Red Barn Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Wisconsin locals eager to create lasting family memories in the great outdoors, Red Barn Campground in Shell Lake, WI, positions itself as a vibrant destination. Nestled on 250 acres of natural beauty, just a stone's throw from the picturesque Shell Lake, this campground aims to offer a multifaceted camping experience. While it presents itself as a hub for family fun with a variety of advertised activities and facilities, recent customer feedback suggests that visitors should be aware of some changes to amenities, particularly concerning the swimming pond equipment, the availability of farm animals, and wagon rides. Despite these reported discrepancies, Red Barn Campground still strives to provide a welcoming environment for both RV and tent campers, as well as those interested in cabin stays. It emphasizes being pet-friendly and connected to extensive trail systems, making it an appealing choice for active families and those looking to explore Northern Wisconsin's wilderness. The campground has undergone changes in ownership, and newer reviews highlight ongoing improvements and a commitment to investing in the property, suggesting a positive trajectory despite earlier challenges. It aims to be a place where the charm of a rural setting meets engaging recreational opportunities for all ages.

Location and Accessibility

Red Barn Campground is conveniently located at W6820 County Highway B, Shell Lake, WI 54871, USA. This address places it just two miles east of the charming town of Shell Lake, a popular and easily accessible destination in Northwestern Wisconsin. Shell Lake itself is renowned for its beautiful, clean lake, which offers abundant opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. For Wisconsin residents, reaching Red Barn Campground is typically a straightforward drive along well-maintained county highways, minimizing travel time and allowing for a smooth transition into their vacation. The campground's proximity to Shell Lake means that campers have easy access to local amenities, including restaurants, shops, and a public beach, providing a convenient blend of outdoor immersion and town resources. Furthermore, the campground boasts direct connections to hundreds of miles of ATV/UTV and snowmobile trails, making it an ideal base for motorized recreation enthusiasts. While some feedback indicates challenges with navigating certain RV sites, the overall accessibility to the regional trail systems and the town of Shell Lake remains a significant advantage, allowing visitors to explore the wider Washburn County area with ease.

Services Offered

Red Barn Campground aims to provide a comprehensive range of services and amenities, catering to various camping styles and family needs. Based on their official website and recent reviews, these generally include:

• Diverse Site Options: The campground offers a variety of camping options, including spacious RV sites with full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50 amp electric), water and electric-only sites, and tent sites. Some pull-through sites are available, though some back-in sites may be challenging to navigate.
• Cabin Rentals: Various cabin rentals are available, including sleeping cabins and rentals with bathrooms and kitchenettes, offering a more comfortable stay for those without their own camping gear.
• Campground Store: A fully stocked on-site store provides essential camping supplies, snacks, souvenirs, firewood (no outside wood permitted), and an ATM.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean restrooms and showers are available, noted in reviews as well-maintained.
• Swimming Pond & Beach Area: A designated swimming pond with a beach area and inflatables is a key attraction, though recent reviews mention changes to the equipment and potential issues with tadpoles.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Red Barn Campground is pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the vacation (leash rules apply).
• Wi-Fi Hotspots: Wi-Fi access is available at specific hotspots within the park, allowing guests to stay connected.
• Recreation Hall/Barn: The large Red Barn serves as a recreation center, potentially offering indoor activities like ping-pong, pool, or basketball, and can be rented for events.
• On-Site Activities: Advertised activities include mini-golf, a bouncy pillow, Gaga Pit, playgrounds, basketball court, volleyball court, pickleball, shuffleboard, horseshoe pit, corn hole, and hiking trails.
• ATV/UTV & Snowmobile Trail Access: Direct connection to hundreds of miles of nearby ATV/UTV and snowmobile trails, with UTV rentals sometimes available (requires advance notice and is from a different company off-site).
• Planned Activities/Events: The campground often hosts planned activities and themed weekends throughout the season, such as holiday celebrations, craft events, and social gatherings.

Features / Highlights

• Extensive Acreage and Natural Beauty: Spanning 250 acres, Red Barn Campground offers a vast environment surrounded by natural beauty, providing ample space for outdoor enjoyment and exploration, just a short distance from Shell Lake.
• Variety of Accommodation Options: With full hookup RV sites, spacious tent sites, and diverse cabin rentals, the campground caters to a wide array of camping preferences, ensuring a suitable option for nearly every visitor.
• On-Site Swimming Pond with Inflatables: A major draw for families is the dedicated swimming pond with a beach area and inflatables, providing a fun and refreshing activity, although guests should manage expectations based on recent updates regarding equipment.
• Direct Trail Access: Its connection to extensive ATV/UTV and snowmobile trails is a significant highlight for motorized recreation enthusiasts, offering convenient access to explore Northern Wisconsin's wilderness.
• Family-Oriented Activities: The campground boasts a broad range of on-site recreational activities, including mini-golf, playgrounds, a bouncy pillow, various sports courts (basketball, volleyball, pickleball), and a recreation hall, designed to keep families entertained.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Red Barn Campground welcomes pets, making it easier for Wisconsin families to bring their furry companions along on their outdoor adventures.
• Friendly Staff and Seasonal Community: Despite some operational feedback, reviews often highlight the "very nice" employees and the positive atmosphere among seasonal campers, suggesting a welcoming and community-focused environment.
• Potential for Improvement and Investment: Recent reviews indicate that the campground is under new ownership that is actively making updates and investments, suggesting a positive trajectory for future improvements and amenities.

Contact Information

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

Phone: (715) 731-0032

Mobile Phone: +1 715-731-0032

Email: camp@redbarncampground.com

Website: www.redbarncampground.com

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Wisconsin locals, Red Barn Campground in Shell Lake offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a suitable choice for a memorable outdoor getaway. While recent reviews suggest some areas for improvement regarding updated information on amenities and site conditions, the core appeal of the campground remains strong for those seeking an active and engaging experience in the Northwoods.

The campground's location near Shell Lake is a significant draw for Wisconsin residents. Being just two miles from the town, it offers the perfect balance of serene natural surroundings and convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and the beautiful Shell Lake itself, renowned for swimming, fishing, and boating. For families, this means the ability to enjoy both on-site activities and easily explore the charming local community. Furthermore, the direct connection to extensive ATV/UTV and snowmobile trails provides an unparalleled advantage for enthusiasts of motorized recreation, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in Wisconsin's vast trail networks.

Red Barn Campground's wide array of amenities and activities, even with recent changes, caters well to families with children. The swimming pond with inflatables, mini-golf, multiple playgrounds, and various sports courts offer ample entertainment on-site, ensuring that there's always something to keep everyone engaged. The option for both RV and tent camping, along with cabin rentals, provides flexibility for different comfort levels and preferences. While some new RVers might find certain sites challenging to navigate or overgrown, the potential for spacious sites and the overall effort by staff to be "very nice" contribute to a welcoming environment. The commitment to ongoing improvements under new ownership also hints at a promising future, where more amenities will align with expectations.

In essence, Red Barn Campground is a dynamic and evolving destination that, despite some reported shortcomings, offers significant value for Wisconsin locals. It's a place where families can create cherished memories, where outdoor enthusiasts can access a vast network of trails, and where everyone can enjoy the natural splendor of Shell Lake. For those willing to embrace a campground that is actively working on enhancements, Red Barn provides an accessible and activity-rich setting for experiencing the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of Wisconsin.

Red Barn Campground

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