Cabins near Saukville, Wisconsin offer access to the glacially-formed Kettle Moraine region, characterized by kames, kettles, and eskers left by the retreat of ice sheets 10,000 years ago. The area features diverse ecosystems including oak savannas, wetlands, and hardwood forests. Summer high temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons see temperatures between 45-70°F depending on the month.
What to do
Lake activities: At Ottawa Lake Campground within Kettle Moraine State Forest, visitors can swim at the designated beach or fish from the pier. "The lake is nice and there is a very nice beach as well as a fishing pier," notes one camper, while another mentions "The beach has some nice sand to out your toes in Ana the waves were great when we were there. Water is pretty clear and clean."
Hiking: Kohler-Andrae State Park offers diverse hiking opportunities with dune boardwalks and marsh trails. A visitor explains, "Trails, dunes, marshes, forests, and Lake Michigan. Very well kept... Nice trails through marsh, woods, and dunes. Make sure to venture into Sheybogan and check out the lighthouse."
Swimming and water activities: Harrington Beach State Park provides Lake Michigan beach access with varying water conditions. "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," one camper shares. Another notes, "The huge sandy beach spans the entire length of the park."
Seasonal camping: Several rental cabins in the Saukville region remain open year-round, particularly in the Kettle Moraine State Forest areas. "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 a winter visitor to Ottawa Lake.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many cabin rentals and campsites offer separation from neighbors. At Harrington Beach State Park Campground, "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." Another visitor to Kettle Moraine's Pine Woods area notes, "There are several camping areas in this state park, I found the most appealing sites in the Pine Woods area because it has no electricity, is a 24-hour quiet area and no pets allowed."
Clean facilities: Rental cabins and campgrounds maintain good hygiene standards. At Harrington Beach, one camper states, "Park campground is well kept as well as the facilities. Beach is nice." Another visitor comments on Ottawa Lake, "Prairie Like Setting with ULTRA clean bathrooms. We loved this camp! Very quiet, beautiful paved roads, super clean bathrooms."
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds with cabin rentals offer recreational options. Plymouth Rock Camping Resort provides "three pools, Mimi golf, outdoor movies, the weekend we were there they had a band." A visitor to Jellystone Park at Caledonia mentions, "Great campground for families! Tons to do! Bathrooms/showers are good. Comfortable stay."
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings create appealing environments for cabin stays. A visitor to Kettle Moraine describes, "The sites are roomy and (at least the one I was using) was wooded and private. I was camping with another party and we had adjoining sites. There was a small trail between the two sites that made it very convenient for walking back and forth."
What you should know
Reservations required: Cabin rentals fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. For Kettle Moraine, a visitor advises, "Great for all campers whether privative or big honking buses. Within an hour of major suburbs of Milwaukee but out of the way. Clean a peaceful with great beaches, fishing, and hiking. Please reserve especially on weekends."
Varying privacy levels: Some cabin areas offer more seclusion than others. At Breezy Hill Campground, a visitor observed, "It's extremely clean, kid and pet friendly, with lots of amenities. Staff is incredibly friendly! The only downside is that if you want visitors, there is a $5/visitor fee."
Weather considerations: Lake Michigan proximity affects local conditions. A Harrington Beach visitor noted, "This is a nice little campground but they had to cut down most of the trees due to the emerald ash borrer. when the sun is out it gets HOT."
Cost variations: Cabin rental prices differ substantially based on amenities and location. About Plymouth Rock Camping Resort, one camper stated, "Nice activities for the kids to participate in but campsites are small. It was nice to be able to rent a golf cart because the park is large and the activities are spread about."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Families should research recreational options before booking. Jellystone Park at Caledonia offers extensive children's activities: "Plenty of things to do all day with the rec dept staff and lots of sightings of Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear! Pool and Bear Paw beach are both nice, the kids had a blast at both."
Site selection: Choose cabin locations based on proximity to amenities. At Harrington Beach State Park, one parent shared, "Took my 2 year old fir first time tent camping, we were at site 231, which was huge and very nice. We had some friends at other sites that weren't as nice. There is a YouTube video posted of all the sites."
Noise levels: Consider which cabin areas offer quieter environments. A Kettle Moraine camper recommended, "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed. I'm not sure about children! :) The sites are fairly close together and the trees are sparse, but it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet for the long weekend over the 4th of July."
Budgeting: Plan for additional expenses beyond cabin rental fees. A visitor to Jellystone noted, "Yogi Bear campground is a nice, clean campground. Rental options and the big pool are wonderful. I can't afford to go there often though because it is pricey."
Tips from RVers
Road access: Some cabin areas have challenging access roads. About Plymouth Rock Camping Resort, one RVer observed, "The park is mostly seasonal and the short term sites are literally over a mile of tight, windy road to get to them. Once there the sites are ok."
Site conditions: Ask about specific cabin site features when booking. At Hoefts Resort and Campground, a reviewer noted, "This campground is a great family oriented campground. There were many seasonal sites that were located in the main portion of the campground... The main section of this campground is very open with few trees."
Utility connections: Check what hookups are available with cabin rentals. In Kettle Moraine, "Our site had electric only, which suited our needs. Overall, a great campground close to home, and we will be back!"
Off-season options: Consider cabin rentals during shoulder seasons for better availability. At Ottawa Lake, "Nice campground not far from Milwaukee," makes it convenient for short trips during spring and fall when crowds thin out.
