Homepage Fullmap Statemap Store

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

A 29,268-acre gift of the glacier--the rolling, wooded landscape is dotted with serene lakes and offers a unique outdoor recreational experience of endless variety. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center is on State Highway 67, 1/8 mile south of County Highway G, and is open seven days a week, (920) 533-8322. Forest Headquarters is at N1765 Hwy. G, Campbellsport, WI 53010, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., (262) 626-2116.

Directions: Access areas are off Highway 23 at Greenbush, and off Highway 45 at Kewaskum, 6 miles north of West Bend.

Features: The Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is located 45 minutes north of Milwaukee. 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. Two family campgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, hiking trails, and many other recreational opportunities abound.

Campgrounds (recommended sites in red):
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.
In the 600-643 loop, sites 601-607 are medium-sized shady sites which get a little sun filtered through the trees. Site 602 is the camp host. Site 608 (photo) is an excellent large campsite, dog-legged and screened from the road with a pine stand behind it. It has a long driveway with two boulders separating the camping area from the parking lot and gets patches of sunlight. Medium-sized sunny sites include numbers 609, 610, 613-617, 619, 624 (handicapped), 625, 627, 628, 634, 636, 637, and 639-642.. Medium shady sites are 629 and 630. Small sunny sites are 611, 612, 621-623, and 643. Sites 619/620 (photo) make up a huge sunny double perfect for groups who want to camp together. Site 626 is small and shady. Large shady sites include 631, 632, 635, 638, and 641. Site 633 (photo) is large, grassy, and shady and gets some tree-filtered sunlight.
In the 700-734 loop, the first sites, 701-707, are small and sunny with dirt floors. Sites 708-710 are nice shady medium-sized walk-in sites. Site 709 (photo) is the best of the three, very private, with the longest walk of about 100 feet. Site 708 (photo) and site 710 (photo) are short walks from the parking area. Site 725 (photo) is large, deep and private with patches of sunlight. Sites 711-725 are large and shady and get some filtered sunlight. Sites 726-734 are medium-sized and shady.
In the 801-856 area, small partially sunny sites include 808-815 and 817-821. Site 804 is large and partially sunny with a dirt and grass floor. Site 807 (photo) is large and shady with patches of sunlight and some large rocks in front of it. Medium-sized sunny sites include numbers 801, 803, 806, 807, 826, and 827. Medium shady sites are 802, 805, 816, 822, 825, 828, and 829. Site 822 (photo) is medium-sized, sunny and grassy with boulders in front of the camping area. Small sunny sites in this area include 823, 824, 833-839, 842, 846-849, and 852-856. Small shady sites are 830-832. Sites 840 and 841 are medium shady sites, and medium-sized sunny sites include 843, 850, and 851. Site 844 (photo) and site 845 are short walk-ups from the parking area to nice sunny medium-sized sites with lots of grass.
In the rather nondescript 901-921 loop, sites 901-905, 913 and 914 are small and shady. Sites 906-912 are small and get some partial sunlight. Site 915 is medium-sized and shady with a dirt floor, similar to 918 and 921. There are two medium-sized, shady double sites: 916/917 and 919/920.
In the 922-967 loop, site 922 is medium-sized and sunny, as are sites 925-927 (927 is a handicapped site), 928-933, (site 933 is next to the path to the beach), 935, 936-939, 941, 943, 945 (across from the Summit Nature Trail), 947, 948, 950, and 958. Medium-sized shady sites include numbers 923, 924, 934, 940, 964, and 966. Site 937 (photo) and site 939 are medium-sized, open, sunny sites with views of the lake through the trees behind them. Small shady sites include 942, 944, 946, 949, 957, 961, and 963. Small sunny sites are 952-956, 959, 960, 962, and 965 (next to a pine stand). Site 967 (photo) is a nice medium-sized, partially sunny site with a pine stand behind it.

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.
The campsites at Mauthe Lake offer more variety than any other campground in the state park system. In the 100s, which are close to the lake and a short walk to the beach, Site 101 (photo) is a superb walk-in site up a long flight of stairs to a medium-sized, mostly shady, private hilltop tent-site. Site 102 is the Teepee Site (photo) on a small shaded hill. Site 103 is the campground host, and site 104 is small and shady near the lake with a water fountain next to it. Sites 105 and 106 are small, open, sunny sites in the middle of the loop with lake-views. Site 107 is right next to the lake trail, and like sites 108-110, is a small electric site on the outside of the loop with a nice lake view.
In the 200s, small shady sites include 201-204 and 206-208. Site 205 (photo) is large, shady and deep near the restrooms. Site 209 (photo) and site 210 are excellent shady, medium-sized walk-ins on hills a short distance from parking spaces along their own road. Sites 211-214 are small, shady electric sites. Sites 215-220, and site 223, are small and shady, with views of the lake across the road. Sites 221 and 222 are small and shady, with short paths to the lake across the road.
In the 300s, Site 301 (photo) is a short walk-up to an open, medium-sized sunny site built into the side of a hill. Site 302 (photo) and site 303 are short walk-ins to pleasant medium-sized sites shaded by pines; the sites are visible to each other but screened from the road and would make a great double site. Sites 304 and 305 are also a little too close to each other but these shady L-shaped sites would make a good double for groups of people who want to camp near each other. Sites 306, 308, and 310-312 are small shady sites near the road. Site 307 is a medium-sized, open site built into the side of a hill, similar to site 309 which is shadier. Site 313 (photo) is a large shady site that is deep and private. All the sites in this loop are close to a centralized shower building.
In the 400s, smaller shady sites include 401-406, 408, 409, 416-424, and 426-430. Site 407 is large and shady, deep and private, and is close to the water fountain and pit toilets. Sites 410 to 415 are on their own small loop. Sites 410 and 411 (photo) are open, grassy and sunny and would make a good double site for groups. Site 412 (photo) at the end of the loop is a deep and shady, L-shaped site with good privacy. Sites 413-415 are small, shady and close to the road. Site 425 is medium-sized and shady under tall trees but is somewhat close to the road. Sites 431 and 432 are two more sites that are open and sunny, large and deep, but are close to each other and would make a good double site. They are close to a parking lot with restrooms and access to the Tamarack Trail.
In the 500s, small shady sites include numbers 501-503, 507, 509, 533, 537-540, 544-550, and 552-559. Small shady sites in a pine grove are 516-520. Sites 505 and 506 are small and sunny. Site 504 is a huge, deep and shady site with a long driveway. Medium-sized shady sites include 508 (on a hill, good for tent-campers), 510 (partially sunny, across from the pit toilet), 511, 514, 515, 542, 543, and medium shady sites in the pine grove 512, 521, 522, and 524. Site 513 (photo) is a large, deep, shady site in the pine grove with a very large parking area. Site 523 (photo) is large, airy and shady, with a partial lake-view through the trees. Small sunny sites include numbers 525, 526 (on a hill), 527-531 (across from the pit toilets), 532 (open and sunny on a hill), and 536. Medium-sized sunny sites include 534 and 535. Two large shady sites near the end of the loop are 541 (very deep) and 551 (on a hill). Site 551 and nearby sites are close to trails that lead south to the Ice Age Trail.

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.
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, hand pumps and pit toilets are available nearby. Greenbush Group Campground is open for camping April through November.
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 tether posts. Call for more information.

Map of Kettle Moraine North            Map of Mauthe Lake Campground            Map of Long Lake Campground

Hiking 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 Flynns 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 at Butler Lake. A picnic table, grill and drinking water are located at the trailhead. (Photo of the Butler Lake boat launch).
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 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 (photo) 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 of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail travels the length of the forest. The moderate to difficult course follows sinuous eskers and tumbled moraines descending into bogs and deep kettles.

Nature Trails:
Tamarack Circle Trail: At Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, this easy self-guided 2-mile loop trail circles Mauthe Lake. The trail meanders through a portion of the 800-acre Milwaukee River and Swamp Natural Area (photo of red pines along the Tamarack Trail).
Summit Nature Trail: The trailhead is located near site 944 at the Long Lake campground. This 1-mile loop climbs to the top of Dundee Mountain (photo of Long Lake from the Dundee Mountain summit), the largest kame in the forest, providing a scenic view of the Campbellsport Drumlins and Long Lake.
Moraine Trail: Located at the Reuss Ice Age Information Center, this easy 3/4-mile loop trail is marked with numbered posts. A nature trail booklet, available at the trailhead, identifies common trees of the Kettle Moraine and their uses. The trail follows the interlobate moraine created by the Green Bay glacier lobe.

Special Interest Areas :
Greenbush Kettle - On Kettle Moraine Drive, 1 mile north of State Highway 67. An outstanding example of a glacial kettle hole. A scenic overlook, viewing deck and interpretive display is just a short walk from the parking lot.
Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods - On Highway GGG just south of Highway SS. A historical marker greets visitors to this 67-acre State Natural Area. This area is designated as a Wisconsin Wildlife Viewing Area and is included in the national "Watchable Wildlife" program.
Vista Trail Overlook - At the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center (photo of Visitor Center from Vista Trail ). A short climb up some stairs and you arrive at a viewing platform overlooking a beautiful vista from which you can see drumlins, eskers and ground moraines.
Jersey Flats Prairie - On Highway SS, 1/4 mile west of the village of New Prospect. This restored prairie is a glacial outwash plain. This area is designated as a Wisconsin Wildlife Viewing Area and is included in the national "Watchable Wildlife" program.
Little Mud Lake - On Highway SS, 1/2 mile east of Highway GGG. This site is a State Habitat Preservation Area and is vital for the long-term survival of the red-spotted, blue-spotted, spotted, and tiger salamanders that thrive here. A picnic table and grill are provided at the small parking lot.
Dundee Kame, a.k.a White Kame - On Highway F, 1/4 mile east of Dundee. A.k.a White Kame, it lies within a 468-acre State Natural Area. This conical moulin kame is known throughout the world by geology students and is often pictured in geology textbooks because of its near perfect form.
Kame Field - Near the intersection of Highway V and Deer Road looking north. The mile-wide view of this spectacular kame field is breathtaking. Visitors can view and experience the rock and rubble and gravel "insides" of a kame up close.
Spruce Lake Bog State Natural Area- North of Dundee on Airport Road, 1/2 mile west of Vista Drive. This area is designated as a Wisconsin Wildlife Viewing Area and is included in the national "Watchable Wildlife" program. Visitors must stay on the boardwalk trail due to the fragile nature of the bog plants, the presence of poison sumac, and the unstable bog surface.

Off-Road Bike Trails: Includes the Greenbush Loop System and New Fane Loop System. Off-road biking is only permitted on the Greenbush (9 miles) and New Fane (5.5 miles) loop trails. Normally these trails are opened in late April through November, depending on trail conditions.

Horse Trails: Equestrians enjoy 39 miles of bridle trail which are traditionally open late April through mid November depending on trail conditions. The main bridle trail winds the linear length of the forest of 33 miles. Two loop trails, Crooked and Forest Lake, provide shorter routes totaling 6 miles.

Cross-Country Ski Trails: A total of 17 miles of machine-groomed cross-country ski trails are provided for diagonal and skate skiers. Pets and hiking are not allowed on ski trails. A heated log Shelter House and sledding hill are open to the public at the Greenbush Recreation Area.

Swimming: The state forest has three swimming beaches, one at Mauthe Lake (photo) and two at Long Lake (photo). Lifeguards are not provided. Pets, soaps, food and beverages prohibited in marked swim areas.

Fishing: You can fish in any of the forest's eight lakes: Auburn Lake a.k.a. Lake Fifteen, Butler Lake, Crooked Lake, Forest Lake, Kettle Moraine Lake a.k.a. Round Lake, Lake Seven, Long Lake, and Mauthe Lake. The eight lakes listed above are within or bordering the Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit. These lakes, ranging in size from 427 acres (Long Lake) to less than seven acres, accounting for a total of 786 acres.The primary fish species in these lakes include large-mouth bass, bluegill, crappies, and northern pike. Trout can be found in Watercress Creek and or Lake Fifteen Creek. Mauthe Lake (photo) and Long Lake (photo) Recreation Areas have fishing piers that are accessible to people who are mobility impaired.

Boating: Public access is provided on the forest's lakes by either a developed boat landing or walk-in access (photo of Long Lake boat launch)--(photo of Mauthe Lake boat launch). A private concessionaire provides various types of watercraft for fishing at a number of these lakes. Lake Seven, Mauthe, Forest and Butler Lakes prohibit the use of gas-powered motors. Other boating restrictions may apply. Parkview General Store provides a fleet of rowboats and canoes for fishing or just paddling. It also has three funyaks and two four-seat paddle boats. Most of the float craft are at Mauthe Lake Recreational Area's boat landing; however, rowboats are also located at Lake Seven, Forest and Auburn Lake. To rent a watercraft, go to the Parkview General Store located on Hwy GGG, 2/10 mile north of the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area's entrance road first. After receipt of rental fees, you will be provided with a key to unlock your rental at the boat launch area. A personal floatation device for each person is included in the rental.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive: Visitors can enjoy the beauty, variety and geology of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in southeast Wisconsin by driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. The 115-mile drive traverses six Wisconsin counties. Its northern end is near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and its southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. There are numerous places to picnic, hike, camp, bike, swim, fish,visit historical sites, shop and find lodging along the way.

Wildlife: Bird watchers can spot flycatchers, northern waterthrush, bobolink, dickcissel, eastern meadowlark, northern harrier, vireos, hooded warbler, pileated woodpecker, scarlet tanager, and many types of raptors. The forest is especially active during the spring and fall migrations.

Other Highlights: The Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center is located one half mile west of Dundee on State Highway 67 and offers forest information, interpretive displays, and a 20-minute Ice Age film. Naturalist programs are scheduled throughout the year. Group interpretive programs are available upon request. Mauthe Lake Concession is conveniently located in the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area near the playground equipment, swimming beach and picnic shelter building. Long Lake Food Concession is conveniently located in the Long Lake Recreation Area in the southwest corner of the South Beach parking lot. The forest has two areas designated as dog training areas. The wet dog training area, located on Division Road just south of Hwy F, is recommended for water skills training; while the dry dog training area, located on Hwy U just east of Hwy A, should be used for developing upland bird skills.

View of Dundee Kame from The Reuss Ice Age Information Center