Kohler-Andrae State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Shaded by pine forests and cooled by the waters of Lake Michigan, you’ll have miles of beach to explore at Kohler-Andrae State Park. The woods are packed with wildlife, including dozens of bird species. You can hike along the beach, venture out onto the sand dunes, or hike one of the park’s nature trails. Most of the park’s open areas are open to hunting, including for deer and waterfowl. You’ll be able to kayak and canoe on Lake Michigan, although always beware the strong winds. You can also fish on the lake, or at the fishing pond located in the park.
Wintertime visitors will find plenty to keep them busy. The park’s network of hiking trails are open to snowshoeing, taking you through the snow crusted pine forests. You can also cross-country ski on the park’s groomed, marked course.
The RV campground located within the park has over 130 sites to choose from, 52 of which have electrical hookups for campervans. You’ll be just a quick walk from Lake Michigan, as well as down the road from the Sanderling Nature Center.
RV Rentals in Kohler-Andrae State Park
Transportation
Driving
Located in eastern Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Michigan, Kohler-Andrae State Park can be reached by RV from all of the states major cities. The campground is easy to access, so large RVs should have few issues moving around. Conditions do get quite icy in the colder months, so be prepared for wintry roads.
If you are driving from Milwaukee, take I-43 north out of the city and you’ll reach the park in just over an hour. From Madison, take I-94 and I-43 to get to the park in just over two hours. Coming from Green Bay, take I-43 south and you’ll arrive in around an hour.
The campground is right off Beach Park Lane, a fairly wide and straight road leading along Lake Michigan. You should have few problems driving RVs to the sites, as there aren’t many narrow roads or tight turns. Do be prepared for ice during the winter, as the winds coming off the lake can create dangerous road conditions.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Kohler-Andrae State Park
Campsites in Kohler-Andrae State Park
Reservations camping
Kohler-Andrae State Park Campground
The campground in the park has 137 units to choose from, 52 of which have electrical hookups. All of the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table. There is drinking water access, as well as modern restrooms with showers and a laundry room. During the summer firewood can be bought in the campground, and it can be purchased from the park office during the winter.
The campground is located near the beach, and you’ll be just minutes from the Woodland Dunes Nature Trail. The Sanderling Nature Center is a mile north of the campground.
The campground is open year round, although access to bathrooms, showers, and laundry may be limited during the winter. The campground is fairly large, so spots are usually open. However, large RV spots may fill up quickly during the summer, so book as early as possible if you need a site with a long driveway.
Seasonal activities in Kohler-Andrae State Park
Off-Season
Visiting the Nature Center
Once you’ve had enough hiking, you can head over to the Sanderling Nature Center. The nature center highlights the region’s history and wildlife, with a number of interactive displays and kiosks. You can also watch nature films that discuss the park’s mammal and bird species. There is a terrace overlooking Lake Michigan where you can observe birds and passing boats.
Hunting
The park is also open to hunting and trapping during scheduled game seasons. You’ll find a wide range of game in the park’s dunes and forests, including white tailed deer, coyotes, and 13 species of squirrels.
Not all areas of the park are open to hunting, including the areas near the Woodland Dunes Nature Trail. Check with park officials to see a map that shows where hunting is allowed. You’ll also need to make sure you have all of the proper Wisconsin state hunting licenses.
Cross-Country Skiing
RV campers who visit during the colder months should bring a pair of skis. The cross-country skiing trail is a one way, two-mile course that connects to the Woodland Dunes Nature Trail. You’ll still find plenty of wildlife in the forests, including deer, red foxes, and coyotes.
The park regularly grooms the trail, making it accessible to skiers of varying experience levels. However, the trail may be closed due to weather, so check with park officials for updates on its status.
In-Season
Boating
Lake Michigan gives RV campers a wide range of boating opportunities. Explore the miles of beach and the sand dunes along the shore in a kayak or a canoe. You can also take a larger vessel out onto the water, or windsurf.
The park does not rent any watercraft, so make sure to bring your own if you are interested in boating. You should also use extra caution when out on the water, as there are often strong winds coming off the lake. There is no boat launch on the lake.
Fishing
Don't forget your fishing gear in your trailer or camper. Anglers will be able to fish both in Lake Michigan, as well as in the fishing pond found near the campground. You can catch a wide range of fish species in the lake, including large and smallmouth bass, lake trout, and yellow perch.
The park does not rent boats, and there is no boat launch on Lake Michigan. If you choose to take a boat out onto the lake, take extra caution, as wind speeds can be dangerous, especially in smaller vessels. There are no fishing equipment rentals, so make sure you bring all the gear you need along with your rig.
Hiking
There’s a network of hiking trails in the park, taking you across sand dunes, along the shores of Lake Michigan, and through dense pine forests. The park also has dozens of bird species, including a wide variety of waterfowl on the lake.
You can connect to a range of trails in the area, such as the Sanderling Nature Trail, which highlights the areas local wildlife. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the Black River Marsh Boardwalk
