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

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern 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 - Southern Unit before I book?

Yes! Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit has 10 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.

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

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

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

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit has 138 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 - Southern Unit?

Pets are not allowed at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

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

Popular activities at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern 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 - Southern Unit

3.33

6 reviews

Featured in:Hiking Camping Wisconsin

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

866 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

138 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

866 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

138 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Fee information not specified in source materials; check the Wisconsin DNR page or GoingToCamp reservation site for current fees.

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

3.33

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

noise

"Reviews praise the Ice Age Trail and describe the hike to Shelter 2 as an easy, shaded backpacking leg; Southern Unit facilities where present are generally clean but basic."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

42.8731, -88.5276

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

Fall brings the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F, nights in the 30s and 40s°F, and peak foliage in the mixed hardwoods. Trails stay scenic for hiking and photography, with moderate crowds (weekends are busier). Summer offers shade on the forested trail but brings bugs; spring and fall reduce insect pressure. Pack layers for cool nights year-round. Deer hunting runs through November. Wear blaze orange during those periods. Midwest weather changes fast, so expect occasional thunderstorms in summer and crisp, variable conditions in shoulder seasons.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 11% in WI

Fall cited as best season: peak foliage and ideal hiking temps mid-50s to 60s°F.

Planning Tips

About Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

Shelter #2 sits along the Ice Age Trail in Kettle Moraine State Forest's Southern Unit, a short, easy hike from the Forest Headquarters. This Adirondack-style shelter serves backpackers looking for a quick overnight in Wisconsin's glacier-carved hill country. The Southern Unit covers 138 primitive sites total and has earned a 5.0 rating from six reviews.

Shelter #2 is a backcountry (primitive) Adirondack shelter located along the Ice Age Trail in Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F, nights in the 30s and 40s°F, and peak foliage in the mixed hardwoods. Trails stay scenic for hiking and photography, with moderate crowds (weekends are busier). Summer offers shade on the forested trail but brings bugs; spring and fall reduce insect pressure. Pack layers for cool nights year-round. Deer hunting runs through November. Wear blaze orange during those periods. Midwest weather changes fast, so expect occasional thunderstorms in summer and crisp, variable conditions in shoulder seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Kettle Moraine landscape shows everywhere you look: rolling wooded hills, kettle depressions, small lakes, and prairie openings scattered through the forest. The shelter sits in mixed hardwoods and conifers at 866 feet elevation. Canopy keeps the trail shaded. In October, the hardwoods turn red, orange, and gold across the hillsides, making the Ice Age Trail corridor one of southern Wisconsin's better spots for fall color. The glacial features. Moraines, kettles, ridges. Define every view.

Geological RegionKettle Moraine glacial landscape characterized by kettles, moraines, rolling wooded hills, small lakes, and prairie openings.

Scenic ViewsWooded rolling hills, forest canopy, occasional openings to small lakes and prairie pockets; fall foliage is a highlight in season.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com) and Wisconsin DNR information page (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kms).

Total Campsites138 campsites

Best CampsitesShelter 2 works well as a first-night stop close to the Forest Headquarters. Trip reports call it a good choice for a short out-and-back or an easy intro leg for backpackers testing the Ice Age Trail.

Need help booking Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit?

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GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Shelter #2 is a backcountry Adirondack shelter with no developed campground amenities; backpackers must be self‑sufficient.

Activities you can enjoy

The Southern Unit and the Ice Age Trail corridor around Shelter #2 offer hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, fishing, paddling/boating, and beach/swim opportunities at nearby lakes.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal insect activity (noted as reduced in shoulder seasons); variable or limited cell service in backcountry locations; normal forest wildlife and trail conditions. No site-specific hazards were listed in source materials.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Weather at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.3

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews praise the Ice Age Trail and describe the hike to Shelter 2 as an easy, shaded backpacking leg; Southern Unit facilities where present are generally clean but basic.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic glacial landscape, extensive trail system, easy and pleasant hike to Shelter 2, strong fall foliage viewing, seclusion and quiet at backcountry shelters.

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Most specific complaints in online reviews concern the drive‑in campgrounds and not the remote shelters, but they still indicate general area issues: some visitors mention road and traffic noise near...

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve Ice Age Trail shelters in advance via the state reservation system; arrive self‑sufficient—bring water treatment, food and lighting; consider shoulder‑season trips to reduce insect pressure.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

One of the best trails I have used in Wisconsin. Water sources are at regular intervals. Hills and fields along with a variety of terrain keep the walk interesting. It's not for casual walks, but is...

Based on 6 reviews

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