The Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest covers over 30,000 acres of glacial terrain, with elevation changes ranging from 900 to 1,300 feet above sea level. This forested landscape, shaped by glacial retreat, offers a variety of camping options within a 30-minute drive from Plymouth, Wisconsin. The bridle trails through the forest traverse ridges, kettles, and oak savannas that characterize this unique ecosystem.
What to do
Swim in crystal-clear lakes: At Mauthe Lake Campground, visitors enjoy a designated swimming area with a beach. "Nice beach/swimming area, bike path, and playground for the kids," notes Kaylyn C. The lake is particularly serene since "no motor boats [are allowed] so nice and quiet," according to Sarah L.
Explore historic sites: High Cliff State Park features limestone cliff formations and historical attractions along its trail system. "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," reports Sam F. The park includes a lime kiln and other historical structures to discover.
Mini golf and river recreation: Harnischfeger County Park offers unique activities beyond traditional camping. "Has a 9 hole mini golf course that cost $1 a person. Has trails, disc golf, and Rock River for kayaking," shares Brittany R. The affordable mini-golf makes for a fun family activity between other outdoor pursuits.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: High Cliff State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots with natural separation. "The sites are good sized and clean," reports Karyn S., while Laura D. mentions that "the campsite was large and relatively private." This natural spacing provides a more isolated camping experience.
Trail access variety: Equestrian campers appreciate the direct trail access from Menomonee Park, which offers multiple trail types. "There are miles of nice hiking trails... horse riding trails, archery range and I'm sure I'm missing more," explains Matt N. The diverse trail system accommodates different recreational preferences beyond horseback riding.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at Point Beach State Forest. "The campground is clean and organized well, with each space separated by trees/bush/woods," notes Terry L. Renee R. adds that the park offers "a nice lodge and camp store right on the lake, complete with a quaint restaurant where we got breakfast on the weekend as well as ice cream."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Facilities at many parks have variable opening dates. At Point Beach State Forest, "Campground will be closed until May 24, 2024 for maintenance on the waterlines," advises Laura M. Similarly, High Cliff State Park has "uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season. First week or two of May is a safe bet, but no promises," according to Brandl B.
Reservation demands: Equestrian camping near Plymouth fills quickly during peak seasons. Menomonee Park experiences high demand, with Matt N. noting they "were lucky to snag a site mid week in August, as there were only two sites left when we arrived in the early afternoon."
Wildlife awareness: Campers should secure food items properly. "Raccoons can be a pest and beg for food!" warns Denise L. about High Cliff State Park. This wildlife interaction is common throughout the area's forested campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access benefits: Sundance Farm Campground provides a family-friendly atmosphere with amenities for children. "The host is so nice, everyone is quiet and kind, the bathrooms are spotlessly clean, reliable Wi-Fi, great water/power hookups, the works," reports Sarah N., noting its proximity to Plymouth makes it convenient for families.
Playground locations: Parks with dedicated children's areas reduce boredom during downtime. "The park has a lot of trails for hiking, biking and some horse trails. The quarry is good for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. There is a beach with life guards," explains Matt N. about Menomonee Park.
Educational opportunities: High Cliff State Park offers learning experiences through its historical features. "Great place to explore with the fam. Hike the trails to see pieces of Wisconsin history throughout," recommends Sam F., suggesting families take advantage of the educational components of the trails.
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: At Point Beach State Forest, Laura M. advises, "The dump station gets really backed up at the end of the weekend, so heads up." Planning dump station use for off-peak times (weekday mornings) can save significant waiting time.
Electrical reliability: Electrical service varies across campgrounds. At Mauthe Lake, Elizabeth S. confirms "30 amp at the electrical site worked perfectly," making it reliable for RV campers needing consistent power. Many parks in the region offer only 30-amp service rather than 50-amp connections.
Site selection strategies: For larger RVs, careful site selection is critical. "You can't go wrong with how close the park is to Milwaukee," notes Caroline K. about Mauthe Lake, though RVers should check site dimensions when booking as some parks have limited pull-through options.
