Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit
Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is in the middle of the Kettle Moraine, a strip of glacial landforms which extends through southeast Wisconsin. The forest is named after the 522-acre, spring-fed kettle lake. Powder Hill, a large glacial kame, provides terrific views of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, picnicking and more.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and stargazing. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, fishing, biking, stargazing and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, stargazing and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, stargazing, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake 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 – Pike Lake Unit in winter?
Yes. Pike Lake has three backpack campsites along the Ice Age Trail that are open year-round.
What state parks and trails are near Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Kettle Moraine State Forest – Loew Lake Unit (7 mi), Lizard Mound State Park (14 mi) and Eisenbahn State Trail (19 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd. Hartford, WI 53027
- Phone: 262-670-3400
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible fishing pier
- Accessible hunting blind
- Adaptive equipment: Beach wheelchair, GRIT wheelchair
- Universal trail: Boardwalk Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Loew Lake Unit (7 mi)
- Lizard Mound State Park (14 mi)
- Eisenbahn State Trail (19 mi)
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit (20 mi)
- Havenwoods State Forest (22 mi)
Closures and alerts for Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake 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.