Camping near Viola

·

With meandering rivers and deep ravines, Wisconsin’s Driftless Area around Viola beckons campers with a blend of adventure and peacefulness. About 13 miles north of Viola along WI-131, Kickapoo Valley Reserve invites paddling enthusiasts to the iconic Kickapoo River, where outfitters offer guided rafting trips and kayak rentals on both rapid and relaxed waters. Vehicle-accessible and canoe-accessible tent camping is available with basic amenities like shared potable water and bathrooms at the visitor center. Head north to Wildcat Mountain State Park for a getaway back on land. Embark on rugged hiking and biking trails, like Old Settlers Trail which leads to Taylor Hollow Overlook and a bird’s eye view of Ontario below. Family campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and an on-site dump station. Horseback riders can also use the seasonal equestrian campground with a corral and hitching posts. As night falls, the designated International Dark Sky Park treats stargazing fans to an unparalleled celestial canopy of stars. 

97% (2.6K) 523 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Viola

1. Echo Valley Farm

99%
(73)
15mi from Viola · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
See the Milky Way on 46 acres of sustainably cared for land located in beautiful Driftless Wisconsin. Adjacent to Wild Cat Mountain State Park and near the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, we are a working farm with sheep, mules, chickens, multiple gardens and an heirloom apple orchard. Our onsite bakery has seasonal offerings and more. Our twenty-three year effort to create a regenerative and sustainable farm allows us to offer our unique space and cabins for enjoyment and for learning. There are sites for tents, each site is $20. Cabins are available year round, with water, coffee makers, electric kettles, fire pits, and charcoal grills. Our glamping affords comfortable beds and linens, electric heaters and fans, as well as wood burning stoves for winter comfort. Hike the property or visit near-by Wildcat Mountain State Park, or the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. We are licensed as a campground. We can supply your water, but not your dishes and utensils, please be aware. Don't miss out on the bakery, open May through Oct on Saturdays and by pre-order in off months/ days. We are happy to share our home with you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night

2. S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

93%
(63)
12mi from Viola · 1 site · Tent, RV
Hey there Happy Campers! We welcome you to our small slice of Driftless heaven. This private campsite is located in prairie land, surrounded by agricultural and wooded property (it’s quiet). Within a few minutes drive you have access to some of the best trout streams a fishing license can buy. You're also in close proximity to amazing hiking and biking trails, agri-tourism (apple pickin' good times!), endless photography opportunities, wineries, birding, stargazing and visits to downtown Viroqua! After a long day of adventuring, come back to this quiet retreat, make some brandy old fashions and enjoy the ambiance of the stars and crackling camp fire! This site can accommodate 2 large tents with plenty of room for a camp kitchen, fire pit and seating area. There is newly constructed composting style outbuilding (please read instructions before using it) and a camp kitchen table along with solar powered lighting. Firewood and other supplies are conveniently available in downtown Viroqua. Be sure to check out the various retailers and restaurants while you're there! Hope you enjoy the camp and we just ask to please leave it better than you found it!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

6. Driftless Tiny House Retreat

6.4mi from Viola · 1 site · Lodging
The Tiny House is a mostly off-grid cabin tucked into the Driftless Hills of southwest Wisconsin. We are about 5 miles west of La Farge and 10 miles east of Viroqua. Nestled in the woods, the space offers peace, quiet, and a chance to reconnect with nature. The property is private, and our homes are within 75 yards of the tiny house. You’ll have your own yard and space, but it is not completely isolated. The tiny house sleeps 2–4 people comfortably, with room for an additional tent in the yard. The maximum occupancy for the site (tiny house and tent) is 6 people total. The tiny house is fully furnished with queen mattress, futon, plates, cups, etc~ just bring your own food and bedding (blankets and pillows)! Outside, enjoy a fire pit, a small grill, and the quiet beauty of the surrounding landscape. We have three friendly outdoor cats who may come by to say hello. They love people and food, so please be mindful of not feeding them and keeping a close eye on your meals if you choose to eat outside. The tiny house includes electricity, a full refrigerator, and a stovetop with oven. While there is no running water inside, fresh water is available just steps away for drinking and washing up. We also provide an outdoor, chemical-free porta potty. We are located across the street from Otter Creek, a popular trout fishing stream. Within a few miles, you’ll find additional fishing, hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing access, farmers markets, Amish shops, and a vibrant mix of local organic food, arts, and handmade goods. We’ll meet briefly at the start of your stay to go over the space, and afterward, you’ll have full freedom to enjoy the land and your own rhythm. I’m happy to say hello if we’re around or to answer any questions, but I also value my privacy. We kindly ask that there be no alcohol or drug abuse on the property. ALL folx are welcome here.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$90
 / night

8. Nature's Touch Campground

93%
(41)
43mi from Viola · 151 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Nature's Touch Campground, your ultimate getaway nestled 6 minutes away from downtown Wisconsin Dells! Our campground offers a variety of tent sites, cabin rentals, RV sites, and modern amenities for our guests. The campsites are spacious and well-maintained, with water and electric hookups available. With a wide variety of RV, cabins, and tent sites, you can find the perfect one for you and your family. We have full hookup sites, water and electric sites, and 50- or 30-amp electric. Pull-through sites are available for larger rigs. For seasonal availability or information please email naturestouchcampground@gmail.com. But the magic of Nature's Touch extends far beyond its picturesque setting. Dive into relaxation at our sparkling pool, perfect for cooling off on warm summer days. Indulge in family fun at our game room, where laughter and friendly competition abound. And don't forget to explore our camp store, stocked with essentials and treasures. Something exciting always happens at Nature's Touch Campground, from themed weekends to outdoor adventures. Join us for nature hikes, marshmallow roasts, themed weekends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey to Nature's Touch Campground, where every moment is an opportunity for adventure, relaxation, and cherished family moments. We can't wait to welcome you home away from home.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$38
 / night

15. The English Pale Campground (21+)

97%
(101)
45mi from Viola · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION: The river edge erosion wall construction is complete. The area is being prepared to have additional river sites added sometime in 2026 depending on vegetation growth. The entire Beach (R3 & R4) will be closed to Campers starting October 1. This is due to hunting season starting. Campsites in the main campground will be still available, but guests are not allowed on the lower 40. Contact Cal or check our Facebook page and web site for more information. The campground and rental house will open about May 15, each year. The English Pale Campground is located along the Black River in Jackson County, 1 mile west of the Village of Melrose. The entire property only allows guests and occupants who are 21 or older. Sites/house can be booked 6 months in advance. The main campground is 70 feet above the river. We have 5 rustic (no hook-ups) RV/Travel Trailer/Tent sites, a fully furnished “Manor” House, a travel trailer as well as 2 rustic beach sites that are located along the river. The property is a total of 70 acres, which includes the 4+ acre beach, a mile of river front and trails through the woods that connect them all. The English Pale opened in 2021 and is a developing property. In late summer of 2025 an erosion wall was built along the Black River. This included clearing of a section of the forest, building a gravel access road and an riprap river wall to prevent further erosion. Since 2016 over 60 feet of the riverbank has washed away. Our property offers a reasonable expectation of privacy and we do not offer day passes as our target guests are campers. We are an adult only property, but not a nudist campground, as that is not our central theme. We do not prohibit our guests from nudity for the purpose of sunbathing on the beach, campsites or sundeck, but nudity is not allowed in general common areas. Part of our nature is allowing discreet nudity for tanning purposes. While we target couples for time together, singles and groups are welcome. This is NOT a party campground, our goal is to let you connect with nature. More campground information can be found on our main web page or on Facebook at The English Pale Campground and Resort. The entire property can be rented by contacting us directly by phone or email.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

17. Bear Hill

100%
(95)
43mi from Viola · 2 sites · Lodging
Welcome to Bear Hill There is the Love Shack 15ft by 32ft park model camper Site #2 Just add LULU 5th wheel one slide out on site#2 (the Jayco is gone) Bear Hill is a pet friendly fenced in three acre get away, minutes away from Wisconsin Dells and the Upper Wisconsin River. There is a park model camper at $125 night sleeps 2-4 adults/ 2-3 kids. kids 15 and under free! Tents are available for $20/ night extra with the rental your kids of any age can tent it But PLEASE bring your own sleeping things and relaxing. Let us help you explore the river from a boat or we have 2 kayaks and (1) 2/3 person canoe. Rent or bring your own and we will guide you to where you want to go. Enjoy campfires and grilling and games with family or friends. Feel free to enjoy the local night life as I offer a designated driver to get you home safe and worry free. This is where the road ends and the country begins. Three acres of an enclosed Pet friendly Private Property camping. We offer wood for your campfire charcoal and propane grilling. pizza oven electric FOR A LITTLE EXTRA FEE you may be interested in asking Kevin about a couple Kayak's or the canoe we have. We can drop you off and pick you up at our favorite Swimming Hole. WE also have a boat Kevin can take you out on for an upper Wisconsin River Completely Private owned Fenced in property Credit or cash accepted
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$100
 / night

18. WHY Camp Worth Healing Yourself

96%
(141)
22mi from Viola · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Bought to get grounded W.H.Y. did I purchase this 5 acres of land? This is my personal property I bought so I could get grounded while being surrounded by nature. Worth Healing Yourself is W.H.Y I invested in this land as well as myself! Enjoy rock hunting for agates, jasper, hematite, petrified wood and other mineral specimens. Property is 25 minutes from Richland Center. 30 minutes from Wisconsin Dells. Public land with miles of trout stream 3 miles away from the propertyy. The 400 State Trail is 7 miles away from property for bicyclists. Public road ATV and UTV trails surround WHY.  Both Lake Redstone and Dutch Hollow Lake are 10 miles away. The Baraboo and Pine River are within 10 miles. The famous Bunker Hill Tavern that hosts the cannon run is 1 mile away! Local village of Cazenovia offers two small town Tavern’s that serve food and good company. There is also a convenient store and small grocery store located in the village as well. This is not a commercial camp ground. Cancellation within Hipcamp Moderate Cancellation Policy WILL BE withheld with host discretion. Rent tax will NOT be refunded if cancelled within Moderate Cancellation Policy time frame.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$19
 / night

19. Shady Rest Acres

100%
(316)
33mi from Viola · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota. Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to the sixty-seven foot deep cave that once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only. Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond. The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by the Brew Master's wife. We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive. Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals. The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species. Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving. Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night

With meandering rivers and deep ravines, Wisconsin’s Driftless Area around Viola beckons campers with a blend of adventure and peacefulness. About 13 miles north of Viola along WI-131, Kickapoo Valley Reserve invites paddling enthusiasts to the iconic Kickapoo River, where outfitters offer guided rafting trips and kayak rentals on both rapid and relaxed waters. Vehicle-accessible and canoe-accessible tent camping is available with basic amenities like shared potable water and bathrooms at the visitor center. Head north to Wildcat Mountain State Park for a getaway back on land. Embark on rugged hiking and biking trails, like Old Settlers Trail which leads to Taylor Hollow Overlook and a bird’s eye view of Ontario below. Family campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and an on-site dump station. Horseback riders can also use the seasonal equestrian campground with a corral and hitching posts. As night falls, the designated International Dark Sky Park treats stargazing fans to an unparalleled celestial canopy of stars. 

97% (2.6K) 523 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Viola

1. Echo Valley Farm

99%
(73)
15mi from Viola · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
See the Milky Way on 46 acres of sustainably cared for land located in beautiful Driftless Wisconsin. Adjacent to Wild Cat Mountain State Park and near the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, we are a working farm with sheep, mules, chickens, multiple gardens and an heirloom apple orchard. Our onsite bakery has seasonal offerings and more. Our twenty-three year effort to create a regenerative and sustainable farm allows us to offer our unique space and cabins for enjoyment and for learning. There are sites for tents, each site is $20. Cabins are available year round, with water, coffee makers, electric kettles, fire pits, and charcoal grills. Our glamping affords comfortable beds and linens, electric heaters and fans, as well as wood burning stoves for winter comfort. Hike the property or visit near-by Wildcat Mountain State Park, or the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. We are licensed as a campground. We can supply your water, but not your dishes and utensils, please be aware. Don't miss out on the bakery, open May through Oct on Saturdays and by pre-order in off months/ days. We are happy to share our home with you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night

2. S-Camp at Turtle Head Rock

93%
(63)
12mi from Viola · 1 site · Tent, RV
Hey there Happy Campers! We welcome you to our small slice of Driftless heaven. This private campsite is located in prairie land, surrounded by agricultural and wooded property (it’s quiet). Within a few minutes drive you have access to some of the best trout streams a fishing license can buy. You're also in close proximity to amazing hiking and biking trails, agri-tourism (apple pickin' good times!), endless photography opportunities, wineries, birding, stargazing and visits to downtown Viroqua! After a long day of adventuring, come back to this quiet retreat, make some brandy old fashions and enjoy the ambiance of the stars and crackling camp fire! This site can accommodate 2 large tents with plenty of room for a camp kitchen, fire pit and seating area. There is newly constructed composting style outbuilding (please read instructions before using it) and a camp kitchen table along with solar powered lighting. Firewood and other supplies are conveniently available in downtown Viroqua. Be sure to check out the various retailers and restaurants while you're there! Hope you enjoy the camp and we just ask to please leave it better than you found it!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

6. Driftless Tiny House Retreat

6.4mi from Viola · 1 site · Lodging
The Tiny House is a mostly off-grid cabin tucked into the Driftless Hills of southwest Wisconsin. We are about 5 miles west of La Farge and 10 miles east of Viroqua. Nestled in the woods, the space offers peace, quiet, and a chance to reconnect with nature. The property is private, and our homes are within 75 yards of the tiny house. You’ll have your own yard and space, but it is not completely isolated. The tiny house sleeps 2–4 people comfortably, with room for an additional tent in the yard. The maximum occupancy for the site (tiny house and tent) is 6 people total. The tiny house is fully furnished with queen mattress, futon, plates, cups, etc~ just bring your own food and bedding (blankets and pillows)! Outside, enjoy a fire pit, a small grill, and the quiet beauty of the surrounding landscape. We have three friendly outdoor cats who may come by to say hello. They love people and food, so please be mindful of not feeding them and keeping a close eye on your meals if you choose to eat outside. The tiny house includes electricity, a full refrigerator, and a stovetop with oven. While there is no running water inside, fresh water is available just steps away for drinking and washing up. We also provide an outdoor, chemical-free porta potty. We are located across the street from Otter Creek, a popular trout fishing stream. Within a few miles, you’ll find additional fishing, hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing access, farmers markets, Amish shops, and a vibrant mix of local organic food, arts, and handmade goods. We’ll meet briefly at the start of your stay to go over the space, and afterward, you’ll have full freedom to enjoy the land and your own rhythm. I’m happy to say hello if we’re around or to answer any questions, but I also value my privacy. We kindly ask that there be no alcohol or drug abuse on the property. ALL folx are welcome here.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$90
 / night

8. Nature's Touch Campground

93%
(41)
43mi from Viola · 151 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Nature's Touch Campground, your ultimate getaway nestled 6 minutes away from downtown Wisconsin Dells! Our campground offers a variety of tent sites, cabin rentals, RV sites, and modern amenities for our guests. The campsites are spacious and well-maintained, with water and electric hookups available. With a wide variety of RV, cabins, and tent sites, you can find the perfect one for you and your family. We have full hookup sites, water and electric sites, and 50- or 30-amp electric. Pull-through sites are available for larger rigs. For seasonal availability or information please email naturestouchcampground@gmail.com. But the magic of Nature's Touch extends far beyond its picturesque setting. Dive into relaxation at our sparkling pool, perfect for cooling off on warm summer days. Indulge in family fun at our game room, where laughter and friendly competition abound. And don't forget to explore our camp store, stocked with essentials and treasures. Something exciting always happens at Nature's Touch Campground, from themed weekends to outdoor adventures. Join us for nature hikes, marshmallow roasts, themed weekends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey to Nature's Touch Campground, where every moment is an opportunity for adventure, relaxation, and cherished family moments. We can't wait to welcome you home away from home.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$38
 / night

15. The English Pale Campground (21+)

97%
(101)
45mi from Viola · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION: The river edge erosion wall construction is complete. The area is being prepared to have additional river sites added sometime in 2026 depending on vegetation growth. The entire Beach (R3 & R4) will be closed to Campers starting October 1. This is due to hunting season starting. Campsites in the main campground will be still available, but guests are not allowed on the lower 40. Contact Cal or check our Facebook page and web site for more information. The campground and rental house will open about May 15, each year. The English Pale Campground is located along the Black River in Jackson County, 1 mile west of the Village of Melrose. The entire property only allows guests and occupants who are 21 or older. Sites/house can be booked 6 months in advance. The main campground is 70 feet above the river. We have 5 rustic (no hook-ups) RV/Travel Trailer/Tent sites, a fully furnished “Manor” House, a travel trailer as well as 2 rustic beach sites that are located along the river. The property is a total of 70 acres, which includes the 4+ acre beach, a mile of river front and trails through the woods that connect them all. The English Pale opened in 2021 and is a developing property. In late summer of 2025 an erosion wall was built along the Black River. This included clearing of a section of the forest, building a gravel access road and an riprap river wall to prevent further erosion. Since 2016 over 60 feet of the riverbank has washed away. Our property offers a reasonable expectation of privacy and we do not offer day passes as our target guests are campers. We are an adult only property, but not a nudist campground, as that is not our central theme. We do not prohibit our guests from nudity for the purpose of sunbathing on the beach, campsites or sundeck, but nudity is not allowed in general common areas. Part of our nature is allowing discreet nudity for tanning purposes. While we target couples for time together, singles and groups are welcome. This is NOT a party campground, our goal is to let you connect with nature. More campground information can be found on our main web page or on Facebook at The English Pale Campground and Resort. The entire property can be rented by contacting us directly by phone or email.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

17. Bear Hill

100%
(95)
43mi from Viola · 2 sites · Lodging
Welcome to Bear Hill There is the Love Shack 15ft by 32ft park model camper Site #2 Just add LULU 5th wheel one slide out on site#2 (the Jayco is gone) Bear Hill is a pet friendly fenced in three acre get away, minutes away from Wisconsin Dells and the Upper Wisconsin River. There is a park model camper at $125 night sleeps 2-4 adults/ 2-3 kids. kids 15 and under free! Tents are available for $20/ night extra with the rental your kids of any age can tent it But PLEASE bring your own sleeping things and relaxing. Let us help you explore the river from a boat or we have 2 kayaks and (1) 2/3 person canoe. Rent or bring your own and we will guide you to where you want to go. Enjoy campfires and grilling and games with family or friends. Feel free to enjoy the local night life as I offer a designated driver to get you home safe and worry free. This is where the road ends and the country begins. Three acres of an enclosed Pet friendly Private Property camping. We offer wood for your campfire charcoal and propane grilling. pizza oven electric FOR A LITTLE EXTRA FEE you may be interested in asking Kevin about a couple Kayak's or the canoe we have. We can drop you off and pick you up at our favorite Swimming Hole. WE also have a boat Kevin can take you out on for an upper Wisconsin River Completely Private owned Fenced in property Credit or cash accepted
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$100
 / night

18. WHY Camp Worth Healing Yourself

96%
(141)
22mi from Viola · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Bought to get grounded W.H.Y. did I purchase this 5 acres of land? This is my personal property I bought so I could get grounded while being surrounded by nature. Worth Healing Yourself is W.H.Y I invested in this land as well as myself! Enjoy rock hunting for agates, jasper, hematite, petrified wood and other mineral specimens. Property is 25 minutes from Richland Center. 30 minutes from Wisconsin Dells. Public land with miles of trout stream 3 miles away from the propertyy. The 400 State Trail is 7 miles away from property for bicyclists. Public road ATV and UTV trails surround WHY.  Both Lake Redstone and Dutch Hollow Lake are 10 miles away. The Baraboo and Pine River are within 10 miles. The famous Bunker Hill Tavern that hosts the cannon run is 1 mile away! Local village of Cazenovia offers two small town Tavern’s that serve food and good company. There is also a convenient store and small grocery store located in the village as well. This is not a commercial camp ground. Cancellation within Hipcamp Moderate Cancellation Policy WILL BE withheld with host discretion. Rent tax will NOT be refunded if cancelled within Moderate Cancellation Policy time frame.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$19
 / night

19. Shady Rest Acres

100%
(316)
33mi from Viola · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Once the site of the historic V.J. Fetzner Brewery from the late 19th Century. The land is now used as a hobby farm, honey bee sanctuary and nursery to a unique tree species normally not found in Southeastern Minnesota. Remnants of the brewery are still visible. Foundation walls outline the massive structure of the brewery. Nestled in the center of the foundation is the entrance to the sixty-seven foot deep cave that once held barrels of beer and can be accessed by canoe only. Hops have been located on the property and are believed to be ancestors of those raised to make the beer once stored in the cave. The pond that provides access to the cave was dug out in the early 1990's to create a fish out for the Spring Falls Trout Farm that used to exist across the highway. Some of the original brood stock still exist and continue to naturally stock the pond. It is not uncommon to see fish that are five to ten pounds in size. We do not allow fishing from our pond. The residents house is built to scale to the original brew master's house. While the house is only twenty-four years old it looks as though you have taken a step back in time. The name Shady Rest was given to the house by the Brew Master's wife. We thought it was appropriate to keep the name alive. Shady Rest Acres is comprised of twenty-three acres of beautiful woodlands and pasture that are protected forever in the Minnesota Land Trust. The pasture is home to Scottish Highlander cows, two miniature donkeys, five sheep, four goats, honey bees and a flock of chickens. Scottish Highlanders were selected for both their grazing and browsing abilities. They are very docile and make excellent pasture mates to the smaller species sharing the pasture. The cows are excellent forest managers. They clear out invasive species such as Honey Suckle, Buckthorn, and Barberry which can often be difficult to manage. A guided tour with the host can be taken to meet the pasture animals. The forest is comprised of many tree species. Some are unique in that they normally do not grow in this region of Minnesota. The yellow birch is a species normally found in Northern Minnesota. It's bark is golden in color and glistens when the sun hits it just right. We have a cluster of several yellow birch including one that is so big that the bark no longer looks golden but instead is grey and very rough. Years ago the largest of these trees made excellent wood for turning bowls. Blue Beech (musclewood) can also be found on the property. As the name indicates the bark is shaped like muscles. Songbirds and some other species will use different parts of the tree as a food source. Towering white pines also speckle the landscape. Mother pine requires at least two humans arm lengths to encircle the whole tree. She is a favorite resting spot for the barred owl. There is oak, elm, maple, ceders, poplars and numerous other species. Honey bees are an integral part of the landscape. We partnered with a friend and started raising honey bees two years ago in order to do our part to keep pollinators thriving. Their hives are located in the pasture where it has the perfect amount of early morning sun to get them moving and afternoon shade to balance out the summer heat. It is not uncommon to see them pollinating garden plants, trees and wild flowers around the property. One of their favorite feeding spots is the acre and a half prairie which offers a range of plants including big blue stem, wild indigo and baby blue stem, to name a few. Not only are honey bees essential to the food chain but they also provide a very enriching experience when they are observed moving about their hives. There is nothing more relaxing and fascinating than watching these amazing creatures.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field