Red Barn Campground

For many of us in Wisconsin, finding the ideal campground that combines outdoor adventure with family-friendly amenities can make all the difference in a memorable vacation. Red Barn Campground in Shell Lake, WI, is a destination that has recently undergone significant transformations, aiming to become a premier spot in the Northwoods. Under new ownership, this campground is striving to provide a revamped experience, offering a blend of natural beauty, engaging activities, and a comfortable stay for campers of all kinds. While transitions can come with their challenges, the vision and investment being poured into Red Barn Campground suggest a bright future for this Wisconsin gem.

Recent reviews for Red Barn Campground present a mixed picture, reflecting the ongoing transition under new ownership. One review expresses significant disappointment, citing that "The campground is nothing like the website and the staff were completely dishonest about the status of construction." This guest highlights frustration with a "swimming pond" being a "construction zone" despite assurances it would be ready. Issues with unmarked sites, lack of a clear office, un-mowed sites, and low stock of local trail maps and firewood also contributed to a negative experience, leading them to conclude, "Don't waste your time or money." However, amidst these concerns, the "clean bathrooms" and the flexibility to "change sites for our group to be closer" were noted as positives.

In stark contrast, another review hails Red Barn Campground as a "Hidden gem of a campground" and an "Amazing family destination." This reviewer enthusiastically praises the "brand new water park and beach area" as "super fun!" They highlight a wide array of activities, including an "ice cream parlor and wagon rides through the country," as well as "chickens and goats for kids to pet." The appeal extends to adults with "event/social spaces" and direct connectivity to "100s of miles of atv trails." Mini golf is also mentioned as a fun activity. This guest, returning for their "3rd year," affirms that "new owners have updated many things and really invested a lot to make it a great campground," indicating a strong positive trajectory under the current management. This dichotomy suggests that while some areas are still under development and communication around construction might be improved, significant investments are indeed being made, and many guests are thoroughly enjoying the new additions and overall experience.

Red Barn Campground is conveniently located at W6820 County Highway B, Shell Lake, WI 54871, USA. Shell Lake is a charming city in Washburn County, situated in the heart of Northern Wisconsin. The area is renowned for its natural beauty, including the expansive Shell Lake itself, which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming.

The campground's location on County Highway B makes it easily accessible from various parts of Wisconsin. Shell Lake is connected by state highways, providing a straightforward drive from larger population centers to the south, such as Eau Claire or the Twin Cities metropolitan area across the border in Minnesota. This accessibility is a key advantage for weekend getaways or longer family vacations.

A significant highlight of Red Barn Campground's location, as noted by visitors, is its proximity to local attractions and activities. It is "only about a mile from Shell Lake beach," offering easy access to the public beach area. Furthermore, the campground is strategically "connected to 100s of miles of atv trails," providing direct access for powersports enthusiasts to explore the vast network of trails that crisscross Washburn County. The rural setting on County Highway B offers a peaceful environment, yet the short distance to Shell Lake ensures that guests have convenient access to local restaurants, shops, and essential services in town. This blend of natural seclusion and practical convenience makes the location highly desirable for a diverse range of campers.

Red Barn Campground aims to provide a comprehensive range of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and entertaining stay for its guests, reflecting the new owners' investment:

• Variety of Campsites: The campground offers various types of campsites, including options for RVs (many with "full hookups" – water, electric, sewer) and traditional tent camping. There are also rental cabins available for those seeking more comfort.
• Campground Store: A fully-stocked "campground store" is on-site, offering snacks, souvenirs, camping supplies, and potentially bait, making it convenient for guests to purchase essentials without leaving the park. An ATM is also available.
• Laundry Facilities: "Nice laundry facilities" are available, providing a practical amenity for campers during longer stays.
• Clean Bathrooms and Showers: Consistently praised in reviews, the campground maintains "clean bathrooms" and shower facilities, a crucial aspect of a comfortable camping experience.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase at the office, allowing campers to enjoy campfires. The campground also advises against bringing outside wood.
• Equipment Rentals: The campground offers UTV and golf cart rentals, allowing guests to explore the trails or easily navigate the park.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is "Pet Friendly," welcoming furry family members to join the vacation.
• Wi-Fi Hotspots: Site-specific WiFi hotspots are available to help campers stay connected.

Red Barn Campground, particularly under its new ownership, has invested significantly in creating a memorable experience, boasting several key features and highlights:

• Brand New Water Park and Beach Area: A major highlight is the "brand new water park and beach area," described as "super fun!" This includes a swimming pond with inflatables, offering a fantastic aquatic recreation option right on-site.
• Direct ATV Trail Connectivity: The campground is directly "connected to 100s of miles of atv trails," making it a prime destination for ATV/UTV enthusiasts who can ride directly from their sites.
• Mini Golf Course: For family fun, the campground features a mini golf course, providing an entertaining activity for all ages.
• Petting Zoo with Chickens and Goats: A unique and delightful feature, especially for kids, is the presence of "chickens and goats for kids to pet," offering a charming farm-like experience.
• Ice Cream Parlor: The convenience of an on-site "ice cream parlor" is a sweet treat, perfect for cooling down on a warm day.
• Wagon Rides: "Wagon rides through the country" offer a nostalgic and relaxing way to experience the scenic surroundings of the campground.
• Event/Social Spaces: The campground provides "event/social spaces," including a large barn/activity center, which is ideal for group gatherings, parties, or social events, catering to both adults and families.
• New Ownership and Significant Investment: The "new owners have updated many things and really invested a lot to make it a great campground," indicating a strong commitment to enhancing the guest experience and adding new attractions.
• Proximity to Shell Lake Beach: Being "only about a mile from Shell Lake beach" provides an additional option for swimming and lakeside recreation, offering a variety of aquatic fun.

While specific, current promotions for Red Barn Campground are best confirmed by contacting them directly, their active investment and focus on guest experience suggest various potential offers throughout the season:

• Off-Peak Season Rates: Campgrounds often offer reduced camping rates during the shoulder seasons (e.g., April/May and September/October), making it more affordable to visit when the weather is still pleasant but crowds are smaller.
• Special Event Weekends: The campground actively hosts themed "Fun Events" throughout the season, which might include special activities or packages tied to holidays (like July 4th celebrations) or themed weekends (like Water Wars or Halloween events).
• Seasonal Site Opportunities: For those looking for an extended stay, inquire about seasonal site rentals, which often provide better value for long-term camping than nightly rates.
• New Attraction Inaugural Offers: With new features like the water park, there might be introductory offers or special access included with stays, especially during their initial operational phase.
• Online Booking Incentives: Some campgrounds offer a small discount for direct online bookings. Always check their official website for potential web-exclusive deals.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability, pricing, and any current promotions or special event packages, it is highly recommended to contact Red Barn Campground directly via phone or through their official website.

To learn more about Red Barn Campground, check availability, or make a reservation for your next Wisconsin adventure, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: W6820 County Highway B, Shell Lake, WI 54871, USA

Phone: (715) 731-0032

Mobile Phone: +1 715-731-0032

You can also find more information and potentially an online booking portal on their official website, which is typically linked through local tourism directories.

For those of us in Wisconsin, Red Barn Campground in Shell Lake offers a compelling blend of traditional Northwoods charm and modern, family-focused amenities that make it an excellent choice for a local getaway. Despite some growing pains during its transition under new ownership, the significant investments in features like the "brand new water park and beach area" demonstrate a clear commitment to providing a top-tier recreational experience right in our own backyard.

The campground's strategic location in Shell Lake offers easy access to the lake itself, perfect for swimming and relaxing on the beach. Crucially for many Wisconsinites, its direct "connection to 100s of miles of atv trails" makes it an ideal hub for exploring our state's vast network of powersports routes, providing a seamless transition from camp to trail. The variety of on-site activities, from mini golf and an ice cream parlor to petting farm animals and engaging "event/social spaces," ensures that families with children and adults alike will find plenty to keep them entertained, regardless of the weather.

While the park is undergoing positive changes, the fundamental appeal for locals lies in its dedication to creating a rich, active, and convenient camping experience close to home. The vision of the new owners, who are "investing a lot to make it a great campground," means that Red Barn Campground is evolving into a destination where Wisconsin families can create new traditions and enjoy the best of what our state's outdoor recreation has to offer, year after year. It's a place where childhood memories are made and adult adventures unfold, all within the familiar and beautiful landscapes of Northern Wisconsin.