Kettle Moraine State Forest spans over 22,000 acres of glacial terrain across southeastern Wisconsin, providing numerous camping opportunities within a short drive of Milwaukee. The region features rolling hills, kettle lakes, and pine plantations formed during the last ice age. Winter camping is available at several campgrounds in the area, with temperatures averaging 20°F during January and February.
What to do
Hike the Ice Age Trail: The extensive trail system offers diverse terrain for hikers of all skill levels. At Mauthe Lake Campground, visitors appreciate the variety of paths. "There is a crushed gravel trail running from here to Long Lake that is great for running/walking/biking," shares Sarah L., who also recommends checking out Hamburger Haus in nearby Dundee for ice cream after hiking.
Kayak on multiple waterways: Several lakes and rivers provide paddling options throughout the region. "The lake is nice and there is a very nice beach as well as a fishing pier. I didn't take advantage of any of the hiking trails so cannot speak to those," reports Glenn S. from Ottawa Lake. For a different experience, at Turner Lake "you can see the fish swim by" according to Julia B., who adds "the water was very clear" but warns "the bottom of the lake is very mushy."
Mini golf and park activities: Beyond trails and water, some parks offer additional recreation. "The park has a 9 hole mini golf course that cost $1 a person. Has trails, disc golf, and Rock River for kayaking," notes Brittany R. about Harnischfeger County Park. The park caretaker John "knows every nook and cranny, critter and creature" according to Lauren S., who stayed as a camp host.
What campers like
Secluded, wooded sites: Privacy ranks high among camper preferences in this area. At Pinewoods Campground, "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion," reports Kendal R. Jack D. recommends "loop 3 site 273" which was "well wooded and very spacious" with "a decent clearing for some sun and the driveway was longer setting it back from the loop road."
Quiet camping loops: Many campgrounds designate specific areas for noise-conscious campers. "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed," writes Wendy Z. about Kettle Moraine Southern Unit, adding "The quiet was perfect!" These designated areas provide respite from more active campground sections, especially during holiday weekends.
Winter camping options: Off-season camping provides solitude and unique experiences. At Ottawa Lake Campground, Tim H. notes "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. Nice place for solitude."
What you should know
Campground selection matters: The different camping areas within Kettle Moraine vary significantly in terms of amenities and atmosphere. Josh F. explains that at Southern Unit Horseriders Campground, "There are several sites along one side of the park that are a little more secluded and in a pine forest... they include 409, 410, 411, 412, 413. 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."
Bathroom facilities vary: Campers frequently mention bathroom quality in their reviews. Kim from Menomonee Park notes "Pit toilets and metros desperately need to be cleaned more often," while others report clean facilities at different campgrounds. Most campgrounds offer both pit toilets near campsites and centralized shower buildings, though distances vary.
Reserve well ahead: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. The most desirable sites can book months in advance, particularly at locations like Fox Den where Art S. advises "reservations would be important to make first" since the campground is "within a couple hours of Chicago so it makes a nice getaway for the weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly facilities. Menomonee Park offers "a nice beach with life guards," according to Matt N., who adds "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing." Kyle B. notes it's a "Fun little park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."
Consider noise levels: Family camping experiences can be affected by neighboring sites. One camper at Menomonee Park reported "We had very noisy neighbors that did not respect the quiet hours rule and park staff did nothing to intervene." Jon shared a similar experience: "The biggest complaint is the noise into the wee hours of the morning. What good are quiet hours if they are not enforced?"
Choose sites strategically: Some camping areas are more suited for families than others. In Chain O' Lakes State Park, Marisa A. recommends "Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East for those hoping for privacy" and notes "The campsites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South," making them better for families needing more space.
Tips from RVers
Electric site availability: RVers should note the various electrical options. At equestrian camping areas near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, electrical hookups are common but vary in amperage. Fox Den Campground offers advantages over other nearby options as Ian C. explains: "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad."
Site levelness matters: RV campers emphasize the importance of level pads. At Fox Den Campground, Ian C. notes "Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers." Art S. confirms this assessment, adding that Fox Den has "more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees."
Campground road access: For those traveling with larger rigs, consider the location within the park. Art S. notes that Fox Den "was just about as far away into the park as you could go without going to the youth/group camp," which means a longer drive with your RV. Some campgrounds have narrower access roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles.
