Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park

For Wisconsin residents considering a camping or RV experience that blends lake access with a variety of amenities, Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park in Lodi presents a complex picture. Located on the edge of the pristine Crystal Lake, this park aims to be a full-service destination for overnight, weekly, and even seasonal campers. While it offers a range of facilities often sought after by families and long-term residents, prospective visitors should be aware of important aspects of its operations and recent customer feedback to make an informed decision.

Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park, under new ownership since 2015, has introduced new rules and management approaches. It is positioned as a family-friendly RV resort with numerous on-site amenities, including lake access, a swimming pool, and various recreational activities. The location, just 25 minutes from the action-packed Wisconsin Dells, is also a significant draw. However, some recent customer experiences highlight concerns regarding management practices, contract terms, and customer service. Understanding both the appealing features and the potential challenges is crucial for anyone in Wisconsin considering a stay at this park.

Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park is situated at N550 Gannon Rd, Lodi, WI 53555, USA. This location is particularly advantageous for Wisconsin residents, placing the park on the edge of the scenic 700-acre Crystal Lake. The area is known for its natural beauty and is conveniently located.

Its proximity to major transportation routes makes it highly accessible from various parts of Wisconsin. From I-90/94 (Exit 119 for WI-60), the campground is a straightforward drive, making it a convenient destination for campers coming from Madison, Milwaukee, or even areas further north. Beyond its immediate natural setting, the park's location is just about 25 minutes away from Wisconsin Dells, a major tourist destination known for its water parks, theme parks, entertainment, and dining. This offers campers the unique opportunity to combine a peaceful lakeside retreat with easy access to vibrant entertainment options. Lodi itself also provides local conveniences such as grocery stores and basic services.

Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park offers an extensive list of services and amenities designed to cater to a wide range of campers, including overnight, weekly, and seasonal guests. These services aim to provide a comfortable and engaging experience:

• Various Accommodations: The park offers a variety of site types including RV overnight sites (with full hookups including 30/50 amp, water, and sewer), tent camping sites, and rental units such as yurts, A-frames, cabins (including poolside and family cabins), and mobile homes. Some rentals are noted to have bathrooms and kitchenettes.

• Lake Access and Water Activities: Guests have unlimited use of the 700-acre Crystal Lake, which features a 200-foot sandy beach, a swim zone with water toys, and opportunities for great fishing (bass, bluegill, crappie). Boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, fishing boats, motorboats, pontoons) are available, along with a boat launch.

• Swimming Pool: In addition to lake swimming, the park boasts a swimming pool for guest enjoyment.

• On-Site Dining and Retail: The campground features a full-service restaurant, a general store, and an adult lounge facility, providing convenient options for meals, snacks, and supplies.

• Recreational Facilities: A wide array of recreational amenities include a Jumbo Jumper Pillow, a playground, a ball diamond, a game room, an archery range, and a miniature golf course. There are also picnic tables and fire pits on each site.

• Planned Activities & Entertainment: The park offers planned activities and weekend entertainment, along with a Crystal Lake Express Train ride, suggesting a family-friendly atmosphere with organized fun.

• Rentals: Golf cart rentals are available, though a $100 cash deposit is noted, with specific terms regarding usage and return.

• Essential Campground Services: Laundry facilities (for a fee), a dump station, and honey wagon service (for a fee) are provided for convenience.

• Seasonal Sites: For those looking for a longer-term stay, seasonal sites are available, allowing residents to keep their RVs or manufactured homes on a rented lot for the entire season (April 15 to October 15).

However, it is crucial for prospective guests to be aware of significant concerns raised by previous customers, particularly regarding the management's policies for seasonal renters and golf cart deposits. Reviews mention issues with deposits being withheld for golf carts based on subjective "too much" usage, and that the "contract" might not explicitly state such limitations. There are also serious allegations from long-term residents about yearly lot rent increases (over 30% in two years), a 10% fee on the sale of units on rented lots (even if difficult to move), and the forfeiture of prorated yearly rent upon mid-season sale of a unit. These points suggest that potential long-term or seasonal campers should meticulously review all contract terms and policies with management before committing.

Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park boasts several appealing features and highlights that attract campers, particularly families and those seeking extensive amenities:

• Prime Lakeside Location: Direct access to the 700-acre Crystal Lake, with its sandy beach, swim zone, and water toys, is a major draw for water enthusiasts and families.

• Extensive Recreational Offerings: The wide range of on-site activities, including a swimming pool, jumping pillow, playgrounds, and various sports facilities, ensures there's always something to do for all ages.

• Convenient Amenities: The presence of a full-service restaurant, general store, and laundry facilities on-site enhances the convenience of a stay, reducing the need to leave the park for essentials.

• Proximity to Wisconsin Dells: Being just 25 minutes from the Wisconsin Dells means campers can easily access world-class attractions, entertainment, and dining, combining a natural retreat with exciting excursions.

• Variety of Accommodations: The ability to choose between RV sites, tent sites, yurts, A-frames, cabins, or mobile homes provides flexibility for different camping styles and preferences.

However, it is vital to acknowledge the significant and severe negative feedback concerning the new ownership and management. Reviews describe staff as "condescending and rude," incidents involving a "twenty something year old security guard" using mace, and owners being "narcissistic and extremely fake." Allegations of "bait and switch" tactics, unexpected and substantial lot rent increases, hidden fees (like the 10% unit sale fee), and the non-renewal of leases with little notice for displeased residents are serious concerns. The perception that the owner prioritizes personal gain over resident well-being ("You are just a number to him, he does not care about the people as long as there is more money in his pocket") is a major red flag for prospective long-term residents.

Specific promotions or special offers are not widely advertised in the provided information. However, typical campground practices may include:

• Varying rates for different seasons (in-season vs. off-season, weekdays vs. weekends/holidays).

• Minimum night stays for weekends and holidays (e.g., 2-night minimum for regular weekends, 3-night minimum for Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day weekends).

• Discounts for extended stays (weekly rates are available for some site types).

• Policies for additional guests and vehicles (e.g., base rate for 2 adults and 4 children, extra fees for additional adults/children/vehicles).

Given the detailed concerns about contract terms and fees mentioned in reviews, it is absolutely essential for any interested party to directly contact Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park. Inquire thoroughly about all current rates, seasonal policies, any hidden fees, the exact terms for golf cart rentals (and any deposit policies), and critically, review any seasonal or long-term lease agreements in their entirety before signing. Clarity on their cancellation policy (camping credit, not refunds, for cancellations 48+ hours out) is also important.

Address: N550 Gannon Rd, Lodi, WI 53555, USA

Phone: (608) 592-5607

Mobile Phone: +1 608-592-5607

For Wisconsin residents, Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park in Lodi presents itself as a destination with significant potential for a fun-filled getaway, especially given its beautiful lakeside location and extensive list of amenities. Its proximity to the Wisconsin Dells provides a convenient blend of natural relaxation and access to major entertainment. For families seeking a campsite with a beach, swimming pool, various recreational activities, and on-site conveniences like a restaurant and store, the offerings are undeniably attractive.

However, local Wisconsin residents considering Crystal Lake Campground must proceed with a high degree of caution and diligence. The numerous and severe negative reviews regarding management's attitude, contract transparency, escalating costs for seasonal renters, and potentially aggressive security practices are critical points that cannot be overlooked. While the physical amenities and location are appealing, the reported issues with customer treatment and financial policies suggest a need for extreme vigilance. For the park to truly be "suitable" for locals, the management would need to demonstrate a consistent commitment to transparent practices, fair treatment, and respectful customer service, which current reviews indicate is a significant area of concern. Therefore, while the recreational opportunities are abundant, prospective campers, especially those considering seasonal or long-term stays, should undertake extensive direct communication with management and thoroughly review all agreements, perhaps even seeking legal counsel, to fully understand the commitments and mitigate potential issues before making any financial or seasonal commitments.