Pike Lake State Park

Pros: panoramic view, wetlands, old-growth forest, people-watching, close to Milwaukee
Cons: noisy, most of the park is unremarkable

Pike Lake is one of the five units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, a system of parks ringing Milwaukee. It’s a little small as nature parks go—less than 700 acres—but offers a nice respite from the urbanized Milwaukee metro ...

Pros: Not too large, well kept, good beach
Cons: crowded in peak season

Pike Lake State Park is like a small piece of heaven. It is quiet and peaceful. There are a few people there during the peak season, but when isn't a park busy. They have nice tent sites for camping as well as sites for the RV or camper. There are trails...