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Wisconsin
12

Wisconsin State Parks

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USA Parks
Wisconsin
Northern Kettle Moraine Region
Kettle Moraine State Forest
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Kettle Moraine State Forest Autumn Fall - 02 © Christopher Tobias
The falling leaves of Autumn entangle in the rough bark. Scenes from an early Autumn hike through Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods in the Kettle Moraine State Park, Wisconsin. http//www.christobiasphotography.com/Nature-and-Landscape/Kettle-Moraine-State-Forest/
Kettle Moraine State Forest End of Autumn © Christopher Tobias
A Burr Oak stands tall in the last days of Autumn from Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods in the Kettle Moraine. http//www.christobiasphotography.com/Nature-and-Landscape/Kettle-Moraine-State-Forest/
Kettle Moraine State Forest Autumn Fall 01 © Christopher Tobias
The falling leaves of Autumn entangle in the rough bark. Scenes from an early Autumn hike through Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods in the Kettle Moraine State Park, Wisconsin. http//www.christobiasphotography.com/Nature-and-Landscape/Kettle-Moraine-State-Forest/
Kettle Moraine State Forest Autumn Fern © Christopher Tobias
The last days of Autumn from Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods in the Kettle Moraine. http//www.christobiasphotography.com/Nature-and-Landscape/Kettle-Moraine-State-Forest/
Kettle Moraine State Forest Butterfly on Thistle - 04 © Christopher Tobias
Butterflies working the thistles. Photographed in the Kettle Moraine state forest, Wisconsin. http//www.christobiasphotography.com/Nature-and-Landscape/Kettle-Moraine-State-Forest/
Kettle Moraine State Forest Mauthe Lake Reflection © Bridgette Siever
Mauthe Lake State Park, Mauthe Reflection, where does it start where does it end
Kettle Moraine State Forest Bridge © Bridgette Siever
Tamarack Nature trail at Mauthe Lake State Park
Kettle Moraine State Forest Tamarack Nature trail © Bridgette Siever
beautiful walk
Kettle Moraine State Forest Sunsetting © Bridgette Siever
Mauthe lake, sun setting
Kettle Moraine State Forest Reflect at Mauthe Lake © Bridgette Siever
Reflections are my favorite photos.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Picnic Spot © Bridgette Siever
Peaceful
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Justin Olson
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Justin Olson
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Justin Olson
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Justin Olson
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Justin Olson
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Joe Thill
Located at Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Tracy Barnett
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Tracy Barnett
Kettle Moraine State Forest Curve in the Road © Larry Gaskill
Kettle Moraine State Forest © Royalbroil / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The sign for the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Kettle Moraine State Forest © self / CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center, the headquarters of the northern unit of the enKettle Moraine State Forest near enDundee, Wisconsin.
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KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST
KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST
N1765 Highway G
Campbellsport, Wisconsin   53010

Phone: 262-626-2116
Reservations: 262-626-2116
Email: park email button icon
The Kettle Moraine State Forest is a natural gem renowned for its picturesque landscapes and diverse ecosystems. This expansive forest covers over 50,000 acres and is characterized by its unique geological features, including kettles, moraines, and eskers, which were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. Nature enthusiasts can explore miles of trails that wind through dense forests, scenic prairies, and glacial lakes while experiencing the beauty and tranquility of the area. With an abundance of recreational activities like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, the Kettle Moraine State Forest offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in nature.
Nature of the Area
The Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is located 45 minutes north of Milwaukee. Please see a Wisconsin State Highway Map and our Forest Map to determine if the suggested route will work best for you. See Current Conditions page for any detour information.

Visitors can explore and enjoy almost 30,000 acres of rolling hills, lakes, forests, and grasslands. The forest is internationally known for its unique glacial features. Pets welcome.

A great start to exploring the Forest is the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center. Purchase of state park and other merchandise from their gift shop help supports the Friends of the Kettle Moraine group.

History of the Area
The history of Kettle Moraine State Forest dates back to the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago. The landscape was shaped as glaciers advanced and retreated, leaving behind a unique topography characterized by kettles (hollows or depressions), moraines (ridges of glacial debris), and eskers (long, winding ridges). These glacial formations ultimately gave the forest its name.

For thousands of years after the glacial retreat, Native American tribes such as the Menominee, Fox, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk utilized the area for hunting, gathering, and trading. The forest provided an abundance of resources including game, freshwater, and plant materials.

European settlement in the area began in the 1830s, and agriculture became the dominant activity. However, the landscape was often challenging for farming due to the undulating terrain. As a result, many farmers struggled, and numerous abandoned farms can still be found within the forest today.

Recognizing the unique natural beauty and ecological significance of the area, efforts were made in the early 1900s to protect and preserve the land. In 1917, the Wisconsin Legislature established a committee to study the possibility of creating a state park system. As a result, the first parcel of the Kettle Moraine State Forest was purchased in 1934.

Under the leadership of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in developing the state forest during the 1930s. CCC workers built trails, bridges, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks, contributing to the recreational aspects of the forest that are still enjoyed today.
Passes
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas, please visit the VEHICLE ADMISSION STICKERS web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Camping
Mauthe Lake Campground:

Mauthe Lake Campground has 137 sites, including 49 electrical sites, one shower building and vault toilets. The beach area features playground equipment and concessions are available for food & camping supplies, watercraft rental, and firewood.

An authentic Native American plains tepee is available for rent. Campsites accessible to people with disabilities are available. A sanitary dump station and recycling/garbage station is provided for registered campers. Mauthe Lake is open for camping year round. Call for more information.

Reservations are recommended from mid-May thru September. Reservations must be made through Reserve America by calling (888) 947-2757.

Long Lake Campground:

Long Lake Campground provides 200 sites, flush toilets and showers. A private concessionaire provides firewood when the entrance station is open. Campsites accessible to people with disabilities are available. A sanitary dump station and recycling/garbage station is provided for registered campers. Long Lake Campground is open for camping the first weekend in May through mid-October. Call for more information.

Reservations are recommended from mid-May through September. Reservations must be made through Reserve America by calling (888) 947-2757.

Backpack shelters:

Backpack shelters are available year round for rustic camping along the 31.65 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and at the Zillmer Trail. Each site offers a roofed trail shelter, fire ring and pit toilet. Registered campers may gather dead and downed trees for firewood.

These sites are not accessible by vehicle. All camping equipment must be backpacked in and all refuse packed out. A camping permit is required and you must camp at a designated shelter campsite.

Only one reservation (camping party) is allowed per site per night. Reservations are limited to ten persons per site and are limited to one night per site. Another site may be reserved for a 2nd night at a 2nd site or a 3rd night at a 3rd site. You must call Reserve America at (888) 947-2757 to make backpack shelter reservations--backpack shelter reservations cannot be made on the web.

If you do not have a reservation, you must stop in at either the Forest Headquarters, Ice Age Visitor Center or Mauthe/Long Lake Entrance Stations (when open) to obtain a camping permit. Site availability is limited for spring and fall weekends--reservations are recommended. A reservation is required for stays longer than two nights along the trail.

Greenbush Group Campground:

The Greenbush Group Campground offers nine outdoor sites which accommodate groups up to 60 individuals. Only tent camping is allowed on the actual campsite. Sites are located near the Greenbush Trails where campers can enjoy hiking or off-road biking. An enclosed shelter building, handpumps and pit toilets are available nearby. Greenbush Group Campground is open for camping April through November. Call for more information.

Reservations are required. Reservations must be made through Reserve America by calling toll free (888) 947-2757. Discounted camping rates for resident chartered non-profit youth groups available.

New Prospect Horseriders' Campground:

New Prospect Horseriders' Campground is centrally located on the 33-mile Bridle Trail that winds through the state forest. Campers with horses may enjoy 12 family sites, 3 group sites, a picnic shelter, drinking water and pit toilets. A 48-stall horse shelter building is available for campers, and each site includes teether posts. Call for more information.

Reservations are recommended in spring and fall. Reservations must be made through Reserve America by calling (888) 947-2757.
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Swimming
The state forest has three swimming beaches, one at Mauthe Lake and two at Long Lake. Lifeguards are not provided. Pets, soaps, food and beverages prohibited in marked swim areas.

Mauthe Lake and Long Lake Recreation Areas are open from 6 AM to 11 PM year round. Picnic tables, grills and toilet facilities are available near the beaches. A Carry In Carry Out policy does apply at these day-use areas.



Picnicking
Kettle Moraine North has picnic tables and grills at a number of recreation and trail areas. All areas, except the campgrounds, have adopted the Carry In/Carry Out policy.

Three areas have shelters that can be reserved for group activities by phone or by mailing a form to the forest headquarters.
Trails
Butler Lake Loop:

On Butler Lake Road, 1.5 miles east of Long Lake Recreation Area, the Butler Lake Trail winds more than 3 miles through the 158-acre Butler Lake and Flynss Spring State Natural Area. A portion of the loop trail is shared with the Ice Age Trail. Interpretive displays are set at the base of the esker and overlook Butler Lake. A picnic table, grill and drinking water are located at the trailhead.

Greenbush Loop System:

On Kettle Moraine Drive, 2.5 miles north of State Hwy. 67, the Greenbush Trail is a combination of 4 loop trails totaling 9 miles. Seasonally, hikers share these loop trails with off-road mountain bikers. In winter the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. (Hiking is prohibited when snow is present.) A heated picnic shelter, picnic tables, grill, drinking water and vault toilets are near the trailhead.

New Fane Loop System:

On County Line Road, 1.5 miles east of Kettle Moraine Drive, the New Fane Trail is a series of moderately challenging loop trails totaling 5.5 miles. A short connector trail trail allows access to the Ice Age Trail. Hikers and off-road mountain bikers share this multiple-use trail system in season. Cross-country skiing arrives with snow. (Hiking is prohibited when snow is present.)

Parnell Loop:

On County Hwy. U, one quarter mile west of County Hwy A, the Parnell Tower Trail begins its 3.5-mile loop with a series of steps leading to the highest point of elevation in the forest. There a 60-foot observation tower rises above the treetops for a birds-eye view of the glacial landscape. The trail follows the Ice Age Trail near a rustic backpack shelter. Picnic tables, grills, drinking water and vault toilets are adjacent to the trailhead.

Zillmer Loop System:

On County Hwy. SS, one quarter mile west of County Hwy. G, the Zillmer Trail Area consists of 4 loop trails for a total of 8 miles. The south trailhead has picnic tables, grills and drinking water. Visitors can also access the trail from the Ice Age Visitor Center. A rustic backpack shelter is located along the trail. In winter it is a groomed cross-country ski trail. (Hiking is prohibited when snow is present.) Closed to hunting with firearms, except during deer gun and spring turkey seasons.

Ice Age Trail:

Approximately 31 miles (PDF 32KB) of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (exit DNR) travels the length of the forest. The moderate to difficult course follows sinuous eskers and tumbled moraines descending into bogs and deep kettles.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 28
park review stars; one to five When I was a kid we would rent a cottage on Forest Lake and almost daily hike the Kettle Moraine Trails. Such fond memories. I hope to bring my kids there some time to hike but for now we are overseas in SE Asia. Thanks for a great park system.
June 30 Just Right
park review stars; one to five Yup, this was just right. Not too big, not too small. Quiet at night and gorgeous. Highly recommend staying here.
March 11 Horse Riders Campground in Palmyra by Julie
park review stars; one to five Great Trails. Would love to see some water crossings on trails. Also would enjoy camping more often if there was electric available on sites! And if trenching for electric, water would be nice too! And showers for people!
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Area Campgrounds
Lake Lenwood Beach & Campground
7053 Lenwood Drive
West Bend, WI
262-334-1335
Timber Trail Camp Resort
7590 Good Luck Lane
West Bend, WI
262-338-8561
Benson's Century Camping Resorts Inc
N3845 Highway 67 East Route 3
Campbellsport, WI
920-533-8597
Mr. Ed's Campground
N3554 Highway 67
Campbellsport, WI
920-533-4342
Hoeft's Resort & Campground
W9070 Crooked Lake Drive
Cascade, WI
262-626-2221

Directions
1. Start by heading west on I:94.
2. Take exit 294 for WI:16 W toward Pewaukee.
3. Continue onto WI:16 W/US Highway 18W (signs for Oconomowoc).
4. Use the right lane to take the US Hwy 67 N ramp to Dousman/Ottawa/Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive.
5. Take County Rd Z/Sawyer Road and Kettle Moraine Dr to State Forest Headquarters in Eagle.

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Wisconsin
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Wisconsin State Parks

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