Is Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit first-come first-served or reservation?

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit before I book?

Yes! Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit?

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit is open Property open year-round (open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Note: some seasonal systems (flush toilets/showers, drinking fountains and dump stations) are closed for the season and will be turned back on in spring 2026 per property notices.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit?

Yes, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit have?

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit has 54 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit?

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit?

Popular activities at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit?

Fire policies at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit: Outdoor fire rings are available. Wood‑burning stoves at Zillmer and Greenbush warming shelters are unavailable due to maintenance; the indoor/outdoor fireplace at Mauthe Lake shelter is also unavailable as of the noted updates. Follow posted rules and property notices for any fire restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.39

86 reviews

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Great HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Wisconsin

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,066 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

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Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,066 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A vehicle admission sticker is required. Specific campsite fees are not listed on the provided source; see the reservation platform for rates.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 86 reviews

1628 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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Some mention

noisemosquitoessmall

"Most reviewers praise the extensive trails, scenic glacial landscape, clean facilities in many areas, and good swimming/boating at Mauthe and Long Lake. Common negatives include spotty cell service, crowded or close campsites in places, seasonal insect issues, and occasional reports of theft or nearby gunfire."

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Campground Map

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

43.6030, -88.1674

Best Time to Camp at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Fall is the standout season. Highs run 45–65°F, nights 30–40°F, and the hardwood canopy lights up for hikers and bikers. Trails dry out after spring mud, fishing and paddling stay pleasant, and amenities remain available through October. Midweek crowds are moderate; weekends fill with leaf-peepers. Summer brings full facilities (showers, flush toilets, water fountains) but also mosquitoes and biting insects. Pack repellent. Water systems close in winter and aren't scheduled to reopen until spring 2026.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 11% in WI

Standout season: fall foliage, dry trails and excellent hiking/biking conditions noted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Property open year-round (open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Note: some seasonal systems (flush toilets/showers, drinking fountains and dump stations) are closed for the season and will be turned back on in spring 2026 per property notices.

About Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit sits on classic Ice Age terrain in Wisconsin, where glaciers carved rolling hills, kettles, and eskers across 54 campsites. The campground is a hub for exploring the Ice Age Trail, swimming at Mauthe and Long Lake beaches, and hiking to Parnell Tower. Expect spotty cell service and close spacing on some loops.

A large, multi-use state forest offering developed camp loops, backpacking shelters, group and equestrian sites across several recreation areas (Mauthe Lake, Long Lake, etc.).

Historical Significance

The Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center anchors the unit's focus on glacial geology, interpreting the kettles, eskers, and other landforms shaped 12,000 years ago. Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail run through the property, including the Zillmer Trail.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Highs run 45–65°F, nights 30–40°F, and the hardwood canopy lights up for hikers and bikers. Trails dry out after spring mud, fishing and paddling stay pleasant, and amenities remain available through October. Midweek crowds are moderate; weekends fill with leaf-peepers. Summer brings full facilities (showers, flush toilets, water fountains) but also mosquitoes and biting insects. Pack repellent. Water systems close in winter and aren't scheduled to reopen until spring 2026.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape here is pure glacial legacy: bowl-shaped kettles cradle ponds, eskers snake through valleys, and mixed hardwood forests blanket the ridges at 1,066 feet elevation. Mauthe Lake and Long Lake both have sandy beaches. Trails wind through woods and open prairie patches, with views from Parnell Tower stretching across the kettles and ridges. Wildlife sightings include beaver, deer, and ducks along the water.

Geological RegionClassic kettle moraine glacial terrain (rolling hills, kettles and eskers formed by the last Ice Age).

Scenic ViewsScenic forested views and lake vistas are common; Parnell Tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Winding two‑lane scenic drives through the kettle moraine terrain are noted as especially picturesque.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)

Total Campsites54 campsites

Best CampsitesSite 416 at Mauthe Lake gets praise for shade, privacy, and room to spread out. Reviewers recommend outer-loop sites with vegetation buffers between pads. Inner loops can feel crowded and close. Heavily wooded spots help block noise from family groups.

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Amenities available

Mixed amenities across multiple recreation areas: developed restrooms, shower buildings, drinking fountains and a dump station exist but are seasonally turned off; vault/pit toilets serve shelters and some camp loops; outdoor fire rings and on-site firewood are available. Cell reception is spotty in places.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Extensive multi-use recreation across the Northern Unit: abundant hiking and mountain biking trails, several beaches for swimming, paddling and boating on multiple lakes, wildlife viewing, and groomed ski trails in winter.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors have reported hearing gunshots near some trails during hunting seasons—hikers have advised checking hunting seasons and wearing blaze orange; trails may be muddy after heavy rain. User reports include occasional theft from unattended gear at backpacking shelters and spotty cell service in parts of the property.

Fire PolicyOutdoor fire rings are available. Wood‑burning stoves at Zillmer and Greenbush warming shelters are unavailable due to maintenance; the indoor/outdoor fireplace at Mauthe Lake shelter is also unavailable as of the noted updates. Follow posted rules and property notices for any fire restrictions.

Cell CoverageVisitors report spotty to no cell reception in parts of campgrounds (one reviewer could not complete online check-in due to no reception); coverage appears variable by location.

Weather at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

86 reviews

Recommended

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most reviewers praise the extensive trails, scenic glacial landscape, clean facilities in many areas, and good swimming/boating at Mauthe and Long Lake. Common negatives include spotty cell service, crowded or close campsites in places, seasonal insect issues, and occasional reports of theft or nearby gunfire.

Review Summaries

Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Outstanding hiking (Ice Age Trail, Parnell Tower, Zillmer); well‑maintained campgrounds and restrooms/showers in many reports; family‑friendly beaches and playground at Mauthe Lake; good privacy and...

Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

• **Noise and family crowds at Mauthe Lake**: multiple reviews describe the campground as heavily family‑oriented, with children screaming, parents yelling, and noise carrying despite trees; solo or...

Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Lock valuables and supervise gear (one reviewer reported stolen backpacks at a shelter); bring insect repellent in summer; backpacking shelter users should treat spring water and consider bringing a...

Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spotty cell phone service.. nothing but trees and wildlife for miles."; "Awesome scenery, but watch out for the shady locals."; "Beautiful lake. Well maintained campground and toilets are clean."

Based on 86 reviews

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