Conditions at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Conditions as of Friday, July 3, 2009:
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Trails
Hiking trails are open. Wildflowers are in abundance along the trails. Be prepared to encounter all types of conditions from dirt, grass, mud, and even water on the trails. Dogs are allowed on all hiking trails, except Nature trails, and must be kept on a leash. Insect repellant and proper clothing is highly recommended as the mosquito and tick populations are in full force.
Horseback riding trails are open. Equestrians are asked to refrain from using the trails after heavy rains to help preserve their condition.
John Muir and Emma Carlin biking trails, as well as the connector trail, will be open if weather conditions permit. Please keep in mind that due to changing weather conditions their status could change. Trails will be closed for a period of time after heavy rains to allow the trails to dry out and thus help keep the trails in the best condition possible.
Call the Trail Information Line, (262) 594-6202, for the most current trail conditions.
Remember a state trail pass is required for anyone ages 16 and older to use the mountain bike or bridle trails. No trail pass is required for hiking. A vehicle admission sticker is required in all fee use areas.
Campgrounds
Ottawa Lake Campground is open for reservations April 1 to November 30. Reservations for dates in May through October are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, and for electrical sites on any date. Check at the Ottawa Lake contact station (262) 594-6220 for Naturalist programming available each weekend. Don't forget your insect repellant!
Reservations, up to 11 months in advance, can be made on the Web or by calling (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275. A limited number of campsites are available on a first come, first-served basis during the summer, however, these sites generally fill up early.
Ottawa Lake Campground summer office hours are; Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Staff will be available at the contact station to check in campers during these times. Firewood and ice will be available for purchase. Campers coming at any other time will need to use the self service envelopes located outside the contact station.
To help prevent the devastating effects of the emerald ash borer and other wood-borne insects, no firewood may be transported into the forest or any other state park from more than 50 miles away, from anywhere outside Wisconsin, or from quarantined areas.
Pinewoods Group and Family Campsites are open. Reservations are recommended for the weekends. There are three handicap electric sites in Pinewoods. All other sites are non-electric. Check-in is at the Ottawa Lake contact station. Pinewood campground has a modern bathroom facility with showers located in the center of the campground. Vault toilets are available in the various loops. A new children's playground is near the shower building.
Whitewater Lake family and Hickory Woods group campsites are open. Whitewater Lake campground is a rustic campground, only vault toilets are available. There are no showers. The contact station at Whitewater Lake is only open Friday 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. If you are camping during the week the self service envelopes are available outside the contact station. Self service envelopes will require a check or cash for payment. During the week the campground host will have firewood available for purchase.
Ice Age Trail has three backpack shelters open year-round. A camping permit is required, and you must camp at a designated shelter campsite. We allow one camping party, maximum of 10 people per shelter per night. Everything is backpacked in and out. Reservations are strongly recommended for backpack shelter camping on weekends. If you do not have a reservation, we recommend calling ahead to determine availability for first-come, first-served backpack shelter camping. For more information, call (262) 594-6200
Hunting
About 95 percent of the state forest is open to public hunting during established open seasons. Some seasons may be subject to change. Consult the Wisconsin Hunting and Trapping Regulations before going hunting. Target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the forest, except at the McMiller shooting Range.
Proposed State Forest Expansion
The Department of Natural Resources has prepared a feasibility study and environmental assessment [PDF 101KB] for the proposed “Paradise Valley” expansion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit. The proposal identifies a 6,318 acre area (see map [PDF 5.7MB]) between Dousman and State Highway 59 west of the existing state forest. Within this area, DNR and partners eventually would acquire 4,000 acres from willing sellers. The land would be preserved for lake and wetland conservation, wildlife and fish habitat, and nature-based public recreation. More...
Office Hours
Office hours at the Kettle Moraine State Foresest - Southern Unit are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays the office is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office phone number is (262) 594-6200.
For the most up-to-date information, call the Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
For more information, ask Paul Sandgren, Manager, (262) 594-6200.
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