National park · United States
Kettle Moraine State Forest
Visit Kettle Moraine for a day hike: drive to the Northern Unit, park for $5, and walk the Ice Age Trail segment (2–5 km (1.2–3.1 mi)) in the morning; avoid weekends in July–August for fewer crowds.Visit Kettle Moraine for a day hike: drive to the Northern Unit, park for $5, and walk the Ice Age Trail segment (1.2–3.1 mi (2–5 km)) in the morning; avoid weekends in July–August for fewer crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
227 km² (88 sq mi)88 sq mi (227 km²)
approximate
Established
1930
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 227 km² (88 sq mi)88 sq mi (227 km²)
- The forest covers about 56,000 acres (≈ 227 km²) across six units; exact acreage varies by source.
- Established
- 1930
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Milwaukee
Kettle Moraine State Forest is a glacially‑formed landscape of rolling hills, kettles, eskers and kames spread over southeast Wisconsin, offering a network of trails for hiking, biking and winter sports.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1930.
Size and age
227 km² (88 sq mi)88 sq mi (227 km²) · national park since 1930
The forest covers about 56,000 acres (≈ 227 km²) across six units; exact acreage varies by source.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Milwaukee.
Why go
- Glacial landforms—kettles, eskers, and kames—along a 185‑km scenic drive.
- Extensive trail network including the Ice Age Trail for hiking and biking.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold but quiet; good for snowshoeing.
- FebSimilar to Jan; low visitor numbers.
- MarEarly spring, trails dry, foliage emerging.
- AprMild temps, wildflowers, moderate crowds.
- MayWarm, full trail access, peak foliage start.
- JunHeat rises, occasional thunderstorms.
- JulHot, many day‑trip visitors; ticks active.
- AugPeak heat, high mosquito/tick activity.
- SepCooler, colors change, fewer crowds.
- OctFall colors, comfortable hiking.
- NovCold, possible snow; quiet.
- DecWinter scenery, snowshoeing possible.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White‑tailed deer, red fox, and various songbirdsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Ticks (blacklegged)May–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Milwaukee
Take I‑94 east to US‑151 north; follow signs to the Northern Unit (Campbellsport).
1–1.5 h
Open the page →
From Chicago
Drive I‑94 east across the state line; exit at US‑151 north to the Northern Unit.
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
From Madison
Take US‑151 north to Campbellsport; follow local signs to the unit office.
45 min
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Unit | Headquarters, trailheads, parking, and the Ice Age Trail segment. | Open daily; vehicle admission required. |
| Southern Unit | Longer trails, horse‑riding routes, and campgrounds. | Open daily; vehicle admission required. |
| Lapham Peak Unit | Observation tower and short loop trails. | Open daily; vehicle admission required. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate central points for each unit.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle admission (per car) | US$5 | vehicle | Paid at the unit entrance station. |
| Backpack shelter or campsite fee | US$15–30 | night | Varies by unit and season. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Vehicle admission permit or guide
Backcountry camping no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$5
- US$15–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Wisconsin DNR – Kettle Moraine State Forest before you go.
Park rules
- Vehicle admission
- Required for all motorized vehicles entering any unit.
- Camping
- Only in designated campsites or backpack shelters; backcountry camping prohibited.
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on most trails; clean up after them.
- Fire
- Only in designated fire rings; many areas prohibit open fires during dry periods.
- Mountain biking
- Allowed only on marked bike trails; other trails are hikers‑only.
Where to stay
Near the park
Campsites (various units)
Sites with water/electric hookups or primitive tent spots; reservation required.
Near the park
Backpack shelters
Four‑wall shelters in remote locations; limited capacity.
Near the park
Campbellsport town
Hotels, motels, and B&Bs within 15 km (9.3 mi) of the Northern Unit.Hotels, motels, and B&Bs within 9.3 mi (15 km) of the Northern Unit.
Safety
Ticks medium
Poison oak/ivy low
Heat and dehydration (summer) medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Headquarters parking lots have paved paths to trailheads; wheelchair access limited to short paved loops.
- Most trails are natural surface and not wheelchair‑compatible.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile glacial features.
- Pack out all trash; use refillable water bottles.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Kettle Moraine State Forest?
Vehicle admission is $5 per car; fees for campsites or backpack shelters range $15–$30 per night.
What are the best hikes in Kettle Moraine State Forest?
The Ice Age Trail segment in the Northern Unit (2–5 km) and the Lapham Peak loop are popular easy hikes; longer backcountry routes are in the Southern Unit (check trail maps).
When is the best time to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest?
April to May and September to October offer mild weather, colorful foliage, and moderate crowds.
Do I need a permit for biking or horseback riding?
Biking is allowed on marked bike trails without a permit; horseback riding requires a permit on designated equestrian routes (check the unit map).
Are there any lodging options inside the forest?
Yes – designated campsites and backpack shelters are available; reservations are required via the Wisconsin DNR reservation hub.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go