Conditions at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

Conditions as of Saturday, October 31, 2009:

• Camping
• Hunting
• Trails
• Proposed Forest Expansion
• Office Hours

Trails

Hiking trails are open. Fall colors are past their peak in the forest. 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.

Hunting seasons have begun; it is recommended that all trail users wear bright clothing or blaze orange when out on the trails.

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 year round for camping. Reservations can be made for April 1 to November 30. Reservations are highly recommended for dates in May through October, especially for weekends and holidays, and for electrical sites on any date. Camping December 1 - April 30 is done through the self-service envelopes on a first-come, first-served basis.

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 October office hours are:

• Mondays-Thursdays closed
• Fridays noon - 7 p.m.
• Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sundays 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 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 outside the contact station, and must have a check or cash for payment.

All of the water lines have been shut down for the winter (all bathrooms, showers, rinse water for dump station, and water fountains). There is water available at a faucet on the side of the Ottawa Lake contact station. The winter toilet is near campsite 359e or 346e.

Any firewood brought in from more than 50 miles away or from a quarantined area [PDF, 102KB] or from out of state will be confiscated due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers [exit DNR].

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.

Pinewoods Group Campsites will close for the season on November 18. The shower building and flush toilets are closed.

Horseriders Campground will close for the season on December 1. The campsites are non-electric and require that you have a horse in order to camp. Campers without reservations must use the self service envelopes to register and pay all fees by cash or check.

Pinewoods family, Whitewater Lake family, and Hickory Woods group campsites are closed for the season.

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.

If you plan to use any of the trails, we recommend wearing bright-colored clothing; blaze orange is the best.

Gun deer hunting dates in our forest include:

• Youth deer hunt: October 10-11, 2009
• Antlerless deer hunt: October 15-18, 2009
• Regular gun hunt: November 21-29, 2009, and December 24, 2009 – January 3, 2010
• Muzzleloader gun hunt: November 30 - December 9, 2009

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 Forest - 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).

Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Paul Sandgren, Manager, (262) 594-6200.

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