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4.5

out of 5

36 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2017

Special Place in a Special State!!

If your in Wisconsin this is a must stay! Beautiful campground (Ottawa Lake campsites) Great Lake, hiking to see the natural springs which is the coolest!! Drank fresh spring water!

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  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Autumn S., June 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Autumn S., June 11, 2017
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2017

My Go-To Campsite for a Quick Weekend Away

Sometimes you don't have time to plan a long camping trip, or something special. In that situation, I choose Ottawa Lake for several reasons. First off, it's just about an hour from home so even if it's Friday morning and I decide to leave town, I can get there by sundown that day and still get some work done beforehand. Plus, I've been camping here since I was a kid. I know the amenity list by heart (see below). It's close to Scuppernong nature trail with springs bubbling out of the ground. For longer hikes, the Ice Age Trail is nearby as well. For bird watchers, it's a great place as all the water in the area brings a wide variety of birds. Even without leaving the Ottawa Lake area you might see cranes, wild turkeys and other fowl wandering across the highway and into the campground area.

Kids will find things to do on their own as well as with their parents which is great as well because sometimes you just want to quietly read a book in front of a fire but also want to take the kids with. Since I'm a new parent (my daughter will be three this year), this is a great bonus. A lot of the campers are there every year and so kids have opportunities to make friends that they will see year after year.

For a quick, get-out-of-Milwaukee-fast sort of camping trip, nothing beats Ottawa Lake in my mind and you can find me and my friends there regularly.

Amenities: Flush and vault toilets, showers, lake with swimming beach, kid's playground, water fountain (for drinking), electrical if needed, walk-in sites, sites with a view over the lake, volleyball, horseshoes, site host with firewood sales, and picnic areas. (As of fall 2016)

  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Christophor R., April 12, 2017
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2016

Ottawa Lake

Love this park. Nice little lake. Within 1/2 hour of Milwaukee. My favorite sites are the 2 walk to sites. I believe #334 and 335

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2016

Best site

My favorite site over looks the lake. At dusk the reflection leaves me speechless. I don't swim in the lake be sure I have come across my fair share of snakes and goose pop.

  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Nina T., July 20, 2016
  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Nina T., July 20, 2016
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2016

Short Drive to Serenity

Ottawa Lake is in the middle of Kettle Moraine State Forest's Southern Unit. It's mostly car camping with a few hike in locations. The state forest is expansive and wildlife is everywhere. Trails for hiking are in every direction. There are some pretty challenging climbs and some of those trails are pretty technical. The campsites have well-groomed pads and are mostly shaded. There are modern facilities as well as drop toilets for those summer months when a shower is in order. This area is absolutely gorgeous with many lakes in the area, various types of terrain and plenty of natural solitude. It is a short drive from either the Milwaukee area or Madison. You might need awhile to explore the Kettle Moraine area in depth. There's a lot of it to see.

Reviewed Apr. 13, 2015

Nice lake, trails in area, decent sites

There aren't a lot of wooded sites, but that doesn't mean there isn't shade. The area is a lot of prairie, so many of the sites have little shade, but some are well shaded and private. The beach and the lake are nice for swimming and canoeing/kayaking. There a lot of trails nearby, just like any other campground in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Jimmy P., April 13, 2015
  • Our campsite: a good mix of shade and sun, with a decent amount of space and privacy
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  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Jimmy P., April 13, 2015
  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Jimmy P., April 13, 2015
  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Jimmy P., April 13, 2015
  • Review photo of Ottawa Lake Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit by Jimmy P., April 13, 2015