Hikers and trail runners have direct access to the Ice Age Trail and Scuppernong trail systems from Pinewoods, making it a practical base for multi-day exploration within Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit. The campground sits in forested terrain with tall pines providing consistent shade, keeping sites noticeably cooler on hot summer days. Cell coverage is limited; Verizon users report one or two bars at best while hiking, and little to none in camp.
The campground divides into several loops with meaningfully different characters. Loop 1 (sites 1-36) enforces 24-hour quiet and prohibits pets and amplified sound, drawing campers who want less noise at night. Reviewers consistently note that visitors in this loop respect the rules. The other loops run louder, with music and larger groups common on weekends. Sites across the campground are generally spacious, with dirt and pine needle ground cover rather than gravel, and enough tree spacing that Hilary S. notes "most sites have hammock-able trees and are quite shady." Privacy varies: the shade limits undergrowth, which reduces mosquitoes but also reduces visual screening between neighbors.
Facilities include flush toilets, showers, and a centrally located comfort station, all described as well-maintained and clean. Pit toilets are available within the loops for convenience. Camp hosts sell firewood and ice on-site and clean out fire pits daily. Electric hookups are available in some loops for RVs up to 100 feet, and a dump station is on-site.
Ottawa Lake Campground serves as the check-in location for Pinewoods, a detail that catches first-time visitors off guard, particularly those arriving on foot. Backpackers on the Ice Age Trail should note this in advance. The Backpack Sites in the Southern Unit are another option for those prioritizing solitude over amenities. October visits bring cold nights; one reviewer burned through four bundles of firewood per day in early fall, so plan accordingly. Reservations are available and advisable for summer weekends.
Description
Covering more than 22,000 acres of forested glacial hills, kettle lakes and prairies, the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine is interlaced with more than 100 miles of mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking and nature trails. Paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and winter sport opportunities are all available. There are three family campgrounds (Ottawa Lake, Pinewoods, Whitewater Lake), a horseriders camp, two group camps, and remote backpack shelters on the Ice Age Trail. An accessible cabin for persons with disabilities, several picnic shelters, an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor auditorium are also reservable.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Please Note: Ottawa Lake annually hosts a triathlon on the last Sunday in July which will be on the 25 in 2027. The beach will be open to the public, but parking will be very limited before noon. The boat launch will be closed to vehicle traffic until 3pm.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPinewoods & Group Camp is located in Wisconsin near North Prairie
Directions
Campsites check-in/registration for Pinewoods is at Ottawa Lake Campground. Ottawa Lake Rec. Area is 4 miles north of Eagle. Travel Hwy 67 north from the village of Eagle, or south from I-94. Then turn west on Hwy ZZ to the campground entrance.
Coordinates
42.96097758 N
88.44396275 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 31 min from Milwaukee, WI
- 46 min from Janesville, WI
- 58 min from Racine, WI
- 1 hr 1 min from Kenosha, WI
















































