Esker Ridge

100%

14 reviews

· Townsend, Oconto, Wisconsin · 2.5 acres

Hosted by Don M.

Cabin

· 7 guests max

Off-lead friendly

Pets can be off-lead at this Hipcamp.

All to yourself

100% of recent Hipcampers say the pitch is private.

A hidden gem nestled between the comforts of lake living and a backdoor to the expansive Nicolet National Forest. Recreational opportunities are year-round, including recreational vehicle and fishing opportunities on and around the 417 acre lake flowage. The private +2 acre property has panoramic views of the secluded headwaters opening into the main flowage. Set back off the main lake, wildlife viewing, especially birding, is the best I have experienced. Neotropical migratory bird species are abundant in the Spring as well as a resident breeding pair of Trumpeter Swans, many ducks(!), Bald Eagles, Loons, Sand-Hill cranes; many woodpecker spp. including Pileated; Screech, Barred and Great horned owls. Some of the more entertaining wildlife include deer, otter, beaver, muskrats, red squirrels and the occasional wandering black bear (no problem bears). In the Spring, the esker's neighboring wetlands come alive with many frog and turtle species. For me, the allure of the wild still dominates here. The esker provides an amazing vantage point with nearly 270 degree panoramic views of the flowage. From the Gazebo, take one of two paths to the overlook before descending down to the lakefront. In 2021, I plan on adding a short pier but the natural rocky peninsula already provides excellent access into the deeper thalweg, an excellent fishing/ swimming hole! All pontoon and fishing boats can be accommodated here. Learn more about this land: The property is located towards the end of a Forest Service road (Meadowlark Lane) with one year-round resident at the end. There's a large turn-around for trailers and larger vehicles. Neighbors are well separated, located over the ridgeline and out of earshot. The property has a relatively wide, flat 100 foot driveway to the cabin from the road. Easy access to the cabin from the driveway. The cabin is surrounded by mature maple/birch/balsam/hemlock forest and several wetland/tamarack bogs (very diverse terrain bordering the lake). At the base of the cabin there's a small pier for direct kayak and canoe access. Larger boats can easily dock on the lake-end of the property, a short walk from the cabin. From the natural driveway a concrete paver staircase leads up to the main campsite (see pics). The campsite includes a 3 season 14 foot enclosed gazebo with electricity. Essentially, the land is a 2 acre esker (kettle moraine feature) that serpentines through the woods to Reservoir "Pond" lake system. Excellent views of the lake! The Flowage has headwaters from McCauslin brook and connects 3 lakes totaling 417 acres. Maximum depth 27 feet. Fishing and Pontoon boat docking on shoreline. The closest boat launch is on Horn Lake which is passed on the way to the cabin and approximately a half mile away as the crow flies. Plenty of areas for tenting/ wall tents, 2 picnic tables (one near the cabin and the other by the gazebo), and a separate outhouse with toiletries at the top of the hill. Attractions in the Area: Sleepy Hollow Minature Golf on Nicolet Rd (just East of Horn Lake) Sunset Resort of Townsend located on the SE end of the flowage. Accessible by boat or short drive from camp on Burnt Dam Road. Hill Crest Lodge Supper Club on Nicolet Rd (you'll pass on the way in) 4 Stars. Birch Hills Resort and Bar (over the bridge from Hill Crest) 5 Stars. Mike's Supermarket/ Pintsch's TrueValue (just thought I'd mention where to get provisions) (also on Nicolet Rd), Townsend Potawatomi Casino, Carter Old Town Hall cafe and bloody bar- Traditional American food, Townsend (Excellent Breakfast!) Sweet Memories Candy Store, Lakewood (If you have a sweet tooth, this place is over the top Willy Wonka style, many candy filled rooms that seem to never end!) Lakewood Ski and Sport- Outdoor Gear, Lakewood. Talk to Dave- great guy. Ski/ SUP and Bike rentals. Northern D'lites- Lakewood ice cream/ burgers Lakewood Super Valu Grocery Store (has more to offer over Mike's grocery in Townsend) *Maiden Lake Supper Club- Excellent! Best Supper Club UpNort hands-down. Excellent sunset views over Maiden lake from the patio bar. Go Early! Cathedral of the Pines- Old Growth White and Red pine. I can't believe the whole state looked like this at one point. One tree is has enough wood to build a house! Maiden Lake, 3rd clearest lake in WI. Great snorkeling over the fish cribs Boot Lake -State Campground and Beach- Best swimming beach in the area. Jones Creek trails- year round hiking, Mt biking and Cross country skiing McCauslin Brook Golf and Ctry Club, Lakewood Waubee Lake Lodge- worth the drive. Huge modern wood lodge live-edge bar and 40+ foot cathedral ceilings. Great buffet. Woodland Trail Winery, Lakewood (winery Northern woods style with craft beer selection)The property is located towards the end of a Forest Service road (Meadowlark Lane) with one year-round resident at the end. There's a large turn-around for trailers and larger vehicles. Neighbors are well separated, located over the ridgeline and out of earshot. The property has a relatively wide, flat 100 foot driveway to the cabin from the road. Easy access to the cabin from the driveway. The cabin is surrounded by mature maple/birch/balsam/hemlock forest and several wetland/tamarack bogs (very diverse terrain bordering the lake). At the base of the cabin there's a small pier for direct kayak and canoe access. Larger boats can easily dock on the lake-end of the property, a short walk from the cabin. From the natural driveway a concrete paver staircase leads up to the main campsite (see pics). The campsite includes a 3 season 14 foot enclosed gazebo with electricity. Essentially, the land is a 2 acre esker (kettle moraine feature) that serpentines through the woods to Reservoir "Pond" lake system. Excellent views of the lake! The Flowage has headwaters from McCauslin brook and connects 3 lakes totaling 417 acres. Maximum depth 27 feet. Fishing and Pontoon boat docking on shoreline. The closest boat launch is on Horn Lake which is passed on the way to the cabin and approximately a half mile away as the crow flies. Plenty of areas for tenting/ wall tents, 2 picnic tables (one near the cabin and the other by the gazebo), and a separate outhouse with toiletries at the top of the hill. Attractions in the Area: Sleepy Hollow Minature Golf on Nicolet Rd (just East of Horn Lake) Sunset Resort of Townsend located on the SE end of the flowage. Accessible by boat or short drive from camp on Burnt Dam Road. Hill Crest Lodge Supper Club on Nicolet Rd (you'll pass on the way in) 4 Stars. Birch Hills Resort and Bar (over the bridge from Hill Crest) 5 Stars. Mike's Supermarket/ Pintsch's TrueValue (just thought I'd mention where to get provisions) (also on Nicolet Rd), Townsend Potawatomi Casino, Carter Old Town Hall cafe and bloody bar- Traditional American food, Townsend (Excellent Breakfast!) Sweet Memories Candy Store, Lakewood (If you have a sweet tooth, this place is over the top Willy Wonka style, many candy filled rooms that seem to never end!) Lakewood Ski and Sport- Outdoor Gear, Lakewood. Talk to Dave- great guy. Ski/ SUP and Bike rentals. Northern D'lites- Lakewood ice cream/ burgers Lakewood Super Valu Grocery Store (has more to offer over Mike's grocery in Townsend) *Maiden Lake Supper Club- Excellent! Best Supper Club UpNort hands-down. Excellent sunset views over Maiden lake from the patio bar. Go Early! Cathedral of the Pines- Old Growth White and Red pine. I can't believe the whole state looked like this at one point. One tree is has enough wood to build a house! Maiden Lake, 3rd clearest lake in WI. Great snorkeling over the fish cribs Boot Lake -State Campground and Beach- Best swimming beach in the area. Jones Creek trails- year round hiking, Mt biking and Cross country skiing McCauslin Brook Golf and Ctry Club, Lakewood Waubee Lake Lodge- worth the drive. Huge modern wood lodge live-edge bar and 40+ foot cathedral ceilings. Great buffet. Woodland Trail Winery, Lakewood (winery Northern woods style with craft beer selection)

What to expect

Cabin

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

7 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit. Chimnea style fire pit next to cabin. A second Fire ring by Gazebo.

Toilet available

Composting toilet. Compost, TP. Instructions provided at camp. Very clean!

Pets allowed

Off leash. Please clean-up/ pick-up waste and respect nature.

Potable water available

Bottled water or jugs. When freezing is not a concern: 2-5 gallon water cooler style jugs with electric water pump dispenser.

Cooking equipment present

Private, stovetop or hot plate, fridge, cookware, cooking utensils, dishware, cutlery, basic seasoning and oils, sink or other dishwashing station. Studio: Electricity Ceiling fan Gas Spirit Weber grill with Outdoor light Extra LP tank Refrigerator Large picnic table Induction stove (single eye) Bodem/ French Press Toaster Electric Kettle 3 quart pot with steamer/ Cast iron and steel pans Additional plastic cups/ paper plates/ wicker plate holders/ mugs All necessary utensils Spices/ Oils First Aid Kit Toiletries/ Paper Towel Hand Towels/ wash clothes Washing Station Gazebo: Electricity Octagon picnic table outside Large Weber charcoal grill (Charcoal not provided) 2 person Hammock with stand or hooks in Gazebo if rain forecast Dorm size refrigerator Outlets inside and out Tiki torches with filled with lamp oil Solar powered stair lights 4 collapsible outdoor camp chairs Marshmallow sticks 4 Pudgie Pie makers Refrigerator Octagon card table with 4 chairs inside gazebo

Picnic table present

2 picnic tables

No showers

Bathe in lake. On-Demand water heater/ Shower system coming for Summer 2022.

Pack it out

Thanks!

No wifi

Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 10:00 AM

Check out: Before 10:00 AM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 18 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 3 vehicles

During your trip

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Canoerental

$20.00

Aluminum canoe, cushions, life preservers, paddles

Kayakrental

$20.00

Fishing style paddle life preserver (jacket) clip-in padded seat

Propane Heaterrental

$20.00

Heats the Gazebo nicely. Easy to use. Instructions provided. For Gazebo ONLY. Do NOT use in the cabin! (rental cost to help cover the cost of propane). (No additional charge to use propane for heater or grills).

Reviews

100% Recommend17 Ratings · 14 reviews

Bethanie G.

7 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

Perfect for a quiet north woods get

I loved staying at Don's cabin! It was absolutely beautiful and you could tell how much work he put into it. I spent four days here with just my dogs and it was heavenly. Due to a bad back I was unable to use the loft but the lower level had plenty of space for an air mattress. I used the host's recommendations for local attractions and loved the candy shop, coffee shop and cathedral pines. Such a beautiful area!

Michael J.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2024

Everything went well. Great gazebo and location overall.

Tonia G.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

Wooded Wonderland Cabin + Lake Fun

Group trip

Beautiful location with so many beautiful views! The Cabin is a "work in progress", but was cozy and fit our family of four adults, with three in the loft (w/additional twin air mattress) and one in the sofa bed. Really appreciated the many extras that are not listed (i.e. Baggo, headlamps, extra blankets, kitchen supplies, etc.). Great fishing off of the pier and boat. Caught 20+ small pan fish and a lg. 4lb Large Mouth Bass. We used the gazebo as our outdoor movie theater, by downloading movies to watch on our PC. Nearby Boot Lake is so clear w/great swimming! We had a family emergency during our stay and Don was extremely understanding. Location is near so many lakes, wish we had more time to explore. We would definitely return again and would highly recommend for a peaceful stay !

Nick C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2021

Breathtaking Panoramic, Cozy Cabin

Group trip

Don's property is a stunning piece of land set high on a ridge line jutting out into crystal clear waters. My girlfriend and I were lucky enough to visit at the peak of fall colors. Don was very communicative and helpful. The cabin has everything you need and nothing you don't need. Had the weather not been so cooperative we would have been perfectly content to curl up in the cabin reading and gazing out its giant windows. The view from the winterized gazebo was equally as captivating. In the gazebo Don has installed hooks for hanging hammocks as well as two folding cots for sleeping. We spent hours canoeing the lake, circling the islands, and hiking the nearby forests. I would highly recommend a visit to Esker Ridge Studio. We cannot wait to visit again soon.

Kaitlin D.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2021

Group trip

We absolutely loved our time at the Esker Ridge cabin! The property was private, beautiful, and everything we were looking for.

Tony G.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Group trip

Esker Ridge is magical. The trail is along the ridge itself is something that out of a fairytale. The place has everything you need and nothing you don't need.

Location

Townsend, Oconto, Wisconsin, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Oma͞eqnomenew-ahkew (Menominee) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking