Conditions at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit

Conditions as Tuesday, February 9, 2010:

• Camping
• Hunting
• Trails
• Office Hours

Trails

Cross-country ski trails: The trails are open and being groomed.  Each trail system offers a variety of loops for different skill levels. Heavily used trails can be a bit icy in spots. Call the Trail Information Line, (262) 594-6202, for the most current trail conditions. Please remember no walking or dogs allowed on the groomed trails.

Nordic Ski Trail [PDF 366KB]. This trail is groomed for skate and classical skiing. There is a warming building at the trailhead. Conditions are good.

Scuppernong Ski Trail [PDF 132KB]. Scuppernong trail is groomed for classical skiing only. There is no warming shelter available.

McMiller Ski Trail [PDF 304KB]. This trail has both classical and skate ski trails, and also offers a biathlon training course. Conditions are good on these loops. The McMiller sports center is open for warming on the weekends. Call McMiller at (262) 594-5900 or the Forest Headquarters at (262) 594-6200 for more information.

Snowmobile trails are closed. A snowmobile map is available at our Forest Headquarters.

Hiking and Snowshoe trails are open. Note: Hiking, showshoeing and pets are not allowed on groomed ski trails. The Ice Age Trail, Emma Carlin trail, John Muir trail and any nature trail are open for hiking and snowshoeing. Pets as long as they are on a leash 8 feet or shorter are welcome on hiking trails with the exception of nature trails.

Remember a state trail pass is required for anyone ages 16 and older to use the cross-country ski, mountain bike or bridle trails. No trail pass is required for hiking. A vehicle admission sticker is required in all fee use areas. The 2010 state trail passes and annual admission stickers are now available for purchase and are valid through December 31, 2010.

Campgrounds

Ottawa Lake Campground is open year-round for camping. The office at Ottawa Lake is closed for the season, however several campsites will be plowed for winter camping, including the two walk-in sites. You will need to use cash or check for the self-registration system at the contact station when registering for camping. Water is available outside the contact station on the west wall. The winter toilet is near sites 359e or 346e. The dump station is open however the water is turned off.

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.

All other campgrounds are closed for the season.

Reservations up to 11 months in advance, can be made for April 1 to November 30, by using the Web or by calling (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275. 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. A limited number of campsites are available on a first come, first-served basis during the summer, however, these sites generally fill up early.

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.

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 Amanda Prange, Visitor Services Associate, or Paul Sandgren, Manager, (262) 594-6200.

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