	$25	$45
Friends member prices	$12	$6	$20	$35

3-Person Tents

The 3-Person Mountain Hardwear Lightwedge 3 tent is an ideal choice for backpackers looking for more space, or car camping for 2 or 3 people (tight). Each tent includes stakes, poles, a rainfly, and carrying bag. Packaged weight is 6 lbs. 5 oz. Floor dimensions are 96 x 74 inches. Peak height is 47 inches.

	First night	Each add. night	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$15	$8	$25	$45
Friends member prices	$12	$6	$20	$35

4-Person Tents

For small groups, 4-person tents are ideal for car camping. Each tent includes stakes, poles, a rainfly, and carrying bag. The Kelty Trail Ridge 4 (shown) has a packaged weight of 10 lbs. 14 oz., floor dimensions of 84 x 98 inches, peak height of 59 inches. The Mountain Hardwear Corners 4 has a packaged weight of 15 lbs. 5 oz., floor dimenstions of 95 x 96 inches, peak height of 83 inches.

	First night	Each add. night	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$15	$8	$25	$45
Friends member prices	$12	$6	$20	$35

6-Person Tents

For large groups, we offer 6-Person tents. The 6-Person Sierra Designs Bedouin 6 (shown) is a spacious tent for car camping. The tent includes stakes, poles, a rainfly, and carrying bag. Packaged weight is 17 lbs. 15 oz. Floor dimensions are 116 x 98 inches. Peak height is 76 inches.

	First night	Each add. night	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$15	$8	$25	$45
Friends member prices	$12	$6	$20	$35

Backpacks

We offer a variety of durable overnight backpacks from Osprey and Deuter in different styles and sizes. Add your own equipment or rent gear from Schmeeckle for your backpacking adventure. It's always best to try on different backpacks to find the right size. See the general backpack sizing guide.

	First night	Each add. night	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$12	$6	$21	$36
Friends member prices	$10	$5	$18	$30

Sleeping Bags

We offer several comfortable, warm, and lightweight sleeping bags, including Sierra Designs Sandman 3D bags (rated to 15 degrees F) and Mountain Hardware Lamina bags (rated to 0 degrees F). These are ideal for both regular camping and backpacking.

	First night	Each add. night	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$10	$5	$15	$25
Friends member prices	$8	$4	$10	$20

Sleeping Pads

Lightweight foam (roll) or closed cell (accordion folding) sleeping pads offer a comfortable night's sleep when backpacking or camping.

	First night	Each add. night	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)	Weekly rate (6 nights)
Regular prices	$3	$1	$4	$7
Friends member prices	$2	$1	$3	$6

Winter Sports

Snowshoes

Our inventory of durable snowshoes includes those made by Redfeather (La Crosse, WI), Crescent Moon (Boulder, CO), and Northern Lites. Snowshoes are sized based on the total weight of the user and their gear. Small sizes are for weights up to 175 pounds, medium sizes are up to 200 pounds, and large sizes are up to 250 pounds.

	First day (return same day)	Each additional day	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)
Regular prices	$10	$5	$20
Friends member prices	$7	$4	$14

Cross-Country Ski Packages

Our cross-country ski packages include high-quality Salomon or Atomic classic skis sized at 182-206 cm, poles sized at 130-160 cm, and ski boots sized at 36-50 EU (U.S. Men's 4.5-15 and U.S. Women's 5-13). Click here for sizing recommendations.

	First day (return same day)	Each additional day	Weekend rate (Fri.-Mon.)
Regular prices	$15	$7	$30
Friends member prices	$12	$6	$24