9 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit supports pet owners with multiple pet-friendly campgrounds including Mauthe Lake and Long Lake. All sites require pets to remain leashed throughout the campgrounds with designated pet exercise areas available. The electrical sites at Mauthe Lake provide 30-amp hookups suitable for RVs traveling with pets, while more secluded tent camping options in the 500 loop offer greater privacy for campers with active dogs. Both campgrounds provide clean facilities with shower buildings and toilets accessible to pet owners. Firewood is available for purchase through an automated vending system that operates 24 hours, convenient for late arrivals with pets. Sites vary considerably in size and proximity to water, with the 300 and 400 loops offering larger sites with more gravel and less vegetation near camping areas.
The extensive trail system throughout Kettle Moraine provides excellent opportunities for hiking with dogs. The Ice Age Scenic Trail connects directly to campgrounds, while the 7-mile crushed gravel trail between Mauthe Lake and Long Lake accommodates dogs on leashes for walking, running or biking alongside owners. The lake at Mauthe provides clear water for swimming, though pet access to beach areas may be restricted during peak season. Campers should note that standing water between some sites can create muddy conditions and attract mosquitoes, particularly problematic when camping with pets. Winter camping is available for those with appropriate vehicles, offering peaceful dog-friendly experiences with significantly fewer crowds and insects. Sites in the quieter 400 and 500 loops provide better options for reactive dogs or those needing more space from neighboring campers.
"Mauthe Lake Campground is located in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest in East/Centreal Wisconsin."
"Wonderful trail around the lake and a variety of different campsites. Plenty of space, very rural. Very wisconsin!"
Available next weekend
from $21 - $39 / night
"We loved just walking around the paths to and from the lake to our site."
"Wonderful and clean beaches and accessible areas for dogs. The sites are nicely sized and the firewood sales are decent and dry! The paved roads in the campground are nice for bike and rollerblading."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $39 / night
"North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."
"They have lake swimming,dog swimming area,many trails and tons of wildlife. Sites are pretty secluded too if u get the right one.Best yet!"
Available next weekend
from $21 - $39 / night
"It is right next to the toilets/showers. The bathrooms were clean, the attendants were really nice, they borrowed us an extension cord so we could set up a bit further back."
"Walking along the trails, you can see where it gets its name! Lots of cool ledges and rock outcrops. We saw a moderate amount of birds and heard a bunch of critters (owls, a fox (?!))"
"Swimming lake was very warm and clean. Fishing was available. Very affordable canoe kayak rentals. Mini golf and a little store where if you need it they have it."
from $31 - $43 / night
"The interior sites are a little cramped and may not accommodate larger RVs; however, the access to Lake Michigan more than makes up for it. There is a really cool dog park on the beach."
"Living rather close to this park, this is our "go-to" place to camp. It has a great variety of activities available. There is a beach AND a dog beach so it's pet-friendly."
Available next weekend
from $21 - $70 / night
"This was our first time camping in Wisconsin and we got to say we absolutely love this park. Most of the sites are pretty secluded so if you enjoy your privacy I will love this place."
"There is something deeply calming about waking up just steps from Lake Michigan at the Harrington Beach State Park Family Campground, where our little crew found the perfect balance of nature and comfort"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $43 / night
"There is a small fishing pond off the back side of the non-electric sites and there is a nice outdoor pool and indoor jacuzzi next to a large rec room/bar."
"I had to walk it down a couple sites so we couldn’t smell it. ( there was nobody at the site I took it to and nobody around that site) pool was warm and people very drunk and friendly!"
"Open tent sites and well designed riggings and beyond excellent, well-maintained trails, accommodations and hospitality."
from $39 - $50 / night
TravelerVery friendly and very clean. 1 swimming pond 2 fishing ponds volleyball courts and 2 off leash dog areas. Showers are free and they have a huge kid play area along with a seasonal swimming pool and hot tub.
ScoutWe have been seasonal campers for many years! When we first started, everyone was very nice and we always had a great time. Each years the rules change a bit which is common.The last three years have been horrible! We have had nothing but issues that I brought up to the staff many times. I have had the workers ask me if I was f***in stupid, people stealing stuff off our lot, telling our guest we don’t camp there( even tho they knew they were coming for my daughters birthday party), and much more. They are extremely Strict on the 5 mph. They will scream at you if they see Gravel dust as you drive. The campground is not well maintained. I wish things would not have ended the way it has. I’m happy we found a better family friendly campground to be at where my kids are not scared to be playing in our lot!
GuideSites are large, well-spaced, many shaded by wonderful large trees. The woods are very open with little understory, and much of the area facing the road is graveled, so you will still see your neighbors. So many hiking options - the Ice Age Trail connects to the campground only a few minutes walk away. Many hiking options, the walk to the Powder Hill Lookout tower is a must. Picnic area and waterfront are a short drive away. Bathrooms were clean and showers free, hot, and strong. Some traffic noise from highway nearby but quiet at night.
GuideWe camped on Site 9, which is at the front of the park near the entrance. The site was mostly level, with electric only hookups. If I had been here before I would have chosen a site tucked back farther to avoid some of the highway noise, but overall it was a good experience. We hiked a mile or two through the park, the bathhouse we used while on a walk was well supplied and clean with bathroom and shower combined, all unisex. We would stay here again if in the area.
ScoutMy family has been camping at Mauthe Lake for decades, and every year we have to deal with camp hosts and rangers constantly monitoring us. We follow the rules and do not cause disruptions, and yet they constantly chew us out for very minor things. It makes me feel as if we’re not welcome on these grounds.
ScoutNice host, low key, good size lots, dog friendly
ScoutNothing special but a nice spot if you need somewhere to park your camper and stay. Electric and water hookups, decent showers and bathrooms. Septic on site. We stayed here for an event at the fairgrounds but there were also several others staying here while they were in town for work.
TravelerThis park has always been a go to for me. As a full time RVer, I come here a lot. The scenery is beautiful, beach right next door, fishing holes not far from here. The people who come are all very friendly and the park rangers are very welcoming and always have firewood for the visitors. Highly recommend this spot for everyone.
TravelerI love staying here from time to time. As a full time RVer, I book here frequently. Not only do they have all types of hookups stays, but they full men and women’s locker rooms with showers, and restrooms, including a laundry facility on site, shop is inside the office and ice available. The customer service is by far the best! They work with you every step of the way and show you around the area if you wanted! Plus they have a dump station and water fill up station even if you’re not staying here or book here. I recommend this site to anyone and everyone!
Kettle Moraine State Forest spans a 30-mile glacial moraine near Kewaskum, Wisconsin. The region's rolling topography features elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet with seasonal temperature fluctuations from below freezing in winter to humid 80°F summers. Dog friendly campgrounds near Kewaskum operate within this climate pattern, with spring and fall typically offering more moderate camping conditions.
Hiking the Ice Age Scenic Trail: The campgrounds connect to segments of this 1,200-mile trail with varying difficulty levels. At Pike Lake Campground, "There are many trails, an observation tower with a view of Holy Hill and Pike Lake, and of course the Ice Age Scenic Trail," notes reviewer Steve M.
Swimming in clear water lakes: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities throughout summer. "Two beautiful sand beaches with large grassy picnic areas, hiking, a boat launch, and a reservable pavilion," shares Nancy D. about Long Lake Campground.
Astronomy observation: Some campgrounds have designated areas for stargazing. Pike Lake Campground features an interpretive astronomy trail according to reviewer Susan S., who recommends visitors "take the walk up Powder Hill to the tower" for optimal viewing.
Fishing from shore or pier: Fish species include bass, bluegill and perch. Nicole T. reports "We caught some large blue gill, a few crappie, perch and bass" at Long Lake, though warns "It is a 'weedy' lake but when your fishing for certain fish, that's a good thing."
Private, wooded sites: Many campsites offer natural separation from neighbors. At Mauthe Lake Campground, Charles M. appreciates that "the campsites are separated by lush trees and bushes" and notes "the sites are well separated for privacy."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent positive mentions. Graisyn S. found Mauthe Lake to be a "very nice, clean and quiet campground. The showers are a bit of a hike from most sites but they are private/individual rooms."
Proximity to attractions: The campgrounds provide convenient access to natural features and nearby towns. "If you like ice cream, head to Dundee and visit the Hamburger Haus," recommends Sarah L. about local options near Mauthe Lake Campground.
Spacious camping areas: Sites accommodate various camping setups. Justin F. describes Mauthe Lake as having "plenty of space, very rural. Very Wisconsin!" This sentiment is echoed across several pet-friendly campgrounds near the Kewaskum area.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Harrington Beach State Park, Amanda G. notes "I don't know how we got a last minute reservation to this campground, but I'm glad we did," suggesting advance planning is typically necessary.
Site variations: Not all sites are created equal, even within the same campground. "Some of the campsites seems very shallow but if you looked closer they have a path or another site to put a tent," advises Charles M. about Mauthe Lake.
Weather considerations: Lake conditions can change quickly with weather. Pike Lake's Susan S. notes "Heed warnings of swimmers itch" when using beach areas.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom options vary by location and loop. Brandon L. explains that at Long Lake "Would give five stars if the showers and bathroom were a little nicer as they are pretty dated looking."
Water quality issues: Some areas experience periodic water quality concerns. MarkDaShark99 reports at Long Lake: "Beach test positive for ecoli 2x this year... They rake goose dumplings into the sand," a consideration for those planning water activities.
Beach selection: Different beaches offer varying amenities and conditions. At Long Lake, Denise N. recommends "South Shore beach. North Shore is a little less populated, but the hike/stairs down into the beach area can be annoying with kids, toys, camp chairs, and a cooler."
Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Paved roads for bikes and rollerblading and the beaches were really clean," reports Mel C. about Long Lake.
Site location strategy: Choose sites based on bathroom proximity when camping with children. At Long Lake, Denise N. mentions "South Shore has a boat launch, clean restrooms and a picnic cabana that can be reserved."
Multi-generational camping traditions: The area supports family camping across generations. Amy F. shares about Long Lake: "My dad took me here when I was in junior high. And now I've been taking my daughter here for years. Two beaches and a fishing pier make our top list of daytime activities."
Hookup considerations: RV sites vary in hookup access and positioning. At Ledge County Park, Renee R. notes "I'm not a trailer camper, but if I were I would not appreciate the vibes of the electric sites. The sites are very close together and walking through it felt like going through a festival or circus more than a campground."
Site selection strategy: Larger rigs should target specific loops or sites. Jill G. recommends "Site 20 is the ideal site in this campground it is the biggest it's on top of the hill private on three sides and has beautiful views it is a pull through site which makes it even better" at Ledge County Park.
Road navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present tight turns within loops. Sugar Maple S. warns about Pike Lake: "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Kewaskum, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Kewaskum, WI is Mauthe Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Kewaskum, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 dog-friendly camping locations near Kewaskum, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
