Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

5.00

6 reviews

Quick Facts

866 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

138 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

866 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

138 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

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

5.00

Top-Rated

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

Driving directionsAccess Shelter #2 via the Ice Age Trail from the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit Forest Headquarters (FHQ); Shelter 2 is a short hike east/along the trail from the FHQ (hike described as an easy, shaded walk).

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

The forested trail to Shelter 2 stays refreshingly cool and shaded even on warm days, making it a welcome escape during the summer months. Spring and fall bring the bonus of fewer bugs and especially stunning foliage displays in October, when the hardwoods put on their annual color show. As with all Midwest adventures, pack layers and be ready for the region's famously changeable weather, from crisp autumn mornings to occasional summer thunderstorms that roll across the kettles.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Shaded forest trails stay cool and make this a welcome summer escape from heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall foliage is highlighted as a seasonal high point and scenic draw.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring brings fewer bugs and fresh scenery per the overview, but details are brief.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter use not detailed; primitive shelter and cold conditions likely limit appeal for many users.

Planning Tips

About Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

Tucked into the rolling, glacier-carved landscape of Kettle Moraine's Southern Unit, Shelter #2 offers backpackers a peaceful retreat along Wisconsin's legendary Ice Age Trail. This classic Adirondack-style shelter sits just a short hike from Forest Headquarters, providing a perfect basecamp for those seeking a quiet night under the stars with minimal frills and maximum solitude.

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

Historical SignificanceShelter 2 is part of the Ice Age Trail experience through the Kettle Moraine — Southern Unit, a landscape formed by glacial activity. Nearby park features (e.g., Paradise Springs) have historic elements mentioned by visitors, but no site-specific historic designation for Shelter 2 is provided in the source.

Weather and SeasonsThe forested trail to Shelter 2 stays refreshingly cool and shaded even on warm days, making it a welcome escape during the summer months. Spring and fall bring the bonus of fewer bugs and especially stunning foliage displays in October, when the hardwoods put on their annual color show. As with all Midwest adventures, pack layers and be ready for the region's famously changeable weather, from crisp autumn mornings to occasional summer thunderstorms that roll across the kettles.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, where wooded hills rise and fall around kettle depressions and shimmering small lakes. The shelter nestles within a mixed forest of hardwoods and conifers, their canopy filtering soft light onto the forest floor below. As you explore the Ice Age Trail corridor, you'll discover unexpected prairie openings breaking through the trees, and come autumn, the hillsides explode in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds that make this one of southern Wisconsin's most photogenic destinations.

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

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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.

HikingShelter #2 sits on the Ice Age Trail; the hike from the Forest Headquarters to Shelter 2 is described in trip reports as an easy, shaded backpacking leg suitable for newer hikers and families, especially in fall.

FishingNearby small forest lakes such as Ottawa Lake and Rice Lake offer fishing; Paradise Springs is noted for trout.

SwimmingBeaches at small forest lakes (e.g., Ottawa Lake, Rice Lake) provide swimming and day‑use opportunities within the Southern Unit.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

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.

Weather at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

Reviews

5.0

6 reviews

Top-Rated

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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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Last updated February 2, 2026

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Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit