Camping near Delafield, Wisconsin centers on the glacier-formed topography of the Kettle Moraine region, characterized by distinctive hills, kettles, and mixed forest ecosystems. Winter camping options remain available at several Kettle Moraine State Forest locations, with overnight temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through February. The campground network spans both county and state facilities, with varying levels of amenities and seasonal availability.
What to do
Swimming at spring-fed waters: The beach at Muskego Park features clean, spring-fed water perfect for summer swimming. "A spring fed pond for swimming and fishing. Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area," notes a visitor to Muskego Park.
Hiking the Ice Age Trail: Access the iconic Ice Age Trail directly from Pike Lake Campground. "We camping on one of the backpacking sites right off the trail. Our campsite was very large, fully shaded, and included a picnic table and a fire ring," shares a hiker at Pike Lake Campground.
Winter activities: Year-round camping at Ottawa Lake provides opportunities for cold-weather adventures. "No showers in winter but awesome. No rowdies in winter. Close to hiking. 10 minutes from a town if needed," explains a winter camper at Ottawa Lake Campground.
What campers like
Quiet camping zones: Loop 1 at Pinewoods offers a dedicated quiet zone. "We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules," explains a camper at Pinewoods Campground.
Beach access: The Kettle Moraine Southern Unit offers clean swimming facilities. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" notes a summer visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground.
Natural hiking springs: The Southern Unit features natural springs accessible via hiking trails. "If your in Wisconsin this is a must stay! Beautiful campground (Ottawa Lake campsites) Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!" writes an enthusiastic visitor.
What you should know
Varied site privacy: Site selection impacts privacy levels significantly. "Sites in Loop 3 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight," details a camper at Pinewoods Campground.
Road noise considerations: Traffic sounds affect certain campsites. "It is quite nice and pretty out here. A lot of amenities you'll find at other campgrounds. It is very close to main roads as I heard traffic all day and sometimes sirens," mentions a visitor at Naga-Waukee Park.
Wildlife awareness: Recent animal sightings have been reported. "There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds," notes a Pinewoods Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Mini golf options: Harnischfeger County Park offers affordable mini golf for children. "The campground has alot of great amenities. Theirs a mini gulf course that we had alot of fun with," shares a family visitor to Harnischfeger County Park.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds close to camping facilities. "The showers were clean and when we used them, available. There is a playground right next to them as well," notes a Pike Lake Campground visitor.
Bike-friendly camping: The paved paths make biking a practical activity for children. "Bringing bikes is a great idea for getting around to bathrooms/the camp store," suggests a visitor to Pinewoods Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited electric sites: Electric sites can be scarce at certain campgrounds. "There are 3 separate loops, 1 quiet zone, one group, one family. Pit and flush toilets, showers, only 2 electric sites within Pinewoods," advises an RV camper.
Water access considerations: Water hookups vary by campground. "Sites with letters are tent sites without water or electric, sites with numbers have water and 30 amp service, though there are plans to upgrade the sites to all have water and 50 amp service in the future," explains a camp host at Menomonee Park.
Winter RV camping: Year-round sites accommodate cold-weather RV use. "We've been full time RVers for 4 years and this is a beautiful campground close to 'home'. We stay here a couple of times each year for doctor and dentist appointments, visiting family and friends, and general relaxation," shares a regular visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground.
