Our family loves to camp a few times a year, and most recently we tried Ottawa for the first time. Overall I think it was a lovely campground! It's Situated conveniently between Milwaukee and Madison, serving as more than just a campsite, but a great spot to hike, fish, and swim. It's a really big park (literally 100 sites!) so there is plenty of peaceful outdoor space to enjoy. We were lucky enough to snag an electric site, which comes in handy for our RV. Beyond the RV we had two tents, and everything fit comfortably. This site in particular was tucked back close to the lake, but I can see how the outskirt sites closer to the highway might be not as well enjoyed. This campground is fairly wooded with plenty of shade which we appreciated. All of the grounds are well-kept, including the paved pathways throughout. We loved the various playgrounds for our kiddos too. The lake itself has a fishing pier, solid sand area for swimming/hanging in the warmer months, a boat launch, adjacent restrooms that are clean, and lots of walking paths surrounded. All in all, it was a goodie and we had an enjoyable time. read more

Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit - Campgrounds Near Me - Dousman, Wisconsin

We were there 5 days and still couldn't find our way around. Exit signs would really help and although this is a carry out what you carry in I don't like carrying dog poop for an entire 2 mile walk. There were 6 attendants in the park office when I asked where I could dispose of dog poop. NO HELP I was there in August and their ice cream machine was practically empty because it was near the end of the season!!! and they didn't want to keep ice cream over the winter! I negotiated with suppliers when I was 12 years old. I never found an area where I could take my dog swimming. The beach was off limits for pets. The camp hosts were extremely nice and the campsites were clean. read more

Stopped to camp here on our way to the Oshkosh airshow. Campsite was nice. Nice grill for cooking outdoors and plenty of room at the campsite. Restrooms/Showers dated and not the cleanest but useable. The campsites back up to a busy road with lots of traffic noise late ino the night. Sounds like motorcycle races go on after dark. We had to use our air conditioner to drown out traffic noice. Will probably find another campground next time in this area read more

We had a quick stop at the Ottawa Recreation Area while trying to find the entrance (and hiking maps!) for the Kettle Moraine State Forest's Southern Unit. The entrance was unmanned (Wednesday morning in early May), but we entered with our Wisconsin Parks Annual Pass. We were pleased that, between the maps at the entrance station and displays there, we were able to figure out where we would hike next. (Not at Ottawa Lake). We continued on to check out the recreation area. There is a small lake that features a fishing pier, pet swim area, boat launch, shelter, clean rest room, horseshoes, and short waterfront walking path (no pets). There's also a longer pet trail that is not waterfront. There does not appear to be a trail around the lake. We were one of only a few cars in the parking area though the car next to us had at least a dozen fishing rods in the grass. Suddenly, a long line of cars pulled into the lot, filled with teenagers who would be users of all of the fishing rods! The main feature of the recreation area appears to be the campground, with showers, flush toilets, water spigots, and dump stations. (Seasonal). read more

Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit - Ottawa Lake - Campgrounds Near Me - Dousman, Wisconsin

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1. They have awesome grates over their fire pits. 5 star. 2. Road noise is so bad, 2nd time I camped (summer vs winter) and no difference. It only stoped between 2-4. Big trucks air breaking, bass bumping, drag street racing, popping mufflers, none of that is expected here between two very tiny towns, yet I felt like I was in an urban setting with the noise. 1 Star. 3. Wooded areas are fantastic! 4 stars. 4. No great hiking trails from campsites. 2 stars. read more

Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit - Fire pit with grease. - Campgrounds Near Me - Dousman, Wisconsin

We spent two night tent camping and had a great time, overall. The site was close to real bathrooms and showers, which was a huge bonus. The campground staff was friendly and happy to help out when needed. Our site itself was more gravel than grass and the way the fire pit was situated and anchored to the ground made the space for our three tents pretty limited but it worked out. I brought a campfire grill to go over the fire but was happy to keep that clean in the car after seeing that the fire pit had a built in one! Excellent touch! The lake was nearby and had quite a few swimmers, sunbathers, and people fishing. The ground squirrels and cranes are fearless and super cute. They will come right up to you. The hiking trail across ZZ is a nice, flatter, shorter hike but super cool, especially the clear water and bubbling springs in the stream! For a much more difficult hike we went nearby by car to the Pinewoods trails. The 6 mile loop had a ton of large elevation changes that made for a great workout among the beautiful pines and valleys. We will definitely return, but will inquire about a grassier site near the bathrooms. Oh, and Knuckleheads Pub in nearby Eagle is definitely worth a stop! It was raining heavily when we arrived so that was our dinner spot the first night. Looks like that will be my next review! read more

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We really enjoyed our stay at Ottawa Lake Campground last weekend! There are 100 campsites ad they are all spread out nicely and wooded so you have privacy. I believe this is the only year-round campground in the southern unit. There was no one at the welcome center driving in but we bought our annual parking pass online and printed it out to leave in our window. Finding our campsite was a breeze as the campground and sites were clearly labeled. We found out later that there was an attendant near the welcome center selling firewood and ice. We didn't need ice but we snagged a few bundles of firewood at $6 each which is a great price. Our pet-friendly campsite, 310 didn't have electric but half of the sites do have electric. We booked our site about a week out so I'm sure the electrical sites booked up first. We didn't mind not having electric, after all we came to camp to escape normal reality. I do recommend at least one lantern though and a flashlight because it gets very dark at night. Perk? The stars were so bright the night we went! You could see a clear, full view of a gorgeous starry sky. Another random perk we found about our site was that there was a small man-made trail from the back of our site leading to the bathrooms! It was awesome! This bathroom had flush toilets and there was various other bathrooms that were the same. We did see one winter pit toilet building for colder months. I think the campground has a few buildings with showers but I'm not sure where those were located. Water and the main recycling/garbage areas were easy to find near the entrance. Overall, we had a great time here. The campground was accessible and the lake was walkable from our site. We camped in tents but other campsites has everything from pop-ups to massive RVs. There was a pet-friendly area of the lake that we found that was such a awesome bonus! The weekend we went got down to 45 at night so we''re excited to come back again when its warmer and hit up the lake all day! read more

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Great place to tent camp. Lake is great for swimming and had a place for dogs to swim.

Campgrounds here are excellent, the staff are super knowledgeable and helpful. The campsite itself has a number of amenities, there are flush toilets, showers, laundry, and even a little library available. Several volunteer camp hosts that are available if you need to purchase more firewood. The lake is a quick walk (and an even quicker drive) away. The lake area has a beach which can get a little crowded and loud. They also have a number of grills and picnic tables available. They also have a dog beach. There is plenty of hiking a short drive away, you could possibly even walk to the Scuppernong Springs trail if it didn't involve crossing the highway. The campsites all have a picnic table and firepit with a grill, though some are bigger than others. Watching the sun set over the lake is just beautiful. We've come here twice in 6 months we liked the spot so much. The area does not have as much shade as Pinewoods, but I enjoy sleeping under the stars. I'd definitely recommend booking in advance through the State Parks website, although on occasion you may be able to snag a spot if people don't show up for their reservation. read more

Had just come from Baraboo Mirror Lake which was stunning but hear highway traffic at night. earplugs helped and felt refreshed in nature. Ugh is what can saw about ottawa. like being on a driveway, stony with some grass. 300-330s constant buzz of traffic from 67 whizzing by. did not feel refreshed but stressed and left after 1 day. beach ok - no dogs allowed - patrolled. one place for water in entire campground. dousman is beautiful - find a glamping. read more

I have gone winter camping here for a couple years and now it is one of the few sites in SE WI open during the winter months - I think this place is great. I have also had the chance to go in the summer as well and again think just as highly of the place. They have a nice range of sites from electric to walk in's with some great views of the lake as well. Yes, there is a dog kennel nearby with dogs barking near constantly but honestly you start to tune it out anyway. They offer a lot of family options so it is really nice for the kids and some great trails to use year round. read more

Nice grounds and pretty lake but next to a kennel where dogs bark all night and right off the main road with cards going all night.

I was torn between 2 and 3 stars. The site, #334, in the Ottawa Lake Campground, was beautiful and private. BUT, Hwy 67 is very close, so traffic NOISE was annoying. After all, when I go camping I treasure 'peace and quiet.'This coming from a city dweller, mind you. Here is the real DEAL BREAKER for me: a doggy day care located close enough on Hwy 67, that you can hear the dogs barking, often incessantly. BOO! The real question becomes, who in their right mind would approve a doggy day care so close to this beautiful sanctuary?! The other thing to keep in mind for this particular site is the hike from the car to the site. They say it's 700 feet. After toting all our gear in numerous trips, it felt much longer. :-) Whew! Note: This is a 'family' site. It was initially reserved by a friend who could no longer go due to health problems. So he was gracious to share it with my friend and myself. The southern branch of the Kettle Moraine is a wonderful sanctuary! The only other camping experience I've had in this area was in the Pinewoods campground. VERY QUIET! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

Right on the highway! This is not the place to get back to nature. Avoid site 327 - it is about 40 feet from the highway. We left after the first day. Otherwise the grounds are very well maintained. read more

Dog owners beware! We went here believing this would be a great place to stay but was very disappointed for multiple reasons. 1) the dog beach was what felt like a 3 mile hike down grass paths that had dog poo everywhere and children swimming in the dog area 2) staff was not knowledgable "I'm not from the area so I don't know how to get you here" 3) the office closes early 6 or 7pm so we could not purchase firewood 4) the sites had odd set ups...fire pit under trees. Fire hazard!? If you decide to come here in hopes your furry friend will enjoy the water you will be disappointed. The camp host barked at us about the right way to go to the dog beach. I would say he's not a dog lover that's for sure. By the time we made it to the dog beach our pooch was pooped. The dog beach was full of kids swimming (instead of swimming at the human beach). Unfortunately our pup didn't get to enjoy himself because we had to keep him leashed! Dog owners stay away from this place! read more

Great family camping! Everything within walking distance--swim beach, fishing, trails, playgrounds, camp hosts. Friendly staff, clean bathrooms with hot showers, nice private sites. This might be a new favorite campground! read more

Great Camping Spot near Kettle Moraine South. Private sites, clean bathrooms and showers, great location. Get out there and experience some nature. read more

Been going here for years with the family. Last time we went will be our last. The rangers harassed us the entire weekend. They were extremely rude and looked for trouble where there was no need. We were told that we have to keep it down or they'll kick us out, when we asked why the children and families in the other nearby sites weren't being scolded the rangers responded with "You're really going to rain on their parade?" Other than the rangers ruining my families weekend the campsite is great, but adults looking to have a nice weekend with frieneds expect a ticket for swearing in your paid site. read more

This is my personal favorite place in the south Kettle Moraine to camp. There are so many beautiful hiking trails nearby, leading to secret springs and gorgeous lookouts. The campground is always busy, as is the beach, but it is also clean and safe for family biking. The dog beach here is what puts Ottawa over the top, in my opinion. I've never been to such a great place to swim with my dog! The dog beach is gravelled and has a short dock. It's kept clean, everyone we met there was so friendly. It was so clean I had an absolute blast swimming with my dog. Usually I feel like dog beaches are muddy, ill-kept, well-worn, and the lake is scummy, but not here. Almost as nice as the human section, and I'd much rather share my swimming area with a bunch of pups than a bunch of children! read more

We have been going there for years. Helpful Staff. There is a dog area for the dog for swimming. They prefer you do not walk your dog thru the Public swimming area. Which is fine. It's not a 3 mile hike. You can drive around to the swmiinig area, or take a liesurly walk. About 20 minutes. They sell fire wood but not after hrs. If you decide to have a fire and need wood don't wait till 7 or 8 pm. As far as fire rings under trees? Do people really need a 20 ft tall fire? My favorite time to go is in the winter time. A far as the doggy day care up the road? It's a toss up between the dogs ocassional barking and or kids crying at the camp ground. read more