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Doc's Bunkhouse

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Doc's Bunkhouse Overview

Rating

Phone (715) 964-8010

Address 11702 Elker Rd, Merrillan, WI 54754, USA

Website https://www.docsbunkhouse.com/

Hours

Doc's Bunkhouse Location & Map

WisconsinJackson CountyMerrillanElker Road

Doc's Bunkhouse About

For those of us in Wisconsin who live for the thrill of the trails and the tranquility of a Northwoods retreat, Doc's Bunkhouse in Merrillan is an absolute must-visit. This isn't just a place to park your RV or stay in a cabin; it's a vibrant hub for adventure, relaxation, and genuine hospitality. Imagine waking up and having direct access to hundreds of miles of ATV and UTV trails, or spending a peaceful afternoon fishing in a private spring-fed lake. Doc's Bunkhouse seamlessly blends outdoor excitement with the comforts of home, offering both full hookup campsites and cozy cabin rentals. Reviews consistently highlight the "genuinely very nice people" and the guarantee of a "good time," making it clear that this destination is built on friendly service and memorable experiences. It's the kind of place where locals can truly unwind, hit the trails, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of Wisconsin.

Doc's Bunkhouse is ideally located at 11702 Elker Rd, Merrillan, WI 54754, USA. This prime spot places it within Jackson County, a region in West-Central Wisconsin renowned for its vast recreational lands and extensive trail systems. The campground's strategic position off Elker Road offers both a sense of secluded tranquility and excellent accessibility to the wider area.

Accessibility to Doc's Bunkhouse is a significant advantage, particularly for ATV and UTV enthusiasts. The campground boasts direct access to the expansive Black River ATV trails, which span hundreds of miles across Jackson and Clark counties. This means riders can literally leave directly from their campsite or cabin and immediately embark on their off-road adventures without the hassle of trailering their vehicles elsewhere. Merrillan itself is a smaller community, but it is well-connected by state and county roads, making the drive to Doc's Bunkhouse straightforward for visitors coming from various parts of Wisconsin.

Beyond the trails, the location provides easy access to nearby natural attractions and amenities. The campground is situated on over a half-mile of creek frontage on East Fork Halls Creek, leading to a private spring-fed lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating. Additional adventures and local attractions are just a short drive away. This combination of remote charm and convenient access to both thrilling trails and serene waterways makes Doc's Bunkhouse an exceptionally accessible and appealing destination for Michiganders seeking an immersive outdoor experience.

Doc's Bunkhouse offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to cater to both campers and cabin guests, ensuring a comfortable and entertaining stay year-round.

  • Full Hookup Campsites: All campsites are back-in and come with full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric (30 amp and 50 amp service available), providing maximum convenience for RV and travel trailer owners.
  • Cabin Rentals: Eight cabins are available for rent, ranging from cozy 1-bedroom options to spacious 4-bedroom units. All cabins include a full-size kitchen with amenities (stove, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, plates, cookware, etc.) and a bathroom (though towels and toiletries are not provided).
  • On-Site Bar & Kitchen: The bar and restaurant (Doc's Bunkhouse Bar & Grill) offers a full menu with appetizers, burgers (featuring locally sourced beef), salads, wraps, and tacos (fish, shrimp, chicken, pulled pork, or beef). Weekly specials are also available, providing convenient dining options without leaving the property.
  • ATV/UTV & Snowmobile Trail Access: A major highlight is the direct access to hundreds of miles of renowned ATV/UTV and snowmobile trails, making it a prime destination for motorized outdoor recreation.
  • Private Spring-Fed Lake with Swimming Beach: Guests can enjoy a private spring-fed lake with a dedicated swimming beach, offering ample room for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating.
  • Outdoor Recreation Amenities: The campground features a playground for children, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court, providing various options for family fun and activities.
  • Laundry Facilities: Convenient on-site laundry services are available, a practical amenity for longer stays.
  • Free Showers: Showers are available for guest use at no additional charge.
  • ATM: An ATM machine is available on-site for convenient cash access.
  • Firewood Sales: Wood is available for purchase, ensuring campers have fuel for their campfires.
  • Pet-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along.

Doc's Bunkhouse stands out with numerous features and highlights that make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families in Wisconsin.

  • Direct Trail Access for ATV/UTV & Snowmobiles: This is arguably the biggest draw. The ability to directly access hundreds of miles of state and county ATV/UTV and snowmobile trails from the campground's entrance is an unparalleled convenience for riders, making it an ideal base for year-round motorized recreation.
  • On-Site Bar & Restaurant with Local Flair: The "Bar/Restaurant has always been very good," offering a full menu with locally sourced beef for burgers. This provides convenient, quality dining and a social hub without having to leave the property, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Versatile Accommodations: With both full hookup, back-in RV sites and 8 fully-equipped cabins (ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms with kitchens and bathrooms), Doc's Bunkhouse caters to a wide range of visitor preferences and group sizes, ensuring comfortable stays for everyone.
  • Private Spring-Fed Lake and Swimming Beach: The presence of a private spring-fed lake with a swimming beach offers a safe and enjoyable environment for water activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating, providing a refreshing escape during warmer months.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Reviews emphasize "genuinely very nice people" and a consistently "good time," indicating a welcoming and friendly environment. The playground and other outdoor games contribute to a family-oriented atmosphere where kids can enjoy themselves.
  • Quiet and Relaxing Setting: Despite being a hub for trail riders, the overall experience is described as quiet, suggesting a balance between activity and tranquility.
  • Personalized Service: The positive feedback on "very nice people" highlights a commitment to guest satisfaction and a welcoming staff, which greatly enhances the overall visitor experience.
  • Hunting Opportunities: The proximity to 115,000 acres of state and county forest land, accessible via ATV trails, provides excellent hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and black bear.

Based on the available information, Doc's Bunkhouse offers a clear pricing structure for its various accommodations, along with specific booking requirements, which can be considered a form of transparent "promotion" for planning purposes.

  • Campsite Rates: The daily rate for an RV campsite with full hookups is $45. This price provides access to water, sewer, and electric connections.
  • Cabin Rental Rates: Cabin prices vary depending on the number of bedrooms and the day of the week (weekdays vs. weekends), ensuring options for different budgets and group sizes. For instance:
    • 1 Bedroom Cabin: $115/weekday, $140/weekend
    • 2 Bedroom Cabin: $140/weekday, $165/weekend
    • 3 Bedroom Cabin: $225/weekday, $325/weekend (Note: the website lists Cabin #8 as 3 Bedroom but also shows 4 Bedroom pricing, so confirmation is advised).
    • 4 Bedroom Cabin: $225/weekday, $325/weekend
  • Minimum Stay Requirements: All cabin rentals have a two-night minimum stay (three-night minimum on holiday weekends). Campsite rentals also have a two-night minimum.
  • Cancellation Policy: A three-week cancellation policy is in place for cabins; if canceled within three weeks, the full stay is charged unless the cabin can be re-rented (then a $25 admin fee applies). No charge if canceled outside three weeks.

While traditional "discounts" aren't explicitly advertised, the clear pricing and commitment to a comprehensive offering at these rates serve as the primary value proposition. It is always advisable to check their official website or call directly for the most current rates and any potential seasonal offers that may not be widely publicized.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Doc's Bunkhouse, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: 11702 Elker Rd, Merrillan, WI 54754, USA
  • Phone: (715) 964-8010
  • Mobile Phone: +1 715-964-8010

You can also visit their official website for online booking of cabins and to view their bar and kitchen menu. Given its popularity, especially among ATV/UTV enthusiasts, it is highly recommended to book your RV site or cabin in advance, particularly during peak seasons or for extended weekend stays, to ensure availability. The friendly staff are eager to assist you in planning your perfect Merrillan getaway.

Doc's Bunkhouse is exceptionally suitable for Wisconsin locals because it perfectly encapsulates the adventurous spirit and welcoming hospitality of our state's Northwoods. For the many Wisconsinites who own ATVs, UTVs, or snowmobiles, the unparalleled direct access to hundreds of miles of premier trails is a dream come true, allowing for spontaneous rides and extended explorations without the hassle of transport. The versatility of accommodations, offering both comfortable full hookup RV sites and fully-equipped cabins, means it caters to diverse needs, whether you're a seasoned RVer or looking for a cozy family cabin getaway. The on-site bar and restaurant, praised for its quality and locally sourced ingredients, provides a convenient and friendly gathering spot after a day of adventure. Furthermore, the private spring-fed lake offers a tranquil haven for swimming, fishing (with proven success for northern pike!), and paddling, catering to those seeking a more relaxed pace. The consistent praise for "very nice people" and the guarantee of a "good time" resonate deeply with Wisconsin's friendly culture, ensuring that visitors will feel right at home. Doc's Bunkhouse truly offers a comprehensive, year-round outdoor experience that's both thrilling and relaxing, making it an ideal local escape for all our Wisconsin adventures.

Customer Reviews

4.0
299 reviews
B
Byron Elkins
Mar 03, 2025

Bar/Restaurant has always been very good for all of our experiences. We will be staying in the cabins this summer. I can't wait. We look forward to spending an extended weekend at Doc's.

t
tiktok spam2023
Apr 29, 2025

genuinely very nice people and I always have a good time here. no bad experiences at all

S
Scott Binner
May 23, 2025

Awsome bartender Jesse. Great food and service!

C
Chuck Getchell
Aug 26, 2024

Pros: friendly and helpful Manager. Bar tenders were great with customer service. Good food and reasonably priced. Beer was cold and priced reasonably as well. Cons: The "cabin" we had was actually an apartment in a quadplex building. The walls were paper thin. We could here the people next door. No TV so if we wanted to pass time we had to go to the bar. Could have used a charcoal grill or a grill cover for the fire pit. Web site says kitchen opens at 9:00 on Thursday at 10:30 we were told the kitchen doesn't open until 11:00. Unfortunately this is not a place I would stay at again.

A
Amanda Hartley
Jun 29, 2024

Had a great time at this place and food was great, but don't leave your credit card here because they cut mine up and tossed it in the trash after telling me they had it at their establishment. Also the person who answered the phone needs to work on customer service because she is lacking any kind of hospitality.