When you embark on a journey along Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, you’ll traverse six counties with one-of-a-kind geology and recreation. The southern terminus of the road trip will bring you to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, where you’ll come across a picturesque body of water. Whitewater Lake covers 625 acres of surface, offering a serene escape for peaceful contemplation and rewarding activities. This hidden gem is a tranquil destination for recharging through nature-based activities. Outdoor lovers can bring their tents to find a spot by the water, avid hikers can explore the scenic trails, and anglers can pack their fishing equipment to reel in a big catch.
Located just outside Whitewater, an underrated city in Wisconsin with tasty eats, the lake is actually an artificial reservoir built in 1947 when a dam was constructed on Whitewater Creek. Originally, Whitewater Lake’s purpose was to flood an area that combined three smaller, natural lakes to manage water resources, all while providing recreational use to the public. Nowadays, you can enjoy this haven any time of the year. The warmer months boast balmy evenings, perfect to set up camp. In the mornings, you can head straight for the trails, followed by cruising on the lake and taking a dip in the water. Even if you can’t make the trip when the weather is temperate, winter allows for snowmobiling around the countryside, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
As Whitewater Lake is conveniently situated between Chicago and Madison, it’s very accessible to reach from both cities. The drive from Chicago takes just under two hours, while coming from Madison takes one hour. Milwaukee is also a quick car ride away — you’ll arrive within one hour. While the lake is close enough for a day trip, a weekend stay makes for a relaxing getaway.
Camping on the shores of Whitewater Lake
There are a few campgrounds dotted around Whitewater Lake and deeper within the forest. For a traditional backcountry experience, make your way to the Whitewater Lake Campground. Featuring 63 sites, this is a primitive, back-to-basics campground that’s open from mid-May to mid-October. Here, you only have access to vault toilets, drinking water, a sanitary dump, and a garbage station. Don’t expect showers, though — the nearest facilities are 20 miles away. From the total, three sites offer electric hookups, one of them being ADA-accessible — meanwhile, four are walk-in sites. The picnic area, boat launch, and swimming beach are south of the campground…