Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- 264 campsites
- Official site
- dnr.wisconsin.gov(262) 594-6200
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Partial closure Southern Unit KMSF Shower Building #3 ClosedShower building #3 (across from site 372) in the Ottawa Lake Campground will be closed after Labor Day 2026 for upgrades. Campers should expect noise… (more)
Shower building #3 (across from site 372) in the Ottawa Lake Campground will be closed after Labor Day 2026 for upgrades. Campers should expect noise from construction equipment during this time. Please use caution and keep out of the work area. Impact: Low.
Posted by the park 2026-09-22. Official alert
Partial closure Southern Unit KMSF Springs House ClosedThe spring house at Paradise Springs is temporarily closed for construction of a new roof and other maintenance work. Please keep out of all work… (more)
The spring house at Paradise Springs is temporarily closed for construction of a new roof and other maintenance work. Please keep out of all work areas. The Paradise Springs Trail is still open. Impact: Low.
Posted by the park 2026-10-07. Official alert
Overview
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit is a 21,492-acre state forest unit in Jefferson County, about 2 miles southeast of Palmyra.
Things to do include horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, and swimming. Camping is available: 264 campsites across 7 camping areas, including tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and group camping. The park says there are no showers.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. | — |
| Daily | 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. The state forest is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle, resident vs nonresident pricing: a vehicle admission pass is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas (daily $13 WI / $16 out-of-state; annual $28 / $50; rates effective Aug. 19, 2025). State trails use a per-person trail pass for certain uses. Heritage Hill SP charges a per-person admission instead.
Statewide fee rule from Wisconsin's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Wisconsin park passes
- 12-month vehicle admission pass (Wisconsin plates) — $28. All Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas for 12 months Details
- 12-month vehicle admission pass (out-of-state plates) — $50. Same, nonresident vehicles Details
- 12-month pass, Wisconsin residents 65+ — $13. Resident senior vehicles Details
- 12-month reduced-rate pass (additional household vehicle) — $15.50 resident / $32.50 nonresident. Additional vehicles at the same household address; bought with a full-price pass Details
- Daily vehicle admission pass — $13 resident / $3 resident 65+ / $16 nonresident Details
From the Wisconsin state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Camping
- Required
- Booking system
- Wisconsin State Park System reservations (Camis 'Going to Camp')
- Phone
- 1-888-947-2757
Camping reservations are required and can be made for the same day of your arrival or up to 11 months in advance of your planned date of occupancy.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed
Loop 1 (of three loops) is a 24-hour quiet zone, meaning no pets, radios or mechanical device noises are allowed, ensuring a peaceful visit. There are special pet-free campsites in Loop 1 (Sites 1-36) in the Pinewoods Campground. Otherwise, pets are allowed at your campsite and along campground roads.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campgrounds The Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit has several camping areas. Check-in for camping is not required. Campers should go directly to the campsite where they are staying. Directions and campground address are provided below. | — | — | |
| Ottawa Lake campground Ottawa Lake campground offers 100 sites, including 65 electrical sites, two shower buildings, flush toilets and a vault toilet building. Accessible sites are available as well as a reservable, accessible cabin designed especially for people with disabilities. A sanitary dump and recycling/garbage station are provided for the registered campers. The campground is located within the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area.
Winter camping Ottawa Lake campground is the only year-round campground in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit. In winter, a limited number of sites are plowed. Water is available from a… | 100 | Electric (some sites)Showers | — |
| Pinewoods Campground and Group Camp Pinewoods has 101 campsites, flush toilets, vault toilets and showers. There are no electrical sites at this campground. A playground is next to the shower building. This campground offers a designated area for those who want to enjoy the peace and quiet that nature has to offer. Loop 1 (of three loops) is a 24-hour quiet zone, meaning no pets, radios or mechanical device noises are allowed, ensuring a peaceful visit. A recycling/garbage station and a sanitary dump station are within the campground. Pinewoods is available for camping from mid-May through mid-October.
There are special… | 101 | Electric (some sites)Showers | — |
| Whitewater Lake Campground and Hickory Woods Group Camp The Whitewater Lake campground is a primitive campground with 63 beautiful campsites. Vault toilets but no shower facilities are available at the Whitewater Lake campground. Showers are available at Pinewoods and Ottawa Lake, about 20 miles to the north. A sanitary dump and recycling/garbage station are provided for campers. Whitewater Lake is available for camping from mid-May through mid-October.
Hickory Woods group campsites (M and N) can accommodate up to 20 people and 10 vehicles per site. Hickory Woods sites (P and R) can accommodate up to 40 people and 20 vehicles per site. There are… | 63 | Showers | — |
| Horseriders' Campground This campground is only available to people camping with their horses. The Horseriders' campground is centrally located in the forest, with the horse trails connecting within the campground. Campers with horses can enjoy 36 back-in sites, 20 pull-through sites, one group site accommodating up to 20 people, a picnic shelter, a horse shower, manure deposit stations, drinking water a shower building and vault toilets.
Each site includes tether posts and a fire ring. Horseriders' campground is open for camping from April through November.
All equestrians 16 years and older must purchase and… | — | Showers | — |
| Walk-in Campsites For campers who like to camp at a more secluded and wooded campsite adjacent to a family campground, walk-in sites are available at the Pinewoods, Ottawa Lake and Whitewater Lake campgrounds. These sites are set back in the forest, anywhere from about 140 to 750 feet from their parking stalls. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring and a gravel pad for tents. Tents are restricted to gravel pads to minimize wear and tear on the surrounding landscape. Pit toilets are near all walk-in sites. | — | — | |
| Accessible campsites Accessible campsites, designed specifically for those who have physical disabilities, are available in the Pinewoods, Ottawa Lake and Whitewater Lake campgrounds. The following table compares their amenities:
CampgroundOttawa LakePinewoodsWhitewater Lake
Paved path to an accessible restroomYesYesYes
Special family restroomsYesYesNo
Paved drives for vehicle parkingYesYesNo
Electrical hookupsYesYesYes
Paved walk to an accessible pierYesNoNo
Paved path to the beachNoNoYes | — | Electric (some sites) | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping reservations are required and can be made for the same day of your arrival or up to 11 months in advance of your planned date of occupancy. Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site.
Campgrounds: The Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit has several camping areas. Check-in for camping is not required. Campers should go directly to the campsite where they are staying. Directions and campground address are provided below.
Ottawa Lake campground: Ottawa Lake campground offers 100 sites, including 65 electrical sites, two shower buildings, flush toilets and a vault toilet building. Accessible sites are available as well as a reservable, accessible cabin designed especially for people with disabilities. A sanitary dump and recycling/garbage station are provided for the registered campers. The campground is located within the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area.
Winter camping Ottawa Lake campground is the only year-round campground in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit. In winter, a limited number of sites are plowed. Water is available from a spigot near campsite 338. The winter vault toilet is located near site 359. The dump station is still available for use, but there is no rinse water.
Ottawa Lake Recreation Area and Campground
S59 W36630 Cty. Rd. ZZ
Dousman, WI 53118
Ottawa Lake Campground Map
Get Directions - Ottawa Lake campground and Recreation Area
Pinewoods Campground and Group Camp: Pinewoods has 101 campsites, flush toilets, vault toilets and showers. There are no electrical sites at this campground. A playground is next to the shower building. This campground offers a designated area for those who want to enjoy the peace and quiet that nature has to offer. Loop 1 (of three loops) is a 24-hour quiet zone, meaning no pets, radios or mechanical device noises are allowed, ensuring a peaceful visit. A recycling/garbage station and a sanitary dump station are within the campground. Pinewoods is available for camping from mid-May through mid-October.
There are special pet-free campsites in Loop 1 (Sites 1-36) in the Pinewoods Campground. Otherwise, pets are allowed at your campsite and along campground roads.
Pinewoods group camp offers four large sites (A, B, C and D) that accommodate up to 40 people and 20 vehicles per site. The Pinewoods campground has vault toilets near the group sites and a shower house with flush toilets in the center of the campground. Electricity is not available at the campsites.
Pinewoods Campground and Group Camp
W348 S4695 Waterville Rd.
Dousman, WI 53118
Pinewoods campground map
Get Directions - Pinewoods campground
Whitewater Lake Campground and Hickory Woods Group Camp: The Whitewater Lake campground is a primitive campground with 63 beautiful campsites. Vault toilets but no shower facilities are available at the Whitewater Lake campground. Showers are available at Pinewoods and Ottawa Lake, about 20 miles to the north. A sanitary dump and recycling/garbage station are provided for campers. Whitewater Lake is available for camping from mid-May through mid-October.
Hickory Woods group campsites (M and N) can accommodate up to 20 people and 10 vehicles per site. Hickory Woods sites (P and R) can accommodate up to 40 people and 20 vehicles per site. There are no showers or flush toilets at the campground. Campers may drive 15 minutes to the Horse camp for the nearest showers.
Whitewater Lake Campground and Hickory Woods Group Camp
N8096 Hi-Lo Rd.
Whitewater, WI 53190
Whitewater Lake and Hickory Woods campground map
Get Directions - Whitewater Lake campground
Horseriders' Campground: This campground is only available to people camping with their horses. The Horseriders' campground is centrally located in the forest, with the horse trails connecting within the campground. Campers with horses can enjoy 36 back-in sites, 20 pull-through sites, one group site accommodating up to 20 people, a picnic shelter, a horse shower, manure deposit stations, drinking water a shower building and vault toilets.
Each site includes tether posts and a fire ring. Horseriders' campground is open for camping from April through November.
All equestrians 16 years and older must purchase and carry a state trail pass while using the designated bridle trails in the state forest.
Horseriders' Campground
W830 Little Prairie Road
Palmyra, WI 53156
Horseriders' campground map
Get Directions - Horseriders' campground
Walk-in Campsites: For campers who like to camp at a more secluded and wooded campsite adjacent to a family campground, walk-in sites are available at the Pinewoods, Ottawa Lake and Whitewater Lake campgrounds. These sites are set back in the forest, anywhere from about 140 to 750 feet from their parking stalls. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring and a gravel pad for tents. Tents are restricted to gravel pads to minimize wear and tear on the surrounding landscape. Pit toilets are near all walk-in sites.
Backpack Shelters: Primitive backpack camping along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is available year-round only at three designated trail shelter sites. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites. Backpack sites are remote sites, separate from other forest facilities and require a hike of 0.5 miles to 10 miles, depending on the parking location selected by the camper. A roofed trail shelter, fire ring and pit toilet are provided at each site. These sites are not accessible by vehicle, but most have parking areas within a mile of the site. All equipment and water must be backpacked to the site and all refuse must be packed out.
- Guide to hiking the Ice Age Trail in the Southern Unit and Lapham Peak Unit
Reservations are limited to 10 people per night and are limited to one night. However, another site may be reserved for a second night at a second location or a third night at a third site.
Firewood: The Ottawa Lake and Whitewater Lake contact stations sell firewood when they are open. The camp hosts Pinewoods and Whitewater Lake and also sells firewood.
Don't move firewood!
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
BikingBoatingCanoeing and kayakingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingPicnickingSwimming
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Group facilities
- Showers: not available (stated by the park)
Camping
- Tent camping
- Primitive or backcountry camping
- Group camping
Recreation
- Horse trails
Accessibility
- Accessible campsites
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible campsites
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit offers several accessible opportunities. Whitewater Lake features accessible fishing piers. Ottawa Lake features an accessible cabin and campsites, and an accessible fishing pier and boat launch built with an accessible boarding pier. Accessible picnic shelters are located near both Whitewater and Ottawa Lake.
A beach wheelchair and an adaptive tandem kayak are available for checkout at Ottawa Lake without charge. Call the park office for more information on available adaptive equipment.
This property features universally accessible trails. For more information, visit Accessible Recreation.
Accessible cabin on Ottawa Lake.
Some people with disabilities who have been unable to use the traditional rustic campgrounds can benefit from the Cabin Campsite for People with Disabilities in the Ottawa Lake campground. This barrier-free log cabin was constructed and given to the Department of Natural Resources by the Telephone Pioneers of America. Nestled in the woods overlooking Ottawa Lake, the 700-square-foot log cabin has an asphalt-surfaced parking lot and pathway to the cabin and other paths that link to nearby recreation facilities. A screened porch provides a panoramic view of the beautiful Ottawa Lake. The cabin campsite has the usual camping amenities such as a fire ring, post-mounted grill and picnic table.
Read more from the park
- Accessible cabins for people with disabilities
Accessible campsites, designed specifically for those who have physical disabilities, are available in the Pinewoods, Ottawa Lake and Whitewater Lake campgrounds. The following table compares their amenities:
CampgroundOttawa LakePinewoodsWhitewater Lake
Paved path to an accessible restroomYesYesYes
Special family restroomsYesYesNo
Paved drives for vehicle parkingYesYesNo
Electrical hookupsYesYesYes
Paved walk to an accessible pierYesNoNo
Paved path to the beachNoNoYes
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- Forest Headquarters
Eagle, WI 53119 - Nearest town
- Palmyra — about 2 mi southeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 42.8606, -88.5617 (from PAD-US)
- Phone
- (262) 594-6200
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
The Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit is 61 miles east of Madison and 37 miles southwest of Milwaukee. Check-in for camping is not required. Campers should go directly to the campsite where they are staying. Campers should check their confirmation letter for the campground name and address of the reservation. Campground directions are also available below. Get directions: • To Ottawa Lake campground and Recreation Area • To Pinewoods campground • To Whitewater Lake campground • To Horseriders' campground • To Forest Headquarters Campground addresses Ottawa Lake Visitor Center and Campground S59 W36530 County ZZ Dousman, WI 53118 Pinewoods Campground W348 S4695 Waterville Rd. Dousman, WI 53118 Horserider’s Campground W830 Little Prairie Rd. Palmyra, WI 53156 Whitewater Lake Visitor Center and Campground W7796 Kettle Moraine Drive Whitewater, WI 53190
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Wisconsin State Park System — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- Wisconsin DNR 'Find a Park' directory (server-rendered Drupal view, ?page=0..5), filtered to /topic/parks/ property pages
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology