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If the words "roughing it" conjure up enough unpleasant camping memories of sleeping on the ground to make your back hurt, try these Wisconsin campgrounds with modern-day conveniences and plenty of luxuries to spoil you.
1. Edenwood Ranch & Preserve, Wautoma
Tent camping will never be the same after a stay in one of these cabin-sized dwellings with hardwood floors, electricity, running water and Wi-Fi. Not only will you get a plush king-size bed, full kitchen, flushing toilet, and a private deck and screened porch, but you can even upgrade to a daily cleaning and dishwashing service!
The glamping tents are open from mid-May to mid-October, though you can still glamp in the winter in one of the many lodges available for rent on this hunting and recreation ranch. Schedule a massage for yourself while the kids go horseback riding or zip-line into the lake.
The other on-site activities are endless, including swimming, fishing, boating, ATVing, hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Nature lovers will delight in the birdwatching and wildlife photography opportunities, while hunters will enjoy the on-site gun and archery ranges, clay shooting area and hunting grounds.
2. Wildman Adventure Resort, Athelstane
If you want to play hard in the outdoors before retreating from the elements at night, book the nomad-inspired, semi-permanent yurt at Wildman’s Peshtigo River Outpost. A queen bed, sleeper sofa, table and refrigerator will keep you comfy, with a built-in skylight perfect for indoor stargazing!
During the day, try some pulse-pounding whitewater rafting on the Peshtigo River, or go the serene route with kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on secluded lakes. Activities off the water include alpine tower and rock climbing, paintball, zip-lining, golfing, snowmobile tours and even a mud obstacle course.
Other accommodations at this adventurer’s paradise range from primitive cabins to deluxe modern lodges.
3. Kickapoo Stump Dodger Campground, Gays Mills
Ask for the glamping experience by name at this campground to book a huge tent with a full-size bed and patio set overlooking the Kickapoo River. The site includes electricity and running water, and other amenities include a refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave.
When you’re ready to venture out, canoeing, fishing, hiking, a swimming pool, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are offered on-site or nearby. An on-site stage is available for private bookings and hosts events throughout the year, including a country music festival in early July.
4. Smokey Hollow Campground, Lodi
Bad weather is never a concern at Smokey Hollow – yurts, gazebos, travel trailers and even a coach bus are all unique sleeping quarters available for rent. Stay on a weekend and you won’t have to worry too much about meal prep between the Friday fish fry and family-style breakfasts.
A general store selling keepsakes as well as groceries, supplies, firewood, drinks and camp food favorites also is open in case you run out of something or want a ready-to-eat tasty treat. If unplugging is not an option, a business center complete with Wi-Fi, a computer, and faxing and copy-making capabilities will keep you connected as you mix in a little work with play. Laundry facilities mean you can return from your vacation relaxed and rejuvenated – without the chore of washing and folding a mountain of clothes!
There’s plenty of free fun, including a dunk tank, volleyball, bocce ball, basketball, a playground, family-friendly outdoor movies, and rides in a wagon, pumpkin coach and giant shopping cart. Buy a wristband for access to the mini golf course and giant jumping pillow, spaceball court and equipment rentals like bikes, trikes and even golf carts.
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