Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
01 reviewKettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Going To Camp
ProviderWhat Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 1 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."
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.
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
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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Campsite details
Total Campsitesnull campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com) and Wisconsin DNR information page (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kms).
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
Shelter #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.Fishing
Nearby small forest lakes such as Ottawa Lake and Rice Lake offer fishing; Paradise Springs is noted for trout.Swimming
Beaches at small forest lakes (e.g., Ottawa Lake, Rice Lake) provide swimming and day‑use opportunities within the Southern Unit.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal 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.
Weather at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
-3
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 62%
Wind: 9.7 mph
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsMost complaints reference developed, drive‑in campgrounds rather than remote shelters: road/traffic noise at some sites, extra vehicle fees, occasional shortages of bathroom supplies, and sometimes strict enforcement by hosts.
Campground Map
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
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).
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 reviews
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 1 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 1 reviewsCommon 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 1 reviewsShow more
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 1 reviewsCamper 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...
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Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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