94 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Kettle Moraine State Forest dominates the camping landscape around Nashotah, Wisconsin, with multiple developed campgrounds spread across its northern and southern units. Ottawa Lake Campground and Pinewoods Campground in the Southern Unit offer mixed-use sites accommodating tents, RVs, and in some cases cabins. These established campgrounds feature varying levels of amenities, with most providing electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. Several county parks supplement these options, including Naga-Waukee Park and Menomonee Park, which provide additional tent and RV camping opportunities within 10-15 miles of Nashotah.
Most campgrounds in the Kettle Moraine region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October, though some sites remain open year-round with reduced services. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping. Winter camping is available at select locations but requires preparation for potentially harsh conditions. A camper noted, "Mid to Late October is great Fall camping in Southern Wisconsin. Cool nights range from lower 30's to upper 40's. Day time temps can exceed 60."
Campers consistently praise the wooded privacy found at many Kettle Moraine sites, particularly in the Pinewoods area. The forest's glacial topography creates diverse camping experiences with a mix of pine forests, oak savannas, and lake access points. Several visitors highlight the extensive trail systems connecting campgrounds to recreational opportunities. The Ice Age Trail passes through multiple camping areas, providing hikers with convenient access to this long-distance footpath. Proximity to small lakes represents another significant draw, with Ottawa Lake and Pike Lake offering swimming and fishing opportunities directly adjacent to campgrounds. A review mentioned that "Pinewoods Campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded. The tree cover is thick so expect shade throughout most of the day. Many trees make for good hammock camping."
"Site was spacious but very close to your neighbors. Lots to do in the area. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The beach was not clean and very hard to walk on, very rocky."
"Red Trail, Paradise Trail,Rice Lake are all great hikes. Great views of Lake Ottawa. The close by town of Oconomowoc has a nice place to eat, Burkes Lakeside."
from $23 - $38 / night
Check Availability"It is close to the Ice Age trail and the Scuppernong trail, and a short drive from Ottawa Lake. Nearby is some excellent mountain biking in hilly terrain at the Emma Carlin and John Muir trails. "
"Pinewoods Campground is part of the southern Kettle Morraine State Forest in Wisconsin. The campground is secluded and most sites are private and shaded."
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Nestled in the heart of lake country (Waukesha County) and accessible from the Lake Country Trail and Ice Age Trail, this county park is perfect for those just passing through or families looking for a"
"Very windy weekend but I imagine during the summer it’s a great spot to camp near their big beach and lake access."
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"North Kettle Moraine, Pike Lake Unit was an easy choice given it's proximity to the city- about 40 minutes."
"A last minute decision to camp for a night led my son and I to the often visited Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Its a beautiful park and within 30 minutes of our home."
from $23 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Live nearby. We go there a lot over the summer. Fun park to ride bikes through. Many trails to walk or hike. The pond has a great beach for kids."
"There are miles of nice hiking trails, a nice beach, pavilions to rent, horse riding trails, archery range and I’m sure I’m missing more."
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking."
"Their is also a great hiking trail if you like that."
"Trails that took you through woods and then prairie and then up a decent elevation for an amazing view of the surrounding area."
"I did not stay at this park, but did drive and walk through it to get a feel for it. There are a number of sites I'd love to tent camp in. This park is bounded by a lake with a nice beach."
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The rangers drive through regularly and will deliver wood to your site if requested."
"Swim or fish in the lake, archery or huge picnic sites."
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It’s along the ice age trail and offers stunning views for easy hikes."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"So we just use that because no one was there. 1.7 miles on bike path to Brewer Baseball field. It was raining to we used Uber to the game and walked back for an afternoon game."
"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."
from $55 / night
Check Availability
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.
GuideOur friends have a permanent camper here so we joined them for the weekend. I’ve never experienced a place like this. It’s not what I would consider camping. It’s basically people’s second trailer park home. The frog pond that was turned into a swimming hole with ridiculous inflatables completely ruined the peaceful atmosphere in that area of the park. If you enjoy being surrounded by people, noise, and teens cruising in golf carts, you’ll love this place. We do have fun when we are with our friends here, but it is definitely not a typical peaceful camp.
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.
TravelerFirst time RV’ing with my wife and we were able to navigate pretty easily in our rented 30’. Arrived on a Monday, and as posted, there was no one so we checked in online(they sent an email to check in). Simple camp site with tons of space(almost double our RV), a long wood picnic table and a fire pit. Everything was great until we left. Dumping was straight forward, but the person in front of me was taking a little while to dump. They had came up to my RV and let me know the dump tank was backing up, which I had also experienced when I tried dumping. I called to ask for assistance on Thursday and they said they would send a ranger out. 45 minutes of waiting and a couple other RV’s after us and we ended up giving up and going to another site closer to home to dump. Great experience otherwise.
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!
GuideWe stayed here one night and had a great experience! The restroom/bathhouse is super clean, conveniently located, and NEW. A refreshing thing after roughing it. We took a trail down to the trussle bridge that goes across the river. Nice nature view. Fishing was good too, near the bridge at the entrance to the park. My son was there maybe 5 min and hooked a decent sized pike. We brought our two dogs and they enjoyed the quiet of the park and the trails. Only complaint I had was that someone previously had left dog poop at our site, but sometimes people don't clean up after their pets. Our site had electric, only 30 amp hookup but we had a 50 amp adapter and it worked well. We would definitely stay again.
TravelerThis is my second time camping here (June / July). This campground is the best of both worlds. By that, I mean there’s is peace and solitude, while also family fun activities for kids and adults. You can rent kayaks and canoes, for the lake. Fishing pier, nice size beach with the inflatable obstacle course. On the weekend they have activity’s on the beach such as sand castle building competitions, obstacle races and then they have beach bubbles. It’s is fun to watch all the little kids running around like little marshmallows.
The golf carts are all newer with long lasting batteries. The campsites have lots of tree shade. On our arrival, our site appears to be cleaned. Even our fire ring was cleaned out. Golf cart was there waiting for us fully charged. They bring firewood out to you when you buy it from the store. The store has a nice array of items such as food, ice cream, clothing, little toys an such. The mini golf course is new and some obstacles are made from an artist with recycled tires that are painted.
There is lots or grass at our campsite (mud too if you’re here when it rains). The roads are a VERY hard packed gravel that electrical scooters can ride on. So yes, electric scooters appear to be permitted here. Be careful tho as there are quite a few pot holes and dips.
There is a heated pool that goes to 9ft. A balloon launching area, jumping pillow and I’m sure others that I’m missing. By the store, they have picnic tables in shade with activities on each one with little blocks. Karaoke on the weekends. And if you like to socialize, you might run into the “booze cruise”. This is a group of seasonal people that ride their golf carts around playing music trying to get more people to join the ride. They’re entertaining to watch as they stop and start dancing like they’re 12yrs lol.
Great place to camp. Quiet when you want it, fun when you need it, great free WiFi, activities, shade, well maintained campground with staff that will literally help anyway they can if it’s within their power. Hope all this helps someone make their next camping trip as well as ours have been!
ScoutWas a good overnight stop on way to Sun Prairie. Hosts/rangers were very nice and helpful. Campground was clean, bathrooms and showers were as well.
ScoutFriendly camp hosts. Nice large sites with even and level grass. There are padded FHU sites available. Immaculate bathrooms and showers. Fresh, clean water at hookups. Very quiet despite being on major roadway. Good value. Would stop again.
Camping sites near Nashotah, Wisconsin cluster around the Kettle Moraine region with its distinctive glacial topography. The terrain features numerous kettle depressions, kames, and eskers formed 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. Mosquito activity peaks from June through August, with repellent essential during evening hours when temperatures cool to the 60s.
Swimming at Ottawa Lake: The lake at Ottawa Lake Campground features a clean, sandy beach with designated swimming areas. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" notes camper Neysha R.
Spring water exploration: Hike to natural springs located near Ottawa Lake for a unique natural attraction. "Beautiful campground (Ottawa Lake campsites) Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!" shares Autumn S.
Archery practice: Muskego Park maintains a dedicated archery area where hunters can practice shooting from elevated blinds. "The park has a lot of amenities including a beachy pond area and an archery area where you can practice shooting from a blind above - great for hunters looking to brush up skills before the season starts," explains Laura B.
Mini golf: Harnischfeger County Park offers a 9-hole mini golf course for $1 per person. "Has a 9 hole mini golf course that cost $1 a person. Has trails, disc golf, and rock river for kayaking," states Brittany R.
Private, wooded sites: The quiet loop at Pinewoods Campground offers secluded camping with noise restrictions. "Stayed one night (Friday) and really enjoyed the location. We were in the quiet loop, Loop 1, which actually was very quiet. Everyone was respectful of the rules," reports Abbe W.
Native wildlife encounters: Many sites throughout Kettle Moraine offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Great landscape and wildlife. We were lucky enough to have a couple of Sandhill Cranes walk through our camp early one morning," mentions Abbe W. at Mukwonago Park.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services. "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," advises Tim H. about Ottawa Lake in winter.
Variety of terrain: Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit features diverse landscapes from prairie to forest. "I loved how secluded the site felt. There were 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," comments Brendan E.
Seasonal water conditions: Swimming areas can develop natural hazards during summer months. "Heed warnings of swimmers itch and know that the dog beach is very small, with no beach at all (just a place rest for your dog to go take a swim)," cautions Susan S. about Pike Lake.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or speedways. "Proximity to highway means more noise. Also close to Slinger Speedway, which on Sundays on the weekend can be loud with the races and they can run kinda late (about 10PM)," warns Eric S. about Pike Lake.
Shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "Pit toilets and metros desperately need to be cleaned more often. Very convenient that they drive through the Campground to sell/deliver firewood tho," notes Kim about Menomonee Park.
Reservation timing: Menomonee Park has special events that book far in advance. "The last weekend of September is FallFest and often books a year in advance," advises Lauren S. about Harnischfeger County Park.
Water activities: Muskego Park offers family-friendly swimming in a spring-fed pond. "The best thing is probably the small man made pond. I believe it's stocked with fish and offers a very family friendly swimming area. There's a nice little concessions stand, a little sand area, and a small pier to jump off of," explains Darren L.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment near amenities. "The showers were clean and when we used them, available. There is a playground right next to them as well," mentions Wendy Z. about Kettle Moraine Southern Unit.
Bike-friendly options: Pike Lake Campground now connects to bike trails. "Bike trail now connects to the campground making biking to Pike Lake possible. The campground is on the opposite side of the park from the lake, so driving or biking are the options to get from the campground to the water," shares Sugar Maple S.
Educational trails: Some parks feature interpretive trails suited for children. "There is plenty of greenery between sites giving privacy. We could hear children playing but only saw them when they rode their bikes around the loop. We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3," notes Art S. about Pinewoods.
Site selection: When camping in larger vehicles, carefully research site access. "There is a TIGHT turn in the campground loop near site #17 to be aware of with longer trailers. Generally, the inner ring is electric (except #23) and the outer ring is non-electric," advises Sugar Maple S. about Pike Lake.
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Nashotah offer electric only or no hookups. "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 Lauren S. about Harnischfeger Park.
Seasonal access: RVers should note when full services are available. "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 Steve K. about Ottawa Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Nashotah, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nashotah, WI is Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit with a 4.3-star rating from 52 reviews.
Keep Exploring
