The Kettle Moraine region surrounding Plymouth, Wisconsin features distinct glacial topography including kames, kettles, and eskers formed during the last ice age. Winter camping options are limited with temperatures frequently dropping below 20°F, while summer high temperatures average 78-82°F with occasional thunderstorms. Campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 860-980 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for hiking and recreation.
What to do
Hike the Ice Age Trail: At Mauthe Lake Campground, visitors can access extensive hiking routes along the national scenic Ice Age Trail. "There is a crushed gravel trail running from here to Long Lake that is great for running/walking/biking. If you like ice cream, head to Dundee and visit the Hamburger Haus," notes Sarah L., highlighting accessible recreational options within the park system.
Swimming and water activities: Kohler-Andrae State Park offers Lake Michigan beach access with multiple swimming options. A camper explains, "This park has everything! Trails, dunes, marshes, forests, and Lake Michigan. Very well kept. Bathhouse very nice. Very nice nature center. Laundry facilities available. Beach very nice."
Fishing opportunities: Lakes throughout the area provide varied fishing experiences. At Mauthe Lake, "big campsites, good fishing" are mentioned by reviewers, while Long Lake is praised for its diverse catch: "We caught some large blue gill, a few crappie, perch and bass. It is a 'weedy' lake but when your fishing for certain fish, that's a good thing."
Stargazing and sunset viewing: Lakeside campgrounds offer exceptional sunset views. At Mauthe Lake Campground, one visitor described the experience as "ridiculously beautiful" while another noted the "most beautiful sunset over the lake and pines in July."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the upkeep of bathrooms and showers as a key factor. At Long Lake Campground, a visitor noted that "sites are decent sized for tenting or small camper. Almost all the sites are surround by trees and small brush so it gives a private feel."
Privacy between sites: The level of seclusion varies significantly between campgrounds. At Harrington Beach State Park, "Most of the sites are pretty secluded so if you enjoy your privacy I will love this place. Everything was clean and updated including the bathrooms."
Water access and beaches: Multiple campgrounds feature beaches and swimming areas. One camper at Kohler-Andrae State Park enjoyed "gorgeous sunsets! plenty to do! there is a large open area and play area for kids to run around walkable from the camping, lots of little paths to explore!"
Varied terrain for different experiences: The region offers diverse landscapes from forests to beaches. In the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, campsites provide "nice large sites, some in the sun, some in the shade and some have a mixture. Swim areas are large."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campsite quality and amenities vary significantly within the same campground. At Harrington Beach State Park, "We had a nice private campsite that was completely wooded all around it. The campsite had a fire pit and picnic table that were both in great condition."
Reservation timelines: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "If you plan to camp for a weekend, you must make a reservation way in advance," advises a visitor to Kohler-Andrae State Park.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience periodic noise from nearby attractions. Plymouth Rock Camping Resort is "really close to a racetrack" with noise described as "annoying early in the morning and throughout the day."
Water conditions vary seasonally: Lake levels and conditions change throughout the year. At Harrington Beach, one visitor reported that "When we went to the lake level was up so high due to flooding that we weren't really able to enjoy the beach but normally there is plenty of coastline for enjoying some beach time."
Tips for camping with families
Beach proximity is key: Families often prefer sites closer to swimming areas. Long Lake Campground in Kettle Moraine receives praise for its "two beautiful sand beaches with large grassy picnic areas, hiking, a boat launch, and a reservable pavilion."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Kohler-Andrae State Park, there is "a large open area and play area for kids to run around walkable from the camping."
Activity options: Campgrounds with diverse recreation options keep children engaged. Harrington Beach State Park has "so much to do we couldn't do everything we wanted in the one night we stayed."
Site spacing considerations: For families with small children, site proximity to facilities matters. One camper at Long Lake mentioned, "Our site was a bit less secluded than I'd prefer but still very nice. The loop we were on the lower 900 loop, had quite a few sites that could be combined to be group sites."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Sundance Farm Campground receives high marks from RVers for its reliable utilities. One camper praised "great water/power hookups" and noted the campground is "minutes from downtown Plymouth and Road America."
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access for larger rigs. At Sundance Farm, a visitor reported challenges: "We were reserved, but unable to stay due to having a trailer with a car in it and not being able to unhitch to back into a site."
Amenities for extended stays: The best places to camp near Plymouth for RVers often feature amenities like reliable internet. Sundance Farm gets praise for "reliable Wi-Fi" while being conveniently located near area attractions.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should note varying operational seasons at campgrounds. While some private campgrounds operate year-round, many state park campgrounds have limited seasons, typically May through October, with varying levels of services in shoulder seasons.
