A rugged glacial landscape beckons adventurers in the Kettle Moraine State Forest – it’s a place filled with biking and hiking trails and incredible forest vistas. While the forest is a popular day trip destination, it’s possible to extend your adventure with a stay at special lakeside campground within this Wisconsin park that’s open year-round. Here’s why you should make plans to camp at Mauthe Lake.
The Kettle Moraine State Forests cuts a rugged swath through southeast Wisconsin. It covers more than 56,000 acres and it’s divided into two major forest units that stretch more than 100 miles.
The forest is laced with seemingly endless miles of trails. It has more than 250 miles of hiking trails, 100 miles of cross-country ski trails, 130 miles of equestrian trails, 150 miles of snowmobile trails, and 75 miles of off-road biking trails. There are also some beautiful wild lakes.
A campground at Mauthe Lake is the perfect forest base camp. You’ll find the campground in the northern unit of the forest, near the town of Campbellsport.
There are 135 sites in the campground, including 51 sites with electricity. It’s a rustic camping area but it does have a shower building with flush toilets. Handicap-accessible campsites are also available.
The lake is not huge – it’s a little glacial lake that covers just 70 acres. It’s a pretty lake though, and it’s popular with anglers and paddlers. There’s also a small swimming beach.
There are a lot of scenic trails to explore near the campground and many are relatively flat so they are good for families. A two-mile trail will take you around the whole lake. It can be found near the campsites.
Campers call this little campground a hidden gem, and when you stay overnight, you’ll likely agree. Be sure to make it to the waterfront in the evening - the sunsets over Mauthe Lake are amazing! Learn more about the campground on the state DNR website. If you enjoy camping lakeside, here are some spectacular campgrounds that are right on the beach.
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