Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit
Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest was formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. Lapham Peak's glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing on lighted trails. Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level).
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September; fall color in October; boating & paddling in June–September; and biking in May–June and September–October.
What can you do at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, mountain & fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature centers. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking and nature centers. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, boating & paddling, biking, mountain & fat biking, horseback riding, nature centers and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, biking, mountain & fat biking, horseback riding, nature centers and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit in winter?
Yes. There is one backpacking campsite open year-round in the forest.
What state parks and trails are near Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit (8 mi), Kettle Moraine State Forest – Mukwonago River Unit (13 mi) and Kettle Moraine State Forest – Loew Lake Unit (13 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain & fat biking
- Nature centers
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round.
- Address: W329N846 Cty Hwy C Delafield, WI 53018
- Phone: 262-646-3025
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Adaptive equipment: Cross-country sit skis
- Universal trail: Plantation Path Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit (8 mi)
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Mukwonago River Unit (13 mi)
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Loew Lake Unit (13 mi)
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit (20 mi)
- Glacial Drumlin State Trail (21 mi)
Closures and alerts for Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.