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The best camping near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pike Lake Unit adventure.

80% (11 reviews)
80% (11 reviews)

Live like an Ice Age human in a huge state forest near Milwaukee.  

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Community favorites near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit)

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit)

98%
(823)

Purplehaze Acres

9 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents60 acres ¡ Rubicon, WI
Purplehaze Acres is a 60-acre organic rustic farm in Rubicon, WI and resides at the beginning of the approx. 650-mile Niagara Escarpment--known locally as "The Ledge". We are in close proximity to the Ice Age Trail, and the natural treasures of the great Horicon Marsh, Lake Sinnissipi/Rock River with canoeing/kayaking/fishing, Ledges County Park, and the world-renowned Holy Hill Shrine. Nearby Hustisford ("Husti") offers unique shopping and dining experiences, such as the Mercantile and Mocha Vino. Need a few organic groceries? Make sure to visit Back To The Best Organic grocer only 3 miles away, featuring food raised on local organic farms including Purplehaze Acres. Potable water, charcoal grills, firepit grates, eggs and available for purchase--firewood. COMING SOON: Did you forget something? If so, check out our Camp Cupboard Store. Your approach via 1/2-mile dirt drive up the hills and through the woods . . . to not your grandmother's typical house you go. You'll find wonderful vistas, wildflowers, berries, trails up into the woods, a 900' grass runway for aviators on an overall great "peace" of earth. ☎
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$40
 / night
100%
(3)

Na Peine Arda

1 site ¡ Tent5 acres ¡ Hartford, WI
Na Peine Arda is a 5 acre hobby farm in the Town of Erin just south of Hartford, WI. Na Peine Arda means the Tall Pines in Irish. It was settled by Irish immigrants from County Cavan Ireland. The farmhouse is surrounded by flower gardens, orchard, fenced in vegetable garden. It is surrounded on all 3 sides by farm crops, usually corn, soy bean or alfalfa. The camping site looks out onto the crops. Lots of wildlife such as deer, cranes and turkey. We have two Beagles and 12 chickens. Camping in our yard you may see wildlife such as deer, turkey, woodchucks, cranes, geese, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, cardinals and others who enjoy our homestead. While we don't have a formal toilet we do provide a 5 gallon bucket with toilet seat with a bag and hay inside the bucket. TP and hand sanitizer. Surrounding countryside has beautiful hiking paths, kayaking, Holy Hill and Erin Hills Golf Club site of the 2017 US Open.
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$50
 / night
100%
(215)

Cricket Ranch

5 sites ¡ Tents53 acres ¡ Cascade, WI
We are very excited to be named a Best Of Hipcamp 2023 Runner-up! Frankly, it was a goal. We figured if we won then so did our guests. Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews and helpful suggestions! Learn more about this land: The property was a farm until 30 years ago. It's been virtually untouched since then. Chambers Creek runs thru the west side. And you'll find fossils in the rock walls. Off the Beaten Path @ Cricket Ranch provides a true back to nature environment for campers, sometimes called "backcountry camping". Located on 50 acres of private forest, field, and valley, our campsites are very secluded and separated by acres of woodland. Each layout is unique, embracing what nature has provided. Backpacking (or wagoning) to your camp from the parking area is necessary as the 5' wide paths do not accommodate cars/trucks. Hiking distance from parking area: (1) Camp Cricket is 600 Ft. (2) Haen Hollow is 250 ft. (3) Rocky Top is 700 ft. (4) Grapeline is 1000 ft.  Feel fee to explore the land! We are located near the Niagara Escarpment so you might even find a 460 million year old fossil on one of the field rock walls. Keep it! So we can keep a count of how many are found, and out of an overabundance of curiosity, please let us know and send some pics of your find.   Chambers Creek (small trout stream on the headwaters of the Milwaukee River-North Branch) winds through the valley on the west side of Cricket Ranch, providing a spot to cool your feet, stone step, or just listen to the relaxing sound of a babbling brook. The creek is overgrown with brush so access is limited to a couple spots at this time. We intend to clear some of the underbrush in the near future to allow for better enjoyment and management of this invaluable natural resource. Near by: Kettle Moraine National Forest is a 10 minute drive, boasting great hiking and the can't-miss-it view from atop Parnell Tower. Lake Ellen has a nice no-fee public boat landing just 2 miles away. The lake has clear water and is stocked periodically with Pike and Walleye. It is surprising how un-busy this lake is so bring your boat, kayak, paddle board, and/or assorted flotation devices and check it out. Our parking area can accommodate boat trailers during your stay. Top Upcoming Local Events (distance): Autumn 2021 (everywhere): It is a MAJOR event!
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$40
 / night
93%
(35)

Small Orchard on 150 acre Farm

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents150 acres ¡ Ixonia, WI
CAMPSITE IS LOCATED IN THE ORCHARD. Please do not enter the main farm driveway. If you are not looking at Apple trees you are in the wrong place. Pets need to be on a leash and cleaned up after. Please do not leave them out of the orchard. My grandfather purchased the property and everything you can see 360° around you in 1953. The orchard was started in 1962 and the large trees date back to that time and still produce apples. My dad took over in 1985 and it has been part of my life ever since. After my dads passing in 2017 the property fell to me. At it's peak there were 85 trees that produced 500 bushels of apples per season. All hand pruned, sprayed and picked. We sold them 5 days a week at local farmers markets. Currently, about two dozen trees are maintained, the rest feed the local wildlife. An orchard is a year round commitment. Enjoy your stay. ~Dale This is a small working family orchard. Sites are rustic. RV and trailers can park on grass or the driveway. Tents ⛺ can set up on the grass. One picnic table on site. One fire pit. Minutes from the Rock River for paddling and fishing. No bathroom on site. No water onsite. No onsite camp host. My Uncle is your neighbor, so I will hear about any mischief you might get into.
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$25
 / night
98%
(46)

A Vegetable & Flower Farm

1 site ¡ Tent8 acres ¡ Fredonia, WI
Our little chunk of paradise is about 8 acres. It is a diverse piece of land allowing for micro environments. A hilltop with an orchard a few terraced garden beds, about an acre or so of wooded area with a waterway down below, and another 1.5 acre of garden, intermixed with pasture, out buildings and our home. The land is surrounded by 120 acres of adjacent farmland. Across our street is wetlands and woods. Adjacent to the 120 acres of farmland is another 80 acres of public hunting land. We are blessed to live so close to nature without a view of a neighbors house. Stars, crickets, frogs, woodcocks in spring, hummingbirds and sandhill cranes in summer, and more all in abundance at our Willoway Farm. We bought our home in 2006. Before then it was in the same family that settled there in 1840s-1850s. At one time there was a log cabin, then they built our cream city brick farmhouse in 1893. The farm in the 1980s and before was a dairy farm. When we bought it half of where you see the garden was either grass or part of the conventional farm adjacent to our property. Our farm logo is taken from the builder of the barn-many pioneer barn builders often signed their barn work with a symbol. We liked the symbol and kept it to use as our own yet honor the builder of our barn. We have great appreciation for those that built with such beautiful large trees and all by hand. The Produce Wash Building is a timber frame built by Dan our farm owner and farm doer. The timber frame was made from reclaimed timbers and reclaimed barn siding, the shingles were made from scratch by Dan also. Learn more about this land: Willoway Farm is a small scale organic vegetable &and flower farm established in 2007, located 35 minutes north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's situated upon a glacial hill over looking a Milwaukee river flowage to the south and the kettle moraine state forest to the northwest. Our 8 acre land with cut flower & heirloom vegetable garden is surrounded by over 200 acres of uninhabited land, ( Farmland & state wild land). We are just 5 minutes from hiking trails into the state forest, which is beautiful all times of the year! A 55 acre secluded lake with public access is only 1.5 miles from Willoway - we hear the fishing is good. New now is across the street is a 283 acre land trust- Biehl Nature Preserve on Lake Twelve. The roads near the farm traverse through mixed forest and farm land with only slight traffic offering exceptional bicycling! The camp space is primitive and private yet offers gentle vistas upon the surrounding landscape with often both amazing sunrises and sunsets - situated upon the high point of the farm nestled in a young apple orchard. We have a spacious outhouse on site. We feel so fortunate live and farm where we do & love offering the natural beauty it offers to others. Our garden is lush with flowers, herbs and vegetables great for observing our plethora of pollinators. There are so many places to visit within 10 miles of our Campsite. A favorite is Riveredge Nature Center only 9.6 miles offering 3 miles of trails including 1 mile along Milwaukee River. Riveredge Nature Center has vast landscapes with so many lovely native wild flowers.
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$55
 / night
Booked 3 times

Hattie Sherwood Campground

36 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Green Lake, WI
Hattie Sherwood Campground includes amenities such as. This campground is located at 451 S Lawson Drive in Green Lake, WI, and is open May 1 - Oct 15. Open Dates: May 15 to October 20
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$36
 / night
100%
(3)

Ice Age Retreat

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Palmyra, WI
Surrounded by the Kettle Moraine Forest, we purchased this property in October of 2022 to be closer to nature and to share this property with you. We look forward to hosting you. The forest provides many opportunities enjoy! Close to the Ice Age Hiking Trail, Blad Bluff Scenic Overlook within walking distance of our retreat. Hiking, Moutain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe, Horse Back Riding and much more
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from 
$40
 / night
99%
(38)

70s Vintage RV, City Glamping

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Milwaukee, WI
Our property is in the bay view neighborhood of Milwaukee, Walking distance to the shores of Lake Michigan. My partner and I our run our business on our property. Aaron owns a skate shop called Sky High and I run a vintage business out of my studio upstairs! Our neighborhood is full of nature and quite peaceful, but close to just about everything you need! Learn more about this land: Arrive in Milwaukee in the hip Bay View neighborhood where there is tons of great food and nature.  You will be staying in my newly renovated 70s Motorhome with a private camping yard stocked with fire wood, an outdoor sink, picnic table and a fireplace! 
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$105
 / night
100%
(20)

Pondfront RV Site near Road America

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Glenbeulah, WI
Our pond front RV site is located on the northern tip of the Kettle Moraine Forest within 300 yards of the hiking trails. Near Road America, Elkhart Lake WI with swimming, biking trails and great restaurants. 30 Amp power and water hook ups for RV's are available. Road America is just 2.5 miles away. The Kettle Moraine Ice AgeTrail is just across the pond. The Glenbeulah Millpond offers fishing and kayaking and we provide free use of our kayak and paddleboat. We usually have a bunch of firewood for the included firepit and a nice table and chairs for your picnics. Swimming is near by at Elkhart Lake and the mountain biking trails in the Kettle Moraine Forest are wonderful. There is WiFi. We have a dog that is overly friendly and will hang out near your camper. If you want to bring your pets we ask that you talk with us first to make sure they will all get along. We do not have a sewer connection for your black and grey water tanks but there is a dump station just 4 miles away. There are no toilet facilities on site.
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from 
$40
 / night
98%
(21)

Mayville Farm

2 sites ¡ RVs11 acres ¡ Wind Lake, WI
Our home and property was originally built by the Norwegian immigrants that emigrated to the US, settling and founding North Cape. This property has evolved and devolved in the last 170 years and I’m working hard to restore it all again. I also keep sheep for wool and ducks, chickens and geese for eggs.Learn more about this land:Hobby farm, just starting out. Historic property, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens. Very quiet, peaceful place! I also make soap (check out The Humble Soaping Company), home brew beers wines, meads, spirits and gardens abound all around the property! We do have pets, it can interact as much or as little as you’d like. Our place is the perfect one-night stop when traveling long distances! 
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$15
 / night
93%
(21)

Simply Maple Farm 🪶🏕️🛶

1 site ¡ RV, Tent100 acres ¡ Mukwonago, WI
Reconnect with nature at our secluded tipi/campsite nestled next to the Fox River. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks labeled for guests to use during their stay and great for fishing in the Fox River. As you drive on the dirt road to the site there are farm fields to your left and the Fox River and the tipi is straight ahead. If needing to to get groceries, Walmart and Aldi's are about 5 minutes away. Local towns are Mukwonago and East Troy. Fork in the Road is a popular restaurant in Mukwonago. Try Mead in East Troy at the Hive! Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Milwaukee and Lake Geneva are 30 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83.
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$75
 / night
100%
(3)

Kansasville Getaway

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents4 acres ¡ Eagle Lake, WI
Enjoy beautiful sunsets on former farmland right off the highway, adjacent to DNR conservation land and waterfowl sanctuary. Frequently visited by deer, turkey, waterfowl, and more. Easy access to Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Burlington or Lake Michigan. Site can accommodate anything from the smallest trailers to the largest RV's. 20, 30, or 50 amp hookups available. With no water or toilets, this is an ideal place to park your RV, plug it in, and enjoy the area.
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from 
$45
 / night

The best camping near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) guide

Overview

About

Take a break from civilization just 25 miles north of Milwaukee. Walk on 30 miles of hiking trails, including the Ice Age Trail. See the entire park from an observation tower. These are just some of the fun things to do in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Fish in 446-acre Pike Lake, where the fish are plentiful. Catch a tasty dinner thanks to abundant walleye, panfish, bass, and northern pike. Feel free to bring a boat or cast your line from the shore.

Hike along the ridgeline overlooking the lake for majestic views. Fall foliage makes for great photo ops. Don't miss the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, part of which goes through this park. This particular trail marks the farthest southern advance of glaciers in the last ice age 10,000 years ago.

Camp from April through mid-October. Eleven campsites have electricity, while 21 are more rustic.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest's Pike Lake Unit is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, when the full range of activities can be enjoyed. Winter offers a quiet, snowy retreat, but some amenities may be limited. Avoid peak holiday weekends for a more tranquil experience.

Know before you go

  • Ensure your vehicle has a valid admission sticker before entering the park.
  • Check the latest property notices for any updates on closures or conditions.
  • Remember that the park hours are from 6am to 11pm year-round.
  • For any inquiries, contact the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit at +1-262-670-3400.
  • Stay connected with the park's updates by following their social media channels.

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