Best Campgrounds near Campbellsport, WI
Kettle Moraine State Forest surrounds Campbellsport, Wisconsin with multiple developed campgrounds including Mauthe Lake, Long Lake, and New Prospect Horseriders Campground. The region includes tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin options within the forest's Northern Unit. Campground facilities range from rustic walk-in sites with basic amenities to more developed areas with electrical hookups, drinking water, and shower buildings. Most campgrounds offer fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while some feature beach access, fishing piers, and proximity to hiking and biking trails.
Many Kettle Moraine campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. The camping season typically runs from early May through October, with limited winter camping available at select locations. Water systems are generally shut off during colder months. "We went late in the year in October the place was full but still peaceful. Did some biking and walking along the trails," noted one visitor about Mauthe Lake. Campers should prepare for variable conditions including standing water between sites after rainfall and muddy trails in spring. Sites vary considerably in size, privacy, and terrain, with some loops offering more seclusion than others.
The Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest provides access to the Ice Age Scenic Trail and multiple recreational opportunities. Mauthe Lake receives consistently high ratings for its swimming area, with one camper highlighting that "the lake is great for swimming and there is also a pier for fishing." Several visitors mentioned the 500 loop at Mauthe Lake offers more privacy than lakeside sites. Most campgrounds feature both wooded and more open sites, allowing campers to choose between shade coverage or sun. Raccoons are commonly reported after dark, particularly around Mauthe Lake campground. Facilities across the area are generally well-maintained, with newer shower buildings at some locations. The absence of motorized boats on some lakes creates peaceful conditions for paddling, swimming, and fishing.