Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A

For those of us in Wisconsin who love to gather with a larger crowd and embrace the Badger State's beautiful outdoors, Pinewoods Campground, specifically Group Campsite A, in Dousman, WI, offers a fantastic solution. Nestled within the expansive Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, this campground provides a unique setting designed to accommodate larger groups, making it an excellent choice for family reunions, scout troops, church groups, or just a big gathering of friends.

Pinewoods Campground itself is a well-regarded spot within our state park system, known for providing a genuine outdoor experience without venturing too far from southeastern Wisconsin's population centers. It strikes a balance between accessibility and feeling truly immersed in nature. As one enthusiastic camper described it, Pinewoods "Has the feel of way up north but close to home, one of the best state park campgrounds." This is a sentiment many Wisconsinites can appreciate – getting that "up north" vibe without the long drive.

Group Campsite A, as part of Pinewoods Campground, is designed with large gatherings in mind. A direct review of Group Campsite A noted, "It is 5 group campgrounds. We stood on A , pretty open like football field, however some shaded area along the trees to set your tent. Water available. Pit toilet." This gives a clear picture of what to expect: a spacious, adaptable area where your group can spread out, enjoy activities, and set up multiple tents, with essential amenities close by. The mix of open space and treeline shade offers flexibility for both sun-lovers and those seeking a cooler spot for their tents.

The broader Pinewoods Campground complex offers a variety of experiences. While Group Campsite A is a more rustic option with pit toilets, the overall Pinewoods Campground includes flush toilets and showers in other loops, ensuring varying levels of comfort are available within the same general area. The Wisconsin DNR highlights that Pinewoods has "101 campsites, flush toilets, vault toilets and showers," and is available for camping from mid-May through mid-October, allowing for a long season of enjoyment.

The emphasis on cleanliness is also a consistent theme in reviews for Pinewoods. Campers frequently praise the "clean facilities" and "friendly camp hosts who keep the campground very clean!" This dedication to maintenance ensures that even with more rustic amenities like pit toilets in the group areas, the overall park environment remains pleasant and well-cared for. This attention to detail contributes significantly to a positive camping experience, making Pinewoods Campground, including Group Campsite A, a highly recommended destination for group outings in Wisconsin.

Location and Accessibility

Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A is located in Dousman, WI 53118, USA. This places it squarely within the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, one of Wisconsin's most cherished natural recreational areas. The Kettle Moraine State Forest itself is a sprawling landscape sculpted by glaciers, featuring unique geological formations like kames, eskers, and kettles, along with a diverse mix of forests, prairies, and wetlands.

The accessibility of Pinewoods Campground from major population centers in Wisconsin is a significant advantage for local users. Dousman is situated approximately 35 miles west of Milwaukee and about 45 miles southeast of Madison, making it an easily reachable destination for a large portion of the state's population. This means that a refreshing escape into nature is just a relatively short drive away, perfect for weekend trips or longer group excursions.

Access to the campground is typically straightforward via well-maintained state and county roads. While you're getting that "way up north" feel, you're not actually miles from civilization. The Dousman area itself provides essential services like gas stations, grocery stores, and local eateries, ensuring that campers have convenient access to supplies if needed. The Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit also boasts a well-developed internal road system that guides visitors to various campgrounds and trailheads, making navigation within the forest simple. The combination of proximity to urban areas and easy road access makes Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A a practical and appealing choice for Wisconsin groups planning their next outdoor adventure.

Services Offered

Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A, while designed for group use within the broader Pinewoods Campground in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, offers specific services tailored to larger parties. Understanding these services is key for groups planning their stay:

• Dedicated Group Campsites: Pinewoods offers multiple "group campgrounds," with "Group Campsite A" being one of them. These sites are specifically designed to accommodate larger numbers of campers (up to 40 people per site, though this may vary, so confirming with the DNR is advised for specific capacity).

• Spacious Layout: Group Campsite A is described as "pretty open like football field, however some shaded area along the trees to set your tent." This provides ample space for multiple tents, group activities, and gathering areas.

• Water Availability: "Water available" is a crucial service, meaning potable drinking water spigots are accessible within or very close to Group Campsite A. This eliminates the need for groups to haul in all their water.

• Pit Toilets: As noted in reviews, "Pit toilet" facilities are provided directly within the group camping area. While not flush toilets, these are standard for many state park group sites and offer essential sanitation.

• Access to General Campground Amenities: While Group Campsite A itself has specific amenities, campers here also have access to the broader Pinewoods Campground facilities. This includes:

  • Flush Toilets: Available in other loops of Pinewoods Campground.

  • Showers: Located in the main shower building within Pinewoods Campground.

  • Sanitary Dump Station: Available within the campground for RVs, although Group Campsite A is primarily for tents.

  • Recycling/Garbage Station: For proper waste disposal.

  • Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are often on-site, providing assistance and convenience by offering firewood and ice for sale.

• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Group sites typically come with several picnic tables and a large fire ring to accommodate the group's needs for dining and campfires, though one review specifically for Group Campsite A did not detail these for that specific site. It's standard for group sites, but worth confirming upon reservation.

These services ensure that Group Campsite A provides the fundamental requirements for a comfortable and enjoyable large-group camping experience within a natural setting.

Features / Highlights

Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A, nestled within the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, offers a compelling set of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for group camping in Wisconsin:

• Dedicated Group Camping Experience: The primary highlight is its specific design for large groups. Unlike individual campsites, Group Campsite A provides ample space for multiple tents, communal gathering, and activities, making it ideal for scout troops, family reunions, or educational outings.

• Expansive Open Space with Shade: Reviewers note it's "pretty open like football field, however some shaded area along the trees to set your tent." This flexibility allows groups to enjoy open play areas while also having shaded spots for tents and relaxation.

• Proximity to Kettle Moraine State Forest Trails: Pinewoods Campground is a gateway to the vast trail system of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit. This includes direct access to hiking, biking, and potentially equestrian trails (check specific access points) like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and Scuppernong Trails. Campers can enjoy miles of scenic outdoor exploration.

• Authentic "Up North" Feel, Close to Home: A significant draw for Wisconsinites is its ability to provide the rustic, natural ambiance of "way up north" camping, but within a manageable driving distance from Milwaukee and Madison. This makes it perfect for a convenient yet immersive nature retreat.

• Essential Amenities for Groups: While a more rustic experience, the presence of easily accessible water and pit toilets within the group area ensures basic needs are met without needing to venture far.

• Access to General Campground Facilities: Campers at Group Campsite A can utilize the flush toilets and hot showers located in other loops of the main Pinewoods Campground, offering a balance of rustic charm and modern convenience.

• Cleanliness and Friendly Camp Hosts: The overall Pinewoods Campground is frequently praised for its cleanliness and the helpfulness of its camp hosts. This attention to maintenance and guest support significantly enhances the camping experience for all visitors.

• Seasonal Availability: Operating from mid-May through mid-October, the campground provides a long window for groups to plan their outdoor adventures during Wisconsin's beautiful warmer months.

These features combine to make Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A an excellent option for groups seeking a spacious, convenient, and genuinely natural camping experience in southeastern Wisconsin.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about availability, or more specific details regarding Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A in Dousman, WI, you will primarily interact with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as it is part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit.

Address:

Dousman, WI 53118, USA

As part of a state park system, individual group campsites do not typically have a direct phone number. Instead, reservations and information are managed through the central state park reservation system or the specific forest headquarters.

The primary method for booking group campsites within Wisconsin State Parks, including Pinewoods, is generally through the Wisconsin State Parks Reservation System online. You would typically search for "Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit" and then navigate to the Pinewoods Campground section to find the group sites (A, B, C, etc.).

While a direct phone number for Pinewoods Campground is not readily available as a standalone entity, you can contact the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit headquarters for general information or assistance with reservations:

Phone: (262) 594-6200

This phone number connects you to the main office for the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, where staff can provide guidance on booking group sites, availability, and specific rules or amenities for Group Campsite A. It's always advisable to check the Wisconsin DNR's official website for the most up-to-date reservation procedures, fees, and contact details.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For groups across Wisconsin, Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A in Dousman stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for an outdoor gathering, perfectly aligning with local preferences for convenient access to natural beauty and quality recreational experiences.

One of its most significant advantages for Wisconsinites is its ideal location. Offering that "feel of way up north but close to home," it provides a true escape into the tranquil Kettle Moraine State Forest without the long, often multi-hour drive required to reach the more remote northern Wisconsin destinations. This accessibility makes it a practical choice for weekend trips, allowing more time for enjoyment and less time on the road, which is highly valued by busy local families, scout leaders, and group organizers.

The dedicated group camping facilities, particularly the "pretty open like football field" layout of Campsite A, are tailor-made for larger gatherings. This spaciousness allows groups to set up multiple tents comfortably, engage in various outdoor activities, and create a central hub for their shared experience, whether it's a family reunion, a scout campout, or a friends' getaway. The presence of water and pit toilets directly at the group site ensures essential needs are met conveniently.

Furthermore, being part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest means direct access to some of Wisconsin's finest outdoor recreation. Miles of hiking and biking trails, including portions of the iconic Ice Age National Scenic Trail, are literally on the doorstep. This provides endless opportunities for exploration and activity, catering to the active lifestyle many Wisconsinites embrace. The availability of clean showers and flush toilets in other loops of the campground adds a touch of comfort that can make the rustic group camping experience more appealing to a broader range of participants.

The consistent positive feedback on overall cleanliness and helpful camp hosts across Pinewoods Campground reinforces its reputation as a well-managed state park facility. This reliability and commitment to visitor experience make it a trusted choice for locals planning group outings, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A truly offers the best of Wisconsin's outdoors for large parties, combining natural beauty, functional amenities, and convenient access for a memorable group adventure.

Pinewoods Campground - Group Campsite A

Dousman, WI 53118, USA