Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

4.38

77 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

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Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Going To Camp

Provider

+1-262-626-2116

What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 77 reviews

1628 Google reviews

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

The forest welcomes visitors year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with each season painting the kettles and hills in new colors. Summer brings full amenities including flush toilets, showers, and water fountains, while winter transforms the landscape into a quieter realm (note that water systems close seasonally and are scheduled to return in spring 2026). Spring and fall can leave trails muddy but beautiful, so pack accordingly and check current conditions before your visit.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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

Discover the dramatic legacy of the Ice Age at Kettle Moraine State Forest's Northern Unit, where ancient glaciers carved a landscape of wooded hills, sparkling lakes, and winding trails. Whether you're pitching a tent by the water, saddling up for an equestrian adventure, or shouldering your pack for a backcountry trek, this year-round playground offers the perfect basecamp for exploring some of Wisconsin's most distinctive terrain.

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 SignificanceThe unit highlights glacial geology and interpretation through the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center and portions of the Ice Age Trail, emphasizing the region's Ice Age–formed landforms and educational resources.

Weather and SeasonsThe forest welcomes visitors year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with each season painting the kettles and hills in new colors. Summer brings full amenities including flush toilets, showers, and water fountains, while winter transforms the landscape into a quieter realm (note that water systems close seasonally and are scheduled to return in spring 2026). Spring and fall can leave trails muddy but beautiful, so pack accordingly and check current conditions before your visit.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape sculpted by ice 12,000 years ago, where towering eskers snake through valleys and bowl-shaped kettles cradle tranquil ponds. Mixed hardwood forests give way to sunny prairies and peaceful lakes—Mauthe and Long Lake both invite you to cool off at their sandy beaches after a day on the trail. Hike legendary segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, bed down at remote backpacking shelters, or climb Parnell Tower for sweeping views across this glacial wonderland of ridges and hollows.

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

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonProperty 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.

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

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Dump station

Flush toilets

Vault toilets

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

Numerous trails including the Ice Age Trail, Parnell Tower and Zillmer trails; backpacking shelters are available along trails (shelters like B5 and B6 are mentioned in reviews).

Fishing

Fishing is available (Mauthe Lake and other lakes); note the Mauthe Lake fishing pier has been removed due to infrastructure failure with a replacement expected in fall 2027.

Swimming

The property features multiple beaches (three beaches noted in official description), including a sandy swimming beach at Mauthe Lake and beaches at Long Lake.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are allowed
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.

Hazards

General hazardsVisitors 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.

Weather at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

-8

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 61%

Wind: 9.7 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

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Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Good to know

Common complaintsSpotty or no cell reception in parts of the property; some campsites are small and close together; noise from family groups and children can travel and be disruptive; mosquitoes and biting insects in summer; at least one reviewer reported theft from a backpacking shelter; occasional reports of gunshots heard near campsites.

Campground Map

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

77 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 77 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 77 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 77 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 77 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 77 reviews