Mauthe lake is a staple in our household. As a child my parents took my brother and I camping there every weekend. Lake swimming, trails to hike and plenty of fun at the campground itself. And as an adult with children of my own I too have taken my children to the campground as well as the lake to lake bike trail and canoeing on the lake and inlet. Canoes can be rented across the road from the park entrance at the small general store at the top of the hill. They do require a credit card or picture id be left at the store while you use the canoe to assure you return the lock key. Rental was around $ 25 the last time we went, they rent by partial day or full. After payment you are given a key to unlock your designated canoe. Our absolute favorite thing to do is canoe there! Of course if you already have a kayak or canoe bring it! If you canoe to the back side of the lake there is a small inlet you can access and check out. It is home to blue heron, turtles and lots of fish you can easily see from your boat as the water is very clear along that river/creek inlet. Another enjoyable pastime at mauthe is using the lake to lake bike trail. It is a nice ride from mauthe to long lake. We usually stop for ice cream in Dundee to break the ride up a bit. Most of the trail is small rolling hills and does have some rest spots along the way. Camping at mauthe is fun as well, between swimming in the lake and hiking you will see a lot of wildlife here. We have seen the northern lights on a few occasions from our campground and it’s a short drive to the kettle moraines many hiking trails. Consider bringing your bike or canoe the next time you visit. You won’t be sorry!
Tami G.
Place rating: 4 Milwaukee, WI
Mauthe Lake is a 70 acre lake located in Fond du Lac County. It has a maximum depth of 23 feet. Mauthe Lake Recreational Area offers a swimming beach with adjacent picnic area, a pet picnic area, children‘s playground equipment, a reservable shelter building. Mauthe Lake is in the middle of the Kettle Moraine and is in close proximity to a 2 mile self-guided nature trail around the lake, easy access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, boat launch, watercraft rentals, and bike trail access to Long Lake Recreation Area. The New Fane Mountain Bike Trails are nearby. Mathe Lake is a great place to take your family to just hang out at the beach or to bond through nature by setting up shop at one of their numerous campsites. If you are looking to get away and are in the area, I highly suggest Mauthe!
Ann A.
Place rating: 5 Oak Park, IL
Love this campground — we drive up a couple times every year from Chicago. The sites are reasonably secluded and mostly shaded. The lake is small but pleasant — perfect for swimming or paddling. You can even rent boats from the Parkview General Store right next to the campground entrance. There are some nice(if not challenging) hiking trails nearby within the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit. Many portions of the campground have pit toilets only, but they’re nicely kept and don’t smell. It’s mostly a family crowd, not a party crowd. One year, I made the mistake of going to a campground in the Southern Unit, It was filled with large partying groups playing their radios(ultimate campground annoyance in my book), who got louder as they drank. The lake was filled with power boats, making paddling unpleasant at best. Mauthe Lake is vastly nicer, and well worth the extra hour or so it adds to the trip from points south.
Christian W.
Place rating: 4 Milwaukee, WI
Great location to camp and swim. Mauthe Lake is another a great park close to Milwaukee. Campsite was clean as were the facilities. Definitely has well water taste(a little funky). Our site was quite a ways from the beach but quiet at night, with just a little road noise. The lake is great for swimming and I love the ban on motorized boats. The trail around the lake is a perfect relaxing hike as it is well groomed. We will return often for short weekend camping trips.
