Cabin camping options extend beyond Kettle Moraine State Forest for visitors near Delafield, Wisconsin. The region sits within the glacially-formed hills of the Kettle Moraine area, with elevations ranging from 850-1,050 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F, while summer camping season typically runs from May through October with daytime highs averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Lake activities at Ottawa Lake: Swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities exist at the 30-acre Ottawa Lake. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" notes a visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground.
Hiking the Ice Age Trail: Several segments of this 1,000-mile National Scenic Trail pass through the region. A camper at Kettle Moraine Southern Unit shared, "Reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking. Fire pit, shelter, and picnic table at site. Really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."
Natural springs exploration: The area features several accessible springs with crystal-clear water. "Beautiful campground (Ottawa Lake campsites) Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!" explains one visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground.
Winter camping options: Unlike many Wisconsin campgrounds, several sites near Delafield remain open year-round. As one winter camper noted, "You can camp year around in this campground. Most recent 2 times were winter camping. No host so buying wood is an issue, but pick a site on the edge and there is more than enough free. Bring a saw."
What campers like
Secluded sites for privacy: Many campers appreciate the wooded separation between sites. At Kettle Moraine South Camping, a visitor commented, "The campsites are large with lots of foliage for privacy. It's so pretty in the fall."
Proximity to trails: Easy access to hiking and biking trails ranks high on camper reviews. "We've stayed here twice. Nice, clean, well-run campground with some electric sites and several bathroom/shower buildings if needed. Nice little lake to swim or paddle on. 20 minute drive to the awesome Kettle Moraine biking trails," notes a camper at Ottawa Lake Campground.
Quiet camping loops: Designated quiet areas appeal to those seeking peaceful surroundings. "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed. I'm not sure about children! The sites are fairly close together and the trees are sparse, but it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet for the long weekend over the 4th of July."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings receive positive mentions. A visitor to Sunset Campground at Richard Bong State Recreation Area shared, "Very nice campground and great place to camp for first-time campers like I was. Very nice and clean facilities."
What you should know
Seasonal popularity: Summer weekends fill quickly, especially at state park cabins. "This campsite was completely booked. We were able to grab a nonelectric site and transfer to an electric site when one cancelled last minute," explains a visitor to Ottawa Lake Campground.
Cabin availability variations: Private resort-style cabin rentals like those at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offer more amenities but at higher costs. A camper notes, "Sites are medium sized. We had full hookup which was nice. Plenty of things to keep kids busy. Store has lots of stuff and necessities. Was alittle more expensive than some other places."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be heavy in certain areas, especially near wetlands. "It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it. If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go," shares a camper at Sunset Campground.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds have sites affected by nearby highways. "We would recommend staying further from the road as there is some road noise but it didn't really bother us at all. The facilities were well maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Milton-Madison SE KOA offers structured programming for children. "Great place to bring our three boys. There are 2 playgrounds, a nice pool, games and activities for the kids over weekends, and the rv sites are well spaced," reports one family.
Cabin camping with children: Family cabins at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort include amenities designed specifically for kids. "Plenty of things to do all day with the rec dept staff and lots of sightings of Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear! Pool and Bear Paw beach are both nice, the kids had a blast at both."
Junior Ranger programs: Several state parks offer educational activities. "Pick Up the activity book for kids it is a great adventure lots to do at the lake!!!" notes a visitor to Kettle Moraine South Camping.
Nature exploration opportunities: The glacial terrain creates numerous teaching moments. "The family enjoyed a long holiday weekend in Loop 1 of the Pinewood camp ground. The sites were very nice with some decent foliage between sites. The space was generous so we didn't feel crowded."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers recommend researching site specifications before booking. "The sites in this area generally have long driveways, more 'privacy' than I've seen in many State Parks campgrounds and generous space between sites. I don't think there is a lousy site in this loop."
Winter RV considerations: For cold-weather camping in cabins or RVs near Delafield, prepare for limited services. "No showers in winter but awesome," notes a winter camper at Ottawa Lake Campground.
Electrical hookup variations: Power availability differs significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Pilgrims Campground shares, "Found this great little campground when I was in a pinch to find a place to put my 45ft fifth wheel. Super friendly staff, rates are reasonable and it is big rig friendly."
RV rental alternatives: For those without their own equipment, cabin rentals provide similar comfort. "We have visited the Campground 5 times this year already, we love hiking all the trails in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit."