Conditions
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
Trails
Logging operations are occurring in several areas of the Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest through mid-November 2026. All trails remain open, however, heavy machinery may be present, please use caution. Logging operations are taking place in the following areas:
- Along sections of the Lake-to-Lake Trail and the Tamarack Trail near the forest headquarters on Cty. Hwy. G.
- Along a 0.3-mile section Ice Age Trail - Milwaukee River (Washington County) Segment (about 0.2-miles north of Hwy. 28).
- Along two areas of the Bridle/Snowmobile Trail; a 0.3-mile section, south of Hwy. 28 and east of Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, and a section between Auburn Ashford Drive and Mill Road.
- Along a 0.5-mile section of the Snowmobile Access Trail, east of Cty. Hwy. A and south of Hwy. 67.
Seasonal Water Systems
Water systems (flush toilets, shower buildings and the dump station) at all recreation areas and campgrounds in the forest will be shut down for the season by Oct. 19, 2026 and will be turned back on in spring 2027.
Lakes
The Long Lake Recreation Area boat launch and pier will be removed for the season the week of Oct. 26, 2026.
The fishing pier at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area has been removed due to an infrastructure failure. A new fishing pier is expected to be installed in fall 2027.
2027 Construction and Closures
Beginning in fall 2027, a large construction project will be taking place at the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit that will affect availability of campsites in Mauthe and Long Lake campgrounds and the Lake to Lake Trail.
Mauthe and Long Lake Campgrounds: Mauthe and Long Lake campgrounds will be closed from Sept. 6, 2027 through spring 2028 for driveway resurfacing and site improvements. Property staff will work with the contractor to minimize the time period for all campsite and facility closures.
Campers may utilize the “Notify Me” button on the reservation website to receive email alerts when these sites become available. The “Notify Me” button will appear after searching for your desired location (Kettle Moraine – Northern Unit) and your selected dates for camping.
Lake to Lake Trail: The Lake to Lake Trail will be closed in 2027 from Sept. 15 through early December for trail resurfacing and culvert replacement.
Construction dates are subject to change. Updates to the KMSF-Northern Unit construction project will be posted to this page. (Updated 9/28/26).