Kewaskum sits in the northern reaches of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, where glacial retreat formed distinctive rolling hills and depressions. This area typically experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 80°F and cold winters that can drop below 10°F. Camping options near Kewaskum range from basic tent sites to equestrian facilities with access to extensive trail systems throughout the 30,000-acre forest.
What to do
Hiking the Ice Age Trail: Access points near Mauthe Lake Campground connect to the renowned Ice Age National Scenic Trail. As one visitor noted, "There is a crushed gravel trail running from here to Long Lake that is great for running/walking/biking."
Swimming in natural lakes: Multiple swimming areas provide summer recreation at Kettle Moraine. One camper at Kettle Moraine South Camping shared, "There's swimming, access to almost all of the hiking trails available in kettle Moraine, and all within walking distance of where you park your tent or vehicle."
Horse trail riding: The extensive bridle path system allows equestrians to explore miles of scenic terrain. Equestrian campers at Southern Unit Horseriders Campground appreciate "beyond excellent, well-maintained trails" with access to "one of the most lush forests in the SE corner of Wisconsin near Milwaukee."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. At Pinewoods Campground, "The sites in Loop 1 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."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained amenities. A Mauthe Lake camper reported, "Campground facilities are clean, 30 amp at the electrical site worked perfectly."
Natural beauty: The glacial landscape creates distinctive scenery. A visitor to Kettle Moraine Southern Unit described it as having "great trails and natural beauty in the park. The bugs weren't bad, but beware of the poison ivy. The sites were very shaded, offering relief from the heat."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. At Menomonee Park, the camping season runs "Apr to Nov 10," and one visitor warned about water availability: "Only gripe is the uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season. First week or two of may is a safe bet, but no promises."
Wildlife encounters: Campers should prepare for local wildlife. A Pinewoods visitor mentioned, "There was a posting about black bear sightings in the area. We did not experience that, just chipmunks and birds."
Equestrian accommodations: Horse campgrounds near Kewaskum, Wisconsin provide specialized facilities. At Southern Unit Horseriders Campground, riders benefit from "open tent sites and well designed riggings" with camping available from April through November.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Lakeside campgrounds offer family-friendly swimming areas. A Mauthe Lake visitor highlighted that they have a "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids."
Educational opportunities: The area provides natural learning experiences. At High Cliff State Park Campground, families can "Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout. Some trails on the Ridgeline offer vista views and moderate inclines that add to the adventure."
Mini-golf amenities: Some parks offer additional recreational activities. A visitor to Harnischfeger County Park noted, "The campground has alot of great amenities. Theirs a mini gulf course that we had alot of fun with."
Tips from RVers
Electrical connections: RV campers should check power options before booking. At Mauthe Lake, "30 amp at the electrical site worked perfectly," while Kettle Moraine Southern Unit offers fifty-amp hookups at select sites.
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access for larger rigs. At Southern Unit Horseriders Campground, "There's also a series of pull-through sites that would make it easier for those who don't care to back trailers in or out of the site. These include electric sites 405, 404, 403, 402, and 401."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. While Mauthe Lake provides a sanitary dump station, campers at Menomonee Park must manage without as the facilities don't include a dump station.
