Hickory Woods Group Campground

- Whitewater, WI 53190

For Wisconsin residents planning a memorable outdoor adventure with a larger gathering of family, friends, or an organization, Hickory Woods Group Campground in Whitewater, WI, offers an ideal solution. Tucked away within the expansive Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, Hickory Woods is specifically designed to accommodate groups, providing a rustic yet accessible camping experience amidst Wisconsin's stunning glacial landscapes. It's a place where shared campfires, group hikes, and collective outdoor fun become cherished memories, all without venturing too far from home.

Hickory Woods Group Campground is not your typical single-family campsite; it's tailored for larger parties looking to immerse themselves in nature together. This dedicated group facility emphasizes the simplicity of traditional camping, offering essential amenities that allow the focus to remain on the natural surroundings and the camaraderie of your group. Whether you're planning a scout trip, a family reunion, or a gathering of outdoor enthusiasts, Hickory Woods provides the space and setting to make your group camping dreams a reality in the heart of Wisconsin's picturesque Kettle Moraine. Its seasonal operation ensures that it's open during the prime camping months, offering consistent access to its unique group-oriented facilities.

Hickory Woods Group Campground is strategically located at N8320 Hi Lo Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190, placing it squarely within the renowned Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit. This prime location in southeastern Wisconsin makes it highly accessible for residents across a significant portion of the state, especially those in the Milwaukee, Madison, and Janesville metropolitan areas.

From Milwaukee, the drive is typically around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and specific starting points. Madison residents can expect a similar commute time, generally within 60-90 minutes. For those in Janesville, the campground is even closer, often just a 30-45 minute drive. These relatively short travel times make Hickory Woods an excellent choice for weekend excursions or even mid-week escapes without extensive travel commitments.

The campground is nestled within the Whitewater Lake Campground area of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which is well-marked and easily navigated via state and county roads. While public transportation directly to the campground is not available, the well-maintained road system within the state forest ensures a smooth journey for personal vehicles. Its integration within the larger Kettle Moraine State Forest means easy access to a vast network of trails and natural attractions, allowing groups to seamlessly transition from their campsite to various outdoor activities. This blend of natural seclusion and convenient access makes Hickory Woods an ideal and practical destination for Wisconsin groups seeking an immersive outdoor experience.

• Group Campsites: Hickory Woods Group Campground offers six sites that can accommodate up to 20 people per site, and two larger sites designed for up to 40 people per site. These generous capacities are specifically tailored for larger gatherings.

• Reservations Required: To ensure availability for groups, reservations are mandatory from mid-May through mid-October, covering the peak camping season. Reservations can be made online or by phone through the Wisconsin DNR system.

• Pit Toilets: The campground provides pit toilets for restroom facilities, maintaining a rustic camping experience.

• Pump Water: Access to pump water is available for drinking and other camping needs. Campers should be prepared to collect and transport water to their sites.

• Vehicle Admission Stickers Required: In addition to camping fees, a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required for each vehicle entering the state forest. These can be purchased online or upon arrival.

• Pet-Friendly (Leashed Dogs Welcome): Dogs are permitted in the campground as long as they are kept on a leash, allowing furry friends to join the group adventure.

• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each group campsite is typically equipped with a fire ring for campfires and cooking, and picnic tables for group meals and gathering.

• Trash and Recycling: While explicit details for Hickory Woods specifically aren't always highlighted, as part of the Wisconsin State Park System, visitors can generally expect designated areas for sanitary dump and recycling/garbage stations within the broader Whitewater Lake Campground area.

• Proximity to Showers (Off-site): Although Hickory Woods does not have showers or flush toilets directly on-site, campers can access shower facilities at other campgrounds within the Kettle Moraine State Forest, such as the Horseriders' campground (approximately a 15-minute drive away), Pinewoods, or Ottawa Lake campgrounds.

• Dedicated Group Camping Experience: Hickory Woods is uniquely designed for groups, providing spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles. This is a significant highlight for organizations, large families, or friends seeking a shared outdoor adventure without the limitations of standard individual campsites.

• Immersive Kettle Moraine State Forest Setting: Located within the vast Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, the campground offers a truly natural and scenic backdrop. This area is characterized by rolling glacial hills, diverse forests (including pine plantations and hardwood forests), prairies, and unique geological features, providing a quintessential Wisconsin outdoor experience.

• Access to Extensive Trail Systems: Campers have direct or easy access to the Kettle Moraine’s extensive trail network, including sections of the famous Ice Age National Scenic Trail, as well as the Scuppernong, Emma Carlin, John Muir, and Nordic trails. This makes Hickory Woods an ideal base for group hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing in winter.

• Proximity to Whitewater Lake: The campground is part of the Whitewater Lake Campground complex, offering convenient access to Whitewater Lake for water-based activities. The lake features swimming beaches and boat launches, perfect for group swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Rice Lake is also nearby, offering another playground and boat launch.

• Rustic Camping Atmosphere: With pit toilets and pump water, Hickory Woods provides a traditional, rustic camping experience. This appeals to groups looking to truly disconnect from urban conveniences and embrace a more authentic outdoor adventure, fostering greater bonding and self-reliance.

• Seasonal Operation: Open from mid-May through mid-October, the campground is available during Wisconsin's prime camping seasons, allowing groups to experience the beauty of spring, summer, and fall foliage in the Kettle Moraine.

As Hickory Woods Group Campground is part of the Wisconsin State Park System, its pricing and any "promotions" are generally structured and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Traditional retail-style promotions or discounts are not typically offered. However, Wisconsin residents can benefit from the inherent value and consistent pricing structure provided by the state park system:

• Consistent and Affordable Group Rates: The group camping fees are set by the DNR and generally offer excellent value for accommodating larger numbers of people. While rates can vary, they are designed to be affordable for groups compared to other lodging options.

• Annual Vehicle Admission Stickers: For frequent visitors to Wisconsin State Parks, purchasing an annual vehicle admission sticker is a significant cost-saving measure. This sticker allows unlimited entry to all Wisconsin State Parks and Forests for the year, often proving more economical than purchasing daily passes for multiple visits.

• Online Reservation System: While not a "promotion," the user-friendly online reservation system (via ExploreMoreIL™ or the Wisconsin DNR website/Reserve America) allows groups to easily plan and secure their campsites up to 11 months in advance. This ensures availability and reduces stress for large group planning.

• Educational Programs (Subject to Availability): As part of the state forest, groups might find opportunities for free or low-cost naturalist-led programs or educational activities, which can enhance the camping experience, especially for youth groups. These are subject to staff availability and prior arrangement with the park.

Wisconsin residents are encouraged to visit the official Wisconsin DNR website or call the reservation line for the most up-to-date information on camping fees, vehicle admission sticker costs, and any specific policies that may apply to group camping at Hickory Woods.

For Wisconsin residents looking to plan a group camping trip to Hickory Woods Group Campground in Whitewater, WI, here's how to get in touch and make your reservations:

Address: N8320 Hi Lo Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190, USA (This is the general address for the campground within the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit).

Information (Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit Headquarters):

• Phone: (262) 594-6200

Reservations (Wisconsin DNR / Reserve America):

• Phone (Toll Free): 1-888-947-2757 (This is the central reservation line for Wisconsin State Parks and Forests).

• Online Reservations: Reservations are required and can be made through the Wisconsin DNR's online reservation system (often linked via Reserve America). It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular dates from mid-May through mid-October.

When calling, specify that you are inquiring about Hickory Woods Group Campground within the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit to ensure you receive the most accurate and specific information regarding group site availability, fees, and rules.

Hickory Woods Group Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for Wisconsin locals, particularly those seeking a dedicated group camping experience within the state's remarkable natural landscapes. Its suitability stems from several key factors that cater directly to the needs and desires of Wisconsin residents.

Firstly, its prime location within the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit offers an accessible escape into nature. For residents in major population centers like Milwaukee, Madison, and Janesville, the relatively short driving distance means less travel time and more time enjoying the outdoors. This convenience makes it ideal for weekend trips, family reunions, youth group outings, or any large gathering looking for a quick and impactful nature retreat without extensive travel.

Secondly, Hickory Woods is purpose-built for groups. The availability of sites accommodating 20 to 40 people is a significant advantage, as finding suitable camping for larger parties can often be a challenge. This dedicated group focus ensures ample space, appropriate facilities (like multiple picnic tables and large fire rings), and a shared experience that fosters camaraderie and strengthens bonds among participants.

Furthermore, being part of the Wisconsin State Park System, Hickory Woods offers a consistently managed and maintained environment. While it provides a rustic experience with pit toilets and pump water, it upholds the standards of Wisconsin's beloved state parks, ensuring a clean and safe setting for outdoor recreation. The proximity to the vast trail network of the Kettle Moraine, including sections of the Ice Age Trail, means endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring Wisconsin's unique glacial topography. Access to Whitewater Lake for swimming and boating further enhances the recreational value for groups seeking water-based activities.

In essence, Hickory Woods Group Campground is a Wisconsin gem that combines affordability, accessibility, and purpose-built group facilities within a stunning natural setting. It provides the perfect backdrop for locals to gather, disconnect from daily routines, and forge unforgettable memories amidst the beauty of their home state, making it an undeniable choice for any group outdoor adventure in Wisconsin.

Hickory Woods Group Campground

Whitewater, WI 53190, USA