Hikers and anglers find multiple recreation opportunities at this Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources campground within Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit. The facility operates year-round with sites accommodating RVs up to 70 feet, plus tent camping and walk-in options. Lake Ottawa provides swimming, fishing, and a beach area, while hiking trails connect directly from the camping loops.
Sites feature substantial privacy through thick vegetation between spots. Sarah N. notes that campers get "only glimpses of your neighbors through the thick foliage" and adds it "doesn't get much more private than this in a campground with hookups." Loop 1 in the Pinewood area offers generous spacing, while sites along the main road experience consistent traffic noise throughout the day. Most sites have limited grass areas, creating muddy conditions after rain.
The fishing pier produces catches including catfish, and the swimming beach sits within walking distance of most sites, though families with small children may prefer driving on hot days. Trail access varies by location—the closest trail from the campground prohibits dogs, requiring campers with pets to drive to other trailheads. Popular hiking routes include Red Trail, Paradise Trail, and Rice Lake. The camp store stocks ice and firewood.
Bathroom facilities require attention, with reviewers noting cleanliness issues including dead insects. Road conditions affect site selection significantly. The dog beach area lacks posted rules and supervision. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends, and the facility stays busy during peak season.
For additional camping variety, Southern Unit Horseriders Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit provides equestrian-focused options nearby.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundKettle Moraine South Camping — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit is located in Wisconsin
Coordinates
42.87778054 N
88.52917027 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 36 min from Janesville, WI
- 37 min from Milwaukee, WI
- 52 min from Racine, WI
- 55 min from Kenosha, WI














