Conditions at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Conditions as of Friday, November 14, 2008:

• Camping
• Hunting
• Swimming
• Trails

Many areas of the forest will be open to deer hunting. All hunters, except waterfowl hunters, are required to wear blaze orange. Other forest users are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange or bright colored clothing during open gun deer hunting seasons. Hunting maps are available at Forest Headquarters and the Ice Age Visitor Center.

Trails

Mauthe Lake to Long Lake Bike Trail: Trail is open.

Greenbush Trails: The Greenbush Trail System is closed and will remain closed until skiing season. Recently sections of the trail used for hiking and skiing were graded to improve water drainage and to level the trail surface for xc skiing. Currently the trails are very muddy. This improvement will make the trail more sustainable for future use and respond better to potential erosion.

The Greenbush seven mile, single track, and New Fane mountain bike trail systems are open.

Horse Trail: All horse trails are open for use.

Nature Trails: All trails are open.

Ice Age, New Fane, Zillmer, Butler Lake, Parnell, Greenbush Hiking Trails - All hiking trails are open.
Important! Recently the Zillmer Trail System had over 30 sections of various lengths re-graded. The re-grading is in response to leveling sections of the trail to provide an improved cross-country skiing experience and to ease the grooming efforts. The re-graded areas have exposed soil which during wet conditions will make the surface muddy and difficult to hike. Although the trail is open, it is recommended to hikers to consider using the many other trail areas in the state forest.

Camping

Mauthe Lake Campground is open for camping. Reservations for weekend camping, especially electrical sites, are recommended mid-May through October. Use the Web or call (888) 947-2757.

Long Lake Campground is open for camping until Columbus Day in October. Use the Web or call (888) 947-2757.

New Prospect Horseriders Campground was recently redesigned and will reopen on Friday, May 1, 2009. Campers will be able to make reservations starting November 12, 2008 at 9 AM.

Greenbush Group Campground is open for the season until the last weekend in November. For camping reservations use the Web or call (888) 947-2757.

Backpack shelter camping is available year round. A camping permit is required, and you must camp at a designated shelter campsite. Reservations are recommended for backpack shelter camping in the spring and fall on weekends. If you do not have a reservation, you must stop at Forest Headquarters or the Ice Age Visitor Center to obtain a camping permit. We recommend calling ahead to determine availability for first-come, first-served backpack shelter camping. For more information, ask Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, (262) 626-2116 or (920) 533-8322.

Swimming

All swimming beaches are open. Beaches are tested regularly for e. coli bacteria counts.

Hunting & Fishing

About 95 percent of the state forest [PDF 805KB] 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.

For more information, ask Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, (262) 626-2116 or (920) 533-8322.