The best camping in Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit), WI

·
95% (22)

One of Wisconsin’s best lake camping destinations also has a curious glacial history.  

Camper favorites near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)

Top-rated campgrounds

A Vegetable & Flower Farm

98%
(54)
2.9mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) · 1 site · Tent · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night

Cricket Ranch

99%
(344)
6.3mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) · 5 sites · Tents · Cascade, WI
We are honored to again be named one of the Best Hipcamps in Wisconsin for 2024. Thank you to our guests for your wonderful reviews and helpful suggestions! And a special thank you to one of our guests, Brandon "Da Garbage Disposal" Clark, for featuring Cricket Ranch in his YouTube series "Outdoors Unsupervised: Survival Season 6". Learn more about this land: Cricket Ranch is a crazy combo of Nature's past, present, and future. The property was a farm with 75% of it corn fields until 30 years ago. It has been virtually untouched since then and in just a few decades it has reinvented itself as a forest. Chambers Creek runs thru the west side of the property. As a headwater of the Milwaukee River, it is part of the Great Lakes Basin and a source for Lake Michigan. Wisconsin has identified Chambers Creek as an Exceptional Resource Water (ERWs), Less than 10% of Wisconsin waterways carry this designation. What we do (or don't do) now affects the Great Lakes later. And you'll find fossils in the rock walls of some of the earliest examples of complex life on Earth (from 460 mya, Ordovician, Cambrian). No digging required. Seriously. How they got there is a very long story in the making and involves ancient inland seas, plate tectonics, glaciers, German immigrants, and 19th-20th century farming. 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, as previously mentioned, 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 provides 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 but we do have a trail that follows the creek for about 300 yds. We intend to clear some more 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Pondfront RV Site near Road America

100%
(43)
17mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) · 1 site · RV · Glenbeulah, WI
K Our pond front RV site is located on the northern tip of the Kettle Moraine Forest within 300 yards of the hiking trails. 2 miles from the gates at Road America, Elkhart Lake WI, and Elkhart’s swimming, biking trails and great restaurants. 30 Amp power and water hook ups for RV's are available. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Purplehaze Acres

98%
(952)
24mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · 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. 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. We offer a variety of camping alternatives, with 7 tent sites, 1 group site, and a cabin. There is 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. ☮
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

Small Orchard on 150 acre Farm

93%
(57)
34mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. Sites are not marked. HipCamp requires that I list them separately for reservation purposes. The location is not busy. Maybe one or two reservations a weekend in the summer. Pick a spot you are comfortable & enjoy your stay. 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night

Village Inn On The Lake RV Park

95%
(22)
47mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Two Rivers, WI
Cozy RV park located along coast of Lake Michigan. A short 40 min drive to Green Bay's Lambeau field. if you are looking for fall colors, cruise the scenic byway to the orchards of Door County. Our all-inclusive property offers full hookups with electric pedestal offering 20, 30, 50 amps plus Sewer/Water on each site. Hotel amenities include Indoor pool and hot tub with restrooms and showers available for your use. We offer camping or glamping if you would like to stay indoors, book a hotel room at our 36-room Inn. E-Bike rental, Mini golf, full bar, pizza, ice cream and snacks available for purchase. Plenty of biking and hiking trails nearby. Your pick of paddling, fishing, birding or sailing. We are a short walk to Beach Access where dogs are welcome. We are open year round, water and sewer is off during winter months. However, winter hiking and the magic of the season is an adventure to experience.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

97%
(44)
49mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mukwonago, WI
Peace and quiet served daily-no other tents in sight! This is off the beaten path next to the Fox River with no other campers nearby. You can bring your own RV/tent/campervan or choose to stay in the tipi. There are two kayaks with life jackets labeled for guests to use during their stay. As you drive on the dirt road to the site there are farm fields to your left and the Fox River 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. Chicago is 90 minutes away and Milwaukee and Lake Geneva are 30. Fork in the Road and David Alan Alan's Smokehouse & Saloon are popular restaurants in Mukwonago. Or you can try mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. Summerfest is the world's largest musical festival and it is located 30 minutes away. You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece. There is also charcoal available with the site along with a weber grill. Lastly, the river might give you muddy toes-consider it a souvenir! But feel free to bring some water to rinse off and keep things fresh.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$72
 / night

Sun Retreats Fond Du Lac East

13mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) · 69 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Glenbeulah, WI
Discover the unique charm of Sun Retreats Fond Du Lac East, a hidden gem nestled on 103 acres of stunning, natural beauty in Glenbeulah, Wisconsin. This serene RV park and campground stands out for its tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities. Conveniently located just a short drive from urban areas, Sun Retreats Fond Du Lac East offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Choose from short-term and long-term seasonal RV sites, cozy tent sites, or comfortable vacation rentals. Whether you’re planning a peaceful weekend getaway or an extended stay, this campground provides the perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor adventures. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape, where you can explore nearby natural features, enjoy refreshing swimming holes, and partake in various outdoor activities. With local restaurants and shops just a stone's throw away, you’ll have everything you need for a memorable retreat. Reserve your spot today and experience the enchanting allure of this secluded oasis!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$49
 / night

The best camping in Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit), WI guide

Overview

About

In the Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest (the first of this Wisconsin forest triad) are over a dozen lakes and ponds within 30,000 acres of diverse terrain carved by colossal glaciers 20,000 years ago. Scan the horizon from the Parnell Tower, or jump on a section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to hike through the Kettle Moraine Red Oaks, a second-growth forest of red oak, basswood, white ash, and sugar maple. Campers have four campgrounds to choose from, while numerous Kettle Moraine lakes offer supreme fishing, paddling and swimming in summer. Head out during fall for the chance to catch colorful autumn foliage.

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Reservations at all Kettle Moraine campgrounds are available 11 months in advance.
  • Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) 947-2757.
  • Summer weekends are the most competitive times at Kettle Moraine campgrounds, so book well in advance.

When to go

Many Wisconsinites flock to Kettle Moraine for summer lake days, meaning Memorial Day to Labor Day is peak season. And for good reason—the days are long, temperatures are warm, the lakes make for a refreshing plunge, and kayak rentals are available at Mauthe Lake. Fall is another popular time thanks to leaf peeping, though lows in the 40s in October and 30s in November mean campers should come prepared with cold-weather gear. The park is open during winter for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, while visitors can also hit the slopes at the Sunburst Ski area just south of the park near West Bend. Mauthe Lake Campground remains open for winters, too.

Know before you go

  • Brush up on your kames, eskers, drumlins, and moraines at the park’s Ice Age Visitor Center, an educational site dedicated to the park’s unique glacial history. There’s children’s programming and a gift shop too. 
  • The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, a 115-mile driving route through the park complex and surrounding region, is an awesome way to view fall foliage or discover hidden gems.
95%
22 ratings · 2 reviews

Top points of interest near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)

Top cities near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)