Camping near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)

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Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) adventure.

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

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

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

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Cricket Ranch

5 sites · Tents53 acres · 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.

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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. 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. ☮

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Leon's Lakeview Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · 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.

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Village Inn On The Lake RV Park

3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Two Rivers, WI

Cozy RV park located along coast of Lake Michigan. Full Hookups. 20, 30, 50 amps and Sewer/Water all inclusive rental sites. Hotel amenities include Indoor pool and hot tub with restrooms and showers available for your use. RV park is located at relaxed 36 room hotel. 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. Surrounded by the best Wisconsin beaches! 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.

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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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(6)

Armstrong Orchard And Winery

15 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Campbellsport, WI

We have a small apple orchard on 5 acres and we have a big open field. We have a small playground and some picnic tables. Also, right next to the winery and parking lot. There are porta potties outside. It is very scenic, nestled in the Kettle Moraine Forest. Very peaceful and private property surrounded by trees. You can see the stars well at night and we often have deer on the property. Dogs are welcome.

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(49)

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. 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.

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Hoofbeat Hollow Camp

10 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Ashippun, WI

Our private farm on rolling hay land with acres of Hardwoods and Pinewoods...well maintained walking trails....very private...with animal petting area with different activities available....on certain dates during the fall.. We have tent sites as well as large RV/drive in and out trailer sites...and group sites

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Simply Maple Farm Tipi🪶🏕️🛶

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Mukwonago, WI

Reconnect with nature at our secluded 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 could use to fish The Fox River. 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 is a popular restaurant in Mukwonago or try Mead in East Troy at the Hive! The Alpine Valley Music Theatre is 15 minutes away. Location is near I-43 & Highway 83. You can Venmo or use cash while you are at the campsite to purchase wood for one dollar a piece.

The Farm RV and Camper Parking

1 site · RV100 acres · Chilton , WI

We are located seven miles west of Chilton and 1 mile above Lake Winnebago. Our property covers 100 acres surrounded by open farmland, woods and a great view of Lake Winnebago. We are 45 minutes from Packer games, and a relaxing 25 minute drive to Road America events. We offer one private site accommodating 1 RV or Camper with 120/30/50 amp power and water. We have no dump service although there are several in the area. Our property offers a secure, private and open location allowing you to feel like you are the only ones on the property. Our open land is used for crops with no livestock on the property except a few pet chickens. Other land includes an old growth woods, and pasture for you to explore. Deer, Wild Turkey, Sandhill Cranes as well as all the smaller animals inhabit the farm. We have a hiking trail for you to enjoy a relaxing hike during your visit. Come join us an learn what relaxing is all about!

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Bakeracres

1 site · RV, Tent45 acres · Lebanon, WI

Bakeracres is a 45 acre farm that raises hay, oats and pumkins. We also raise Belgian draft horses, that we use for field work and logging. The camp site is at the back of the farm in a wooded area near a pond. Great area to go biking with many miles of quiet roads in our area. Also we are about 4 miles from the Rock river, which is great for canoeing/kayaking. We are about 5 miles outside of Watertown , which has plenty of shopping, restaurants, and fun drinking establishments. We are less than an hour from Milwaukee, Madison, or Fon du Lac. NO same day bookings allowed.

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Road America Racers Haven

1 site · RV3 acres · Plymouth, WI

This location is perfect for Road America Racing events, it is located less than a mile from the track and a very short drive to the welcoming city of Plymouth. The site is semiprivate as the owner lives on the property and would be available to help with anything needed. The site includes a 16'x40' concrete slab, 30-amp shore power and water hook-up. There is a dump station a short 10-minute drive from the property. There is additional parking available for up to two vehicles. Situated on a three-acre wooded parcel that provides a very warm and relaxing atmosphere. Spend the day doing your favorite activities then come home and cook some supper over the smokeless fire on the tripod grill provided, then cozy up around the campfire to end your day.

The best camping near Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit) 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

Best for family visits: Mauthe Lake Campground has full amenities and seasonal concessions.
Best for chill lake trips: Long Lake Campground has beaches, a boat launch, and a fishing pier.
Best for groups: Try Greenbush Group Campground.

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.