Enterprise Campground

For Wisconsin residents who truly cherish the raw beauty of the Northwoods and seek a more authentic, less commercialized camping experience, Enterprise Campground in Gleason is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Situated within the vast Oneida County Forest, this campground offers a rustic charm that allows campers to feel deeply connected to nature. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to immerse themselves in the forest, whether for a quiet escape, a base for extensive trail adventures, or a memorable family outing.

What sets Enterprise Campground apart, as highlighted by local campers, is its embrace of the wilderness. Reviews frequently mention it as an "awesome place to camp n ride," with "beautiful spacious sites" that provide a welcome sense of privacy. It’s noted as an "off the beaten path campground that served our camping needs," even being a popular choice for a busy Fourth of July weekend due to its ample selection of sites. This suggests that despite its popularity, it retains a feeling of spaciousness and natural integration.

For many Wisconsinites, camping isn't just about a place to sleep; it's about the adventure, the tranquility, and the connection to the outdoors. Enterprise Campground perfectly embodies this spirit, offering a straightforward yet deeply rewarding experience. The mention of "Dino, who greets the campers," adds a unique and personal touch, suggesting a welcoming atmosphere that might surprise those expecting a more impersonal county-run site. Whether you’re an ATV enthusiast looking for direct trail access, a family seeking a serene forest setting, or simply someone who appreciates the simple joys of a campfire under the stars, Enterprise Campground provides a genuine slice of Wisconsin’s legendary Northwoods.

Enterprise Campground is conveniently located on Shingle Mill Rd, Gleason, WI 54435, USA. This places it approximately 11 miles south of Rhinelander, deep within the expansive Oneida County Forest in north-central Wisconsin. The precise address provided by Oneida County is 5142 Shingle Mill Road, Pelican Lake, WI 54463, indicating its direct association with the county forest system.

The accessibility of Enterprise Campground is a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts. It is directly accessible via Shingle Mill Road, a well-maintained route for vehicles, ensuring campers can reach the site with their trailers and camping gear. Crucially, it is also accessible via the Enterprise ATV trail, making it a prime destination for ATV and UTV riders who wish to camp directly on a trail system. This dual accessibility caters to both traditional campers and motorized trail users, highlighting its strategic placement within Wisconsin's recreational network. For those traveling from within Wisconsin, major highways provide reasonable access to the Rhinelander area, from which the campground is a straightforward drive. This combination of being "off the beaten path" yet easily reachable underscores its appeal for those seeking a rustic forest experience without overly complicated logistics.

Enterprise Campground, as a facility within the Oneida County Forest, focuses on providing essential services that support a rustic and authentic camping experience, catering to the needs of campers in a natural setting.

• Campsites: The campground features 11 individual campsites. These sites are described as "spacious" and are set within a wooded environment, offering a good degree of privacy and a natural ambiance for both tent and smaller RV/trailer camping.

• Grills and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a grill and a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth, ambiance, and cooking their meals over an open flame.

• Picnic Tables: Every site also includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for food preparation, dining, and other outdoor activities.

• Restrooms: Vault toilets are provided at the campground. While these are basic facilities (non-flush), they are maintained to ensure cleanliness, contributing to the overall comfort of the campers.

• Hand Pump Wells: Potable water is available via hand pump wells. This offers a reliable source of drinking water, emphasizing the rustic nature of the campground.

• Self-Registration: The campground operates on a self-registration basis, which means campers select their site upon arrival and follow clear instructions to pay the required fee using an honor system. This streamlined process allows for flexibility in arrival times.

• Firewood: Information suggests that firewood is available, sometimes by donation, on-site, which is crucial for campers to be aware of and follow local regulations regarding bringing in firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Seasonal Operation: The campground is open for a defined season, typically from May 22 (or earlier, depending on conditions) until December 2, accommodating spring, summer, and fall camping, as well as early winter access for snowmobilers.

Enterprise Campground offers several notable features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers in Wisconsin seeking a true Northwoods experience, especially those who enjoy ATV riding.

• Direct Trail Access: A paramount highlight is its direct access to the Enterprise ATV trail. This makes it an "awesome place to camp n ride," allowing ATV and UTV enthusiasts to access an extensive trail system right from their campsite, connecting to other county trails.

• Beautiful Wooded and Spacious Sites: Campers consistently praise the "beautiful spacious sites" set within the forest. This provides ample room for camping setups and a significant sense of privacy, making for a tranquil outdoor experience.

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Feel: The campground is described as being "off the beaten path," which appeals to those who prefer a less crowded, more natural camping environment away from commercial developments. Despite this, it can still accommodate campers even on busy weekends.

• Rustic and Authentic Camping: With basic amenities like vault toilets and hand pump wells, the campground delivers a genuinely rustic camping experience, allowing visitors to connect more closely with nature without excessive modern conveniences.

• Proximity to Almon County Park: A significant advantage is the nearby Almon County Park, which offers additional recreational amenities including a beach and hiking trails. This provides diverse activity options within a short distance.

• Friendly Greeting: The mention of "Dino, who greets the campers," suggests a unique and welcoming atmosphere, potentially a volunteer or host who adds a personal touch to the camping experience.

• Wildlife and Nature Immersion: Situated within the Oneida County Forest, the campground provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and simply enjoying the sounds and sights of a thriving Wisconsin forest environment.

• Seasonal Accessibility for Winter Sports: Its late closing date (December 2) suggests it can also serve as a base for early season snowmobiling, connecting to the extensive trail networks in the region.

As a campground operated by Oneida County Forestry, Enterprise Campground typically adheres to a set fee structure rather than offering commercial "promotions" or "special offers." The focus of county forest campgrounds is usually on providing affordable access to natural resources for the public.

Based on available information, the site fees are generally set at a straightforward nightly rate. For Enterprise Campground, the fee is approximately $15.00 to $20.00 per night per site. These fees are subject to change without notice, so it's always advisable to verify.

While specific discounts like senior or military rates are not explicitly mentioned for this particular county campground, some broader county or state recreational passes may offer benefits for frequent users of public lands. However, these would need to be confirmed directly with Oneida County Forestry and Parks or relevant Wisconsin state agencies.

Since it operates on a self-registration basis, there are no advance booking discounts; the price is the same for all campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers should be prepared with cash or check for self-registration.

For the most current information regarding fees and any specific regulations, it is highly recommended to contact the Oneida County Forestry Department directly.

For inquiries about Enterprise Campground, including current fees, availability, or general information regarding camping within the Oneida County Forest, you can contact the Oneida County Forestry Department.

Address: The campground itself is located on Shingle Mill Rd, Gleason, WI 54435, USA (Oneida County indicates the physical address as 5142 Shingle Mill Road, Pelican Lake, WI 54463).

However, the managing entity and contact point for information and inquiries is typically the Oneida County Forestry Department office, which is located in Rhinelander.

Contact Address: P.O. Box 400 - Courthouse, Rhinelander, WI 54501

Phone: (715) 369-6140

Mobile Phone: +1 715-369-6140 (This is the same number, often listed as the main contact for the Forestry Department.)

It is always advisable to call ahead to confirm operating dates, current fees, and any specific regulations, especially if planning a visit during the shoulder seasons or expecting busy periods like holiday weekends.

For residents of Wisconsin, Enterprise Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for a genuine Northwoods camping experience. Its location within the Oneida County Forest means it’s easily accessible from many parts of the state, particularly for those in central and northern Wisconsin, allowing for convenient weekend trips or longer, immersive stays.

The core suitability for locals lies in its commitment to a rustic yet comfortable outdoor adventure. The "beautiful spacious sites" provide the privacy and natural immersion that many Wisconsin campers seek, allowing for a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This isn't a crowded, amenity-heavy resort; it's a place where the forest itself is the main attraction, and campers can truly unwind amidst nature.

A significant draw for many Wisconsinites is the direct access to the Enterprise ATV trail. This makes it an unparalleled destination for those who enjoy exploring the state's vast trail systems on ATVs or UTVs, offering the convenience of riding directly from their campsite. Even for those without motorized vehicles, the proximity to Almon County Park with its beach and hiking trails adds further recreational value. The self-registration process and "off the beaten path" feel further contribute to its charm, providing a sense of independence and adventure. Enterprise Campground truly offers an authentic slice of Wisconsin's renowned outdoor recreation, making it an excellent choice for local adventurers and nature lovers.