Natural swimming hole
Ottawa Lake, Kettle Moraine South
Lake · Wisconsin
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Ottawa Lake in the Kettle Moraine State Forest's southern unit has a designated swimming beach with no lifeguards, open 6am to 11pm. The lake is no-wake (no gas motors), keeping the swim area quiet, and the beach has picnic tables, grills, and toilets nearby. A second beach sits at Whitewater Lake in the same forest.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | WI state park vehicle sticker required |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 6am-11pm daily |
| Parking | Ottawa Lake Recreation Area lots off County Rd ZZ |
| Amenities | swim beach, picnic tables, grills, toilets, campground, boat launch, beach wheelchair |
| County | Waukesha County |
| Nearest town | Dousman |
| Safety notes | no lifeguards; water quality tested regularly — check posted advisories |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Ottawa Lake, Kettle Moraine South?
Yes — Ottawa Lake, Kettle Moraine South is listed as a natural swimming spot in Wisconsin. Heads-up: no lifeguards; water quality tested regularly — check posted advisories. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Ottawa Lake, Kettle Moraine South require reservations?
No reservations are required at Ottawa Lake, Kettle Moraine South based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Ottawa Lake, Kettle Moraine South?
Reported fee info: WI state park vehicle sticker required. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Ottawa Lake, Kettle Moraine South?
The best season is typically June-August.