Ottawa Lake Campground in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit offers upscale camping just 30 miles from Sturtevant, Wisconsin. Situated within 22,000 acres of glacial terrain, this area features numerous spring-fed lakes, moraine landscapes, and well-maintained hiking trails. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and spring often bringing unpredictable weather conditions.
What to do
Paddle the Chain O' Lakes: At Chain O' Lakes State Park, visitors find excellent kayaking opportunities through interconnected waterways. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes Cora M.
Winter activities: Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit remains open year-round with winter camping options. "No showers in winter but awesome," reports David H. The glacial terrain creates excellent conditions for winter sports including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit.
Visit neighboring Lake Geneva: Just 25 minutes from several campgrounds, this popular destination offers additional recreation options. "This is a nice, clean, well-run campground with some electric sites and several bathroom/shower buildings if needed. Nice little lake to swim or paddle on. 20 minute drive to the awesome Kettle Moraine biking trails," explains Heather H.
What campers like
Affordable wilderness camping: Budget-conscious glampers appreciate the price points at certain parks. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," mentions Addison G. about Turner Lake South.
Convenient location: Menomonee Park provides a wilderness experience close to urban areas. "We have been to Menomonee park several times. It is one of the kids favorites. The sites are just about all wooded. Not huge but a good size for a country park. The Ranger will come by often with wood to buy," writes Matt N.
Lake access: Many campers value the ability to combine camping with water recreation. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," notes Julia B.
What you should know
Summer crowds: The popularity of these destinations means planning ahead. "Gets very busy on the weekends!" warns Neysha R. about Ottawa Lake Campground. Reserve campsites well in advance, especially for weekend stays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife at Honeysuckle Hollow. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," cautions Meg.
Seasonal bathroom access: Many campgrounds reduce services in off-season. "Bathrooms could've been cleaner but we were grateful for the facility which doubled as a storm shelter. There's indoor showers and bathrooms," notes Addison G. Facilities vary significantly between peak and off-peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Honeysuckle Hollow considerations: The campground layout works well for families. "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best," advises Meg.
Activities for children: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort caters to families with numerous amenities. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!" shares Chloe N.
Holiday events: Special seasonal activities enhance glamping in Sturtevant-area campgrounds. "We booked a site here for Halloween and had a great time. My kids love Halloween Weekend camping at the various JellyStone Campgrounds. This location did not dissapoint," reports Marc W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Elkhorn Campgrounds, location within the campground affects experience. "Campsite 65- Rita, the mgr/owner, returned call to assist in selecting a site. The outer lanes had shade, while our site was in the middle open area. Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office," advises Dan W.
Electrical hookup distances: Research your specific site before arrival. "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance," suggests Debra M.
Off-season advantages: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons. "We stayed here for a week over the summer in 2021. We had a back-in site on the north side of the campground. The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," explains Tina.
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