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Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit)

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

79% (12)

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

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Stories from the community

The outside of the house and sitting area. Daryll has chairs there so we didn’t have to bring our! That was helpful as we have a Honda Fit!

Lottie

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

Super nice area! Spacious and lots of camp sites to offer. Staying in the cabin was really cozy. The stove and usb charging was really nice. Wood burning to stay warm, was something new that we enjoyed.

Shayna

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

This was our second time staying at Darryl’s property and absolutely loved it. They provide all the perfect elements for a beautiful grounding get away.

Kasie

November 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Ice Age Retreat

Nice private location with great access to trails including the Ice Age Trail. Another site located across field at a good distance allowing plenty of space for all. Will definitely be back.

Ashley

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Clean, private, and spacious. Easy, wide walk in with wagons. Jay brought us a big haul of firewood. Would recommend.

Anne

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Pearl Forge Conservancy

Yet another great time at Peter's spot! (See prior review from Sept 2023). The spot was cozy and lovely, even in the rain! The hosts are good people; highly recommend as a go-to to enjoy the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine! See ya next year, guys!!!

Anne

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping in Southern Kettle Moraine

We had a lovely weekend stay. The hosts were welcoming and helpful. The camper was very cozy. And the location was convenient for state park exploration.

Kimberly

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kansasville Getaway

Lovely spot, with wonderful hosts! Perfect for a quiet getaway with electric and water hook ups. Our pups enjoyed the property, too! We are adding it to our list of must return spots in 2026!

Jess

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

Very cute site, so private and peaceful with a beautiful setting. Plenty of dry wood available for purchase, and love the little outdoor store. Thank you for sharing your space.

Lena

October 2025

17 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Mayville Farm

I loved camping here for a couple of nights! I ended up driving in a bit later than anticipated and it was more difficult to find after sunset, so I agree with the host in that arriving before sunset is best. The stars were beautiful and it was peacefully quiet the entire time. I was so cozy, thank you for letting me stay!

David

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

It was very nice, and very scenic. The camp areas are as advertised. I drive a mini-van, and we got rained out on our final morning, and driving out was a little dicey. I also wish that we had brought extra TP, as the outhouse ran out. But otherwise, quite a good deal.

Donald

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

This camp site was awesome and very accommodating. My family had a blast and we will definitely be coming back. The only problem, if you want to call it a problem was that we stayed at Twisted Elm and I was unaware that the entire camp site is on a hill. So when you put something on the picnic table it will slide off and tumble down the hill. I had my one year old with us who is learning how to walk and it was impossible for him to waddle around without tumbling toward the hill so we had the stress not letting him wander around. We also had to move our bed around a bit because it felt like we were gonna roll out of bed. Now we have a large 9 person tent. I think this campsite is better for smaller tents. Don’t get me wrong, the site was awesome, the hill was just a bit much for my family and next time we will pick a different site at purple haze. Maybe fallen tower. That looked sweet. Something more level.

Amy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Third annual camping trip to Grapeline, and every year it's a home run! We love the convenience of having the Bell tent up and ready to go when we arrive. This property is so close to so much great outdoor adventure we keep coming back year after year. See you in 2026!

Heidi

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Ice Age Retreat

We have stayed here in the past and have enjoyed the peace and quiet. It's a perfect camping spot. Chris is an awesome host!

Megan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Stayed at Rocky Top for one night, what a lovely, secluded campsite! Even though there were campers at other sites I barely heard or saw them. Nice sunset view and the creek was calming. The wagon was awesome amenity as the site is a little ways in and up a bit of a hill. The only minor con was a bit of road noise but it wasn’t too loud or distracting.

dawn

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Daycholah Center on Green Lake!

Peaceful Getaway on Beautiful Green Lake 🌿 We loved our stay at this cozy cabin on Green Lake! The cabin was spotless, comfortable, and perfect for our family. The hosts thought of everything — from a welcoming coffee and snack basket to fire pits already prepped for us. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake, walking the peaceful paths, and relaxing under the stars at night. The property is absolutely beautiful and well cared for. A wonderful mix of comfort and nature — we can’t wait to come back! Thank you Jaime

Mohan

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

We really loved staying at the Tiny house (cabin). My 3 year old son didn't want to leave. This was our 1st time camping at an off grid cabin and it was a cool experience. Everything inside the cabin worked. The lights, gas stove, wood stove and the water pump. Also, 1st time using a composting toilet. It worked out well. Outside, there's a fire pit, some chairs, picnic table, gas grill and a charcoal grill. We got to meet Darryl and Linda, and they were very welcoming.

Rikki

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Small Orchard on 150 acre Farm

Great place with very accommodating folks running it. We are stayed twice, once in the spring and once in the fall. It is very beautiful in the spring while everything is in bloom. Nice private area off the beaten path. We will definitely stay again.

Julia

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cricket Ranch

Directions to get to the site were easy enough to follow. Portapotty was clean and well maintained. Firewood was available on site for $5 with a wagon which was helpful. We cooked our dinner over the fire grate provided & ate at the picnic table. Overall a lovely stay. We took a nature walk during sunset to scope out a bit of the land. Was cool to see the rock walls & get some history from The land owner. When we crawled into the tent for the evening we were awoken twice throughout the night from our dog barking at what seemed to be human footsteps through the fallen leaves on the path leading up to our site. We were quite spooked to say the very least… other than that, we heard truck noise from the road throughout the night which brought some comfort to us. The owner said he never heard of such a thing in the middle of the night.. Would recommend, just be aware & prepared as always when tent camping.

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

Amazing campsite! Easy to find with directions and great access to bathroom and water spout.

Phillip

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Purplehaze Acres

We had a men's retreat at Peace Camp. Darryl's place is incredible. Fantastic sight with great cooking amenities for a large group. Highly recommended! Great guy too! We enjoyed visiting with him.

Top public campgrounds in the park

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

79%

(12)

Pike Lake campground

32 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit)

Top-rated campgrounds

Purplehaze Acres

98%

(952)

9.4mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake 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. ☮

Ice Age Retreat

99%

(57)

36mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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

Cricket Ranch

99%

(344)

26mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake 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.

Pearl Forge Conservancy

100%

(33)

26mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · North Prairie, WI

This beautiful property is on the foothills of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. There are an abundance of natural areas such as a fen, creek, pond and walking trails. The camper site over looks the property with amazing panoramic views. The rustic campsite is tucked back on the property near a fishing pond and hiking trails. Snuggle up to a nice cozy campfire or take a nice nature walk though the woods. Guaranteed to be a memory to last a lifetime. Absolutely NO HUNTING!!!

Indigo Zen Garden

100%

(43)

41mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) · 7 sites · Lodging · Caledonia, WI

Welcome to Indigo Zen Garden, a serene forest retreat tucked away in the heart of Caledonia, Wisconsin—just minutes from city life, yet worlds away in spirit. Nestled within a private woodland sanctuary, our glampsite invites you to reconnect with nature through birdsong, healing trees, and the tranquil reflections of our quiet pond. Whether you’re escaping for a romantic weekend, a unique family getaway, or a peaceful solo retreat, Indigo Zen Garden offers an enchanting blend of comfort and wonder. Only one booking - but THREE themes to choose from! Whether booking for 2 people or 8- there is plenty of space to relax and unwind. Choose from our clear geodesic Stargazing Dome, the romantic Moon Chaser bell tent, or the whimsical Dream Catcher children’s play tent—each thoughtfully designed for a cozy, rejuvenating stay. Let the magic unfold as you explore our butterfly and fairy gardens, gather around the fire pit under a starlit sky, or watch your little ones laugh and play in the sandbox and rock kitchen made just for them. After a long day, rinse away the world in a hot outdoor shower beneath the stars, slip into a soft robe, and enjoy fresh-baked cookies as butterflies, bees, and birds fly around you in the golden light of dusk. Just a short drive from Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine, our location offers access to stunning lake views, charming historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural experiences. But when you’re here, time slows down—and peace takes center stage. Enhance your stay with one of our curated experience packages, including: • Romance packages for date nights, proposals, or intimate micro weddings • Nature therapy and forest bathing walks • On-site yoga and guided meditation At Indigo Zen Garden , we provide everything you need—from fresh linens and cozy bedding to locally sourced amenities—so you can simply clock out from work, arrive, and unwind. No setup, no stress. Just serenity, starry skies, and the soothing embrace of the wild. Indigo Zen Garden —where nature heals, and magic lives.

Kansasville Getaway

99%

(39)

42mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Union Grove, 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 Alpine Valley. Site can accommodate anything from the smallest trailers to the largest RV's. 20, 30, or 50 amp hookups & water hookups available; this is an ideal place to park your RV, plug it in, and enjoy the area. Please note we do NOT have toilet facilities. Dog owners, we are dog friendly but require your dog to be on leash & properly cleaned up after.

Mayville Farm

99%

(37)

40mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) · 2 sites · RVs · North Cape, WI

Our home and property was originally built by the Norwegian immigrants that emigrated to the US, settling and founding North Cape (NOT Wind Lake or Franksville, no matter what Hipcamp tells you...). 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. My little hobby farm has become a full-on farm sanctuary in recent years and our pigs, donkeys, etc. are mostly rescues. We also have pet emus. Learn more about this land: Hobby farm, just starting out. Historic property, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens. Very quiet, peaceful place! We have quickly become a farm sanctuary for unwanted pet livestock. Please check us out on social media and feel free to tag your location in photos! 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, and can interact as much or as little as you’d like. Our place is the perfect one-night stop when traveling long distances! Please arrive by 8pm. It can be challenging to find your parking spot in the dark. Please adhere to check-out times.

Leon's Lakeview Campground

98%

(112)

48mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Stockbridge, WI

This site is a 25-acre parcel of land which is part of the "Niagara Escarpment" and offers breathtaking views of Lake Winnebago along with beautiful sunsets. Consists of approximately 20 acres of wildflowers and prairie grasses and 5 acres of woodlands. There are grass walking trails around the entire perimeter and three spacious campsites to choose from. Conveniently located, just minutes away from High Cliff State Park, Calumet County Park, Columbia Park, Mulberry Lane Farm, LaClare Creamery, Ziegler Winery, shopping, restaurants, supper clubs, live music venues and much more.

Cambridge Wood-fired Pottery

94%

(9)

42mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) · 1 site · Lodging · Cambridge, WI

Located just 20 minutes from Madison, the property is at the dead end of a long lane and home to a pottery shop that has been in business for 35 years. The cabin is surrounded by farm fields and woodland were you will experience solitude and privacy yet have easy access to our local community that hosts shops and restaurants. The property is also adjacent to The Dane County Camrock Park system known for premier mountain biking as well as walking paths.

Small Orchard on 150 acre Farm

93%

(57)

15mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake 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.

Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

97%

(44)

32mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake 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.

Stoney Brook Acres

90%

(5)

48mi from Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit) · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Chilton, WI

Stony Brook Acres is quiet place in the middle of lots of farm fields, close too Chilton small town America lots of local parks in the area. Lots of room to park an full hookups with 30/50/amp

The best camping in Kettle Moraine State Forest (Pike Lake Unit), WI 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.

79%

12 ratings · 1 review

Mixed feelings

· April 2025

Tent ·

Pike Lake campground

I like the park, but the campsites are pretty close together. Not a lot of privacy.

Alyssa K.

3 years on Hipcamp