Lake Kegonsa
Southern Wisconsin Lakes
(Photo taken by Lakesedition.com staff)
Lake Kegonsa is the southern-most lake in the Yahara River chain of lakes formed when debris was left by a retreating glacier 12,000-15,000 years ago. The name Kegonsa is attributed to the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Indians who once lived in this area. Kegonsa means "Lake of Many Fishes." The lake is home to one county and one state park. Located on the northeast corner of the lake is Lake Kegonsa State Park open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Both pork & forest vehicle admission stickers are required. Fishing pier, picnic area, beach and pet swimming area located nearby. There are designated, accessible parking stalls. The boarding docks, restroom, and routes of travel to all, are ADA accessible.
LaFollette County Park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Kegonsa adjacent to Lake Kegonsa State Park. Note that the adjacent beach shoreline at the county park is not accessible unless you climb over above grade train tracks. Fishing is available across the street at the lock and dam on the north side of the park.
(picture above is Lake Kegonsa State Park)
For hikers and nature lovers alike the 343 acre Lake Kegonsa State Park's is comprised of three distinct ecosystems: woods, prairies and wetlands feature many native wildlife communities. Each setting providing ample opportunities to see wildlife up close, from
Red fox, deer and woodchucks, skunks and opossums to turtles, snakes, Kingfishers and bobolinks. For birdwatchers over 60 kinds of birds call the park home. Also discover
a diversity of insects like the Luna and Hawk moths, Tiger and underwing, Big Blue or Green dragonflies and variety of butterflies.
Local Bite
Most anglers visiting Lake Kegonsa try their luck with a twisting jig or minnow in the Northern end. Catfish, walleyes and walleye's relatives Saugers can be found in the shallows of the marshes. Try for crappies and large mouths near the McDaniels Park.
Restaurants Nearby
Springers is a family-friendly restaurant with something for everyone! Travel just minutes from Madison and find a fish fry worth raving about. Nested on the North shore of beautiful Lake Kegonsa, Springers is a getaway not far away.
Lakeside Cabins
Cute Cabin on Kegonsa
Nestled on the Shores of Lake Kegonsa, a perfect weekend for sitting by the water and watching the clouds pass by. Or drop a line off the dock. There is also a sauna, in this modern appointed, historic looking cabin.
Lakeside Camping
LAKE KEGONSA STATE PARK
Lake Kegonsa State Park has both family and group campsites. There are 96 campsites, 29 with electrical hookups at the family campground, many of which are wooded. The family campground is where pop-ups, trailers and RVs are allowed. There are two electric campsites in the park for campers with disabilities. While, the group camp has six sites that can accommodate as many as 20 campers per site. Two vault toilets and two water fountains are in the camp. Group Site B has a picnic shelter on the site. A common area with a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pit as well as a ball field are nearby. Parking is limited to six cars at each site, but an overflow parking area is available near the beach. The group campsites are for tents only; no RVs, trailers or pop-ups are allowed.
The sanitary dump station is available in the park for dumping waste and filling tanks with potable water. The dump station is open during the camping season and is between the family camp and the group camp on the main park road. The dump station may be closed in early May and late October depending on weather conditions.
Events
What Can You Hear In Your Backyard
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Please join Garth Ewing with the Wisconsin Master Naturalists for an event at Lake Kegonsa State Park. Children aged 1-8 will enjoy reading Paul Showers' "The Listening Walk," followed by a nature scavenger hunt with Master Naturalist Garth Ewing. An adult must accompany children, and vehicle admission is required. Meet at the Park Office.
If you need special accommodations, please call the Park Office at 608-873-9695.
The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta for 2023
The ice boat gathering is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of March 4-5, weather dependent. Lake Kegonsa according to veteran ice boater, Daniel Hearn has been a great place this year for ice and staging events on this scale. Final confirmation will be made by 1 PM Thursday, March 2. Check back at
iceboat.org
here after that time.
Lake Kegonsa In Depth
According to the Wisconsin DNR, the lake of "many fishes," is still one of Wisconsin’s most productive fishing lakes."
The DNR states that there is catch and release fishing on Lake Kegonsa for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year round unless otherwise noted. Motor Trolling is allowed with up to 3 hooks, baits, or lures, per angler.
| Lake Info. | Data |
|---|---|
| Area | 3300 acres |
| Max. Depth | 32 feet |
| Median Depth | 17 feet |
| Boat landings | 4 |
| County | Dane |
| Fish | Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye and Catfish |
Towns Nearby
McFarland
Founded in 1856 by William H. McFarland, this town of over 10,000 was once a small resort community as it borders the eastern shore of Lake Waubesa. Today McFarland is a growing southern suburb of Madison and home to many parks and industries, as well as famous restaurants such as the Green Lantern.
Pictured is The Larson House is a Queen Anne style Victorian home built in 1898
Learn More >
Stoughton
Dynamic, historic and Norwegian Stoughton's downtown is blessed with many fully restored late 19th century commercial buildings many with new locally owned shops and restaurants. Between the Stoughton Opera House and Norwegian Heritage Center, the Livsreise (pictured left) there is always something going for a great daytrip visit.
