Kettle Moraine South Backpack Sites Permit
Kettle Moraine South Unit (WI) · Wisconsin
Three backpack sites on the Ice Age Trail through the Southern Unit. Three sites across 22,000 acres is the whole story of why they go.
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Kettle Moraine S Quick Facts
Kettle Moraine S Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Kettle Moraine S in Kettle Moraine South Unit (WI), Wisconsin requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Kettle Moraine S is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- Cancelled Kettle Moraine S permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
What to Expect
Highlights
- •DNR: "Primitive backpack camping along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is available year-round only at three designated trail shelter sites." Three, across more than 22,000 acres.
- •How far you walk is your choice of parking. DNR: "Backpack sites are remote sites, separate from other forest facilities and require a hike of 0.5 miles to 10 miles, depending on the parking location selected by the camper," and "most have parking areas within a mile of the site."
- •"A roofed trail shelter, fire ring and pit toilet are provided at each site."
- •"All equipment and water must be backpacked to the site and all refuse must be packed out." There is no water at these shelters.
- •About 30 miles of the Ice Age Trail run through the unit, from its southern end to its northern point.
Best Time to Visit
The three shelters are bookable year-round. DNR publishes no seasonal recommendation for them; what changes with the calendar is the water, which is weather-dependent across the state park system from roughly Oct. 1 to May 15, and the ski grooming that closes some trails to hikers and pets.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Water is the whole risk here: DNR publishes no supply at or near the shelters, and the hike in can be ten miles.
- !Wisconsin state park water systems are weather-dependent and may be off from roughly Oct. 1 through May 15, so the campgrounds are not a reliable top-up outside the season.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Wisconsin DNR (GoingToCamp) account
Sign up at Wisconsin DNR (GoingToCamp) if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
About This Permit
Wisconsin DNR: "Covering more than 22,000 acres of forested glacial hills, kettle lakes and prairies, the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is interlaced with more than 100 miles of mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking and nature trails. Paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and winter sport opportunities are all available. There are three family campgrounds, a horseriders camp, two group camps and remote backpack shelters on the Ice Age Trail." (dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kms, read 2026-08-09.)
The Experience
Why It Matters
Three sites is the whole story. The Southern Unit is an hour from Milwaukee and 61 miles from Madison, carries more than 100 miles of trail and 30 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and offers exactly three places to sleep in the backcountry. Anyone section-hiking the Ice Age Trail through here is booking against everyone else who wants the same night.
The Feeling
Forested glacial hills, kettle lakes and prairie, and a roofed shelter with a fire ring. You carry your water in, which sets the trip length more than the trail does.
Rules & Regulations
- •"Reservations are limited to 10 people per night and are limited to one night. However, another site may be reserved for a second night at a second location or a third night at a third site."
- •Reservations open up to 11 months in advance, and same-day bookings are allowed.
- •"Check-in for camping is not required. Campers should go directly to the campsite where they are staying."
- •Camping is only allowed at designated campsites.
- •Firewood must be certified or come from within 10 miles.
- •Fires in fire rings and grills only.
- •Pets on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet, and not on the Paradise Springs or Scuppernong Springs nature trails.
- •The forest is closed to non-campers between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- •A vehicle admission sticker is required, and a state trail pass for anyone 16 or older biking, riding or skiing.
Gear Checklist
Required
- Every litre of water for the stay — DNR states there is none at the sites
- A pack sized for the parking spot you pick, which may be ten miles out
- Rubbish bags; all refuse is packed out
Recommended
- A tarp or bivy for the open shelter
- A shuttle plan or a second reservation, since each site is one night only
Plan Your Trip
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Kettle Moraine S
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Key Landmarks
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
About 30 miles through the unit, south end to north point; the three shelters are on it.
Bald Bluff
DNR: "One of the highest points in Jefferson County, Hike to the top of the bluff, a former Indian signal hill. 0.5 miles."
John Muir Trail System
Five loops from 1.25 to 12 miles, off County Highway H.
Scuppernong Trail System
Three colour-coded loops from 2 to 5 miles.
Paradise Springs
A nature trail closed to pets, near the forest headquarters on State Highway 59.
Kettle Moraine S FAQ
How do I get a Kettle Moraine S permit?
Kettle Moraine S permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Kettle Moraine S?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Kettle Moraine S permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Kettle Moraine S permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
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Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Kettle Moraine North Backpack Sites
Similar ExperienceSix shelters on the northern 31 miles of the Ice Age Trail, an hour and a half north.
Tradeoffs
Twice the sites, and DNR puts drinking water within a short distance of each one.
Governor Dodge Backpack Campsites
Easier AlternativeSix sites half a mile from the Hickory Ridge lot, west of Madison.
Tradeoffs
A short, predictable walk with water and pit toilets at the parking lot — but no roof over the site.
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Kettle Moraine S trip
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