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Purplehaze Acres

Purplehaze Acres is a 60-acre organic rustic farm in Rubicon, WI and resides at the beginning of the approx. 650-mile Niagara Escarpment--known locally as "The Ledge". We are in close proximity to the Ice Age Trail, and the natural treasures of the great Horicon Marsh, Lake Sinnissipi/Rock River with canoeing/kayaking/fishing, Ledges County Park, and the world-renowned Holy Hill Shrine.
Nearby Hustisford ("Husti") offers unique shopping and dining experiences, such as the Mercantile and Mocha Vino. Need a few organic groceries? Make sure to visit Back To The Best Organic grocer only 3 miles away, featuring food raised on local organic farms including Purplehaze Acres. 
Potable water, charcoal grills, firepit grates, eggs and available for purchase--firewood. COMING SOON: Did you forget something? If so, check out our Camp Cupboard Store.
Your approach via 1/2-mile dirt drive up the hills and through the woods . . . to not your grandmother's typical house you go. You'll find wonderful vistas, wildflowers, berries, trails up into the woods, a 900' grass runway for aviators on an overall great "peace" of earth. ☮


Experience camping in a whole new way . . . just add winter!

Waterloo

Find & reserve the best ranch campsites near Waterloo, Wisconsin. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

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Kettle House

We found our Kettle House in 1999 when we were in the market for a vacant parcel to pitch a tent after a long day of riding the single track trails in the State Forest. We are originally from Dane County Wisconsin, which like the Eagle area is graced with terminal moraine geology. A terminal moraine is where the last glaciation stopped and dropped everything it was carrying. These deposited sand and gravel hills and interim kettles, many of which include lakes and wetlands, are the topography we are inherently drawn to. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to better balance our city living with a country weekend retreat in such a special area. The site's historic ecosystems (woodland, savanna, prairie and aquatic) were in rough shape when we bought the property which had been suburbanized to large degree, but as ecologists, we knew there was lots of potential to restore the site and reclaim a special part of Wisconsin's natural environment. It is our responsibility and privilege to care for this property and you may see evidence of our regular site work during your visit. We hope you mostly see and enjoy a nice example of natural Wisconsin in various stages of restoration!Learn more about this land:This amazing property is located 20 minutes northeast of Geneva Lake and Delevan Lake, 75 minutes southeast of Madison, 45 minutes southwest of Milwaukee and 1.75 hours northwest of Chicago. It is situated within minutes drive of the gorgeous Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit parcels (10 minutes to Emma, 15 to John Muir, 5 minutes to McMiller trail heads). Additionally, the remarkable LuLu Lake State Natural Area is within a 10 minute walk down Nature Road. These nearby large scale natural areas offer many miles of trails and expanses of uninterrupted nature. Thus, we offer perfect accommodations for birders and outdoor recreationists, as well as family gatherings.In addition to the large public open spaces nearby, our site’s 77 acres are incrementally being restored and managed as woodland, savanna, prairie, wetland and aquatic native ecosystems. Miles of private mowed trails launch from the front door of the house, providing access to a beautiful private park with four fishing ponds. Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and limited single track biking and fishing are allowed. The mid-century modern house is modest, partially renovated, and very well situated on the terraced site, with lots of indoor-outdoor views and amenities including two indoor wood burning fireplaces, outdoor hot tub, an outdoor fire pit on the patio, a gas grill, lots of bird feeding stations and patio seating. Spring and fall warbler migration are particularly wonderful times of year here!In the immediate yard of the house, a small outdoor heated pool frames a lovely rear yard that includes a fountain and a screen porch. A remnant gravel hill prairie covers what would typically be mowed lawn. Respecting the site’s plants while enjoying them will be expected of all guests, as is being courteous of all neighbors in this quiet rural setting. We have enjoyed this incredible property for 20 years and are at a point in our lives that we are ready to share it with others who will appreciate the opportunity to immerse oneself in a beautiful environment while not being far from three large metropolitan areas. The ease of access to  nearby amenities, especially the State Forest trail systems and the Villages of Eagle, East Troy, Mukwonago and Palmyra (restaurants, gas stations, Old World Wisconsin, Alpine Valley, Elegant Farmer, Eagle Spring Lake, LuLu Lake and Crooked Creek, etc.) all make staying here very easy, relaxing, recreational and enjoyable. The house has the potential to sleep 10, with three private bedrooms (one queen bed and two double + twin bunk beds), a long living room couch and a super single fold down couch by the fireplace in the breezeway. Sheets and towels provided, to be laundered by guests. Two bathrooms include a walk-in shower and tub/shower. Washer and drier available. Kitchen includes gas stove and range, refrigerator, freezer, dorm dishwasher, microwave, toaster and general kitchen equipment, dishes and utensils.Skylights and lots of windows provide ample light and views of surrounding savanna that features a handful of old bur and white oaks, intermixed with hickories. Our favorite room is the living room where floor to ceiling windows make it feel as if you are sitting outside all year round. During the winter, a fire in the hearth with a drink and a game or movie on the flat screen TV offer a great place to kick back. If you can’t completely unplug, complimentary WiFi and  a corner home office + artist’s easel in the breezeway allow for dedicated work and creative space. 

Patio with pool, fire pit, seating and fountain; all available with prior arrangement.

House breezeway with home office accommodations.

Beaver Point Cabin


The cabin is an off-grid, 12'X20' insulated structure, with a 7'X8' loft and a 12'X6' screened covered porch/deck. That overlooks a small stream and a cattail marsh. It is in the center of our 90 acres and is very private but near to some rural houses, only our house is (barely) visible in winter and you might see some lights of one other neighbor when the leaves are off the trees.

We are 1 and a half miles from the village of Belleville and 5 miles from New Glarus. The Badger State Trail runs across the western edge of our property. It connects with the Sugar River State Trail 8 miles away. Near by New Glarus has many shops, restaurants, Baily's Run winery and the famous New Glarus Brewery (tours daily). Everything can be easily reached by bike or, in season, snowmobile.

 

The marsh is a haven for all sorts of birds and wildlife. Spring brings an abundance of winged migrators and returning residents. There are: sand hill cranes, red wing blackbirds, a number of ducks; buffleheads, mergansers, woodducks, blue winged teal and shovelers just to name a few. The American woodcock can be heard overhead most spring mornings and evenings. The spring peepers (small frogs) are a symphony on their own and they continue into early summer. The woods has many spring flowers and the fall colors are wonderful. In summer there are many song birds like: bluebirds, finches, orioles, humming birds, cedar wax wings, robins, cardinals and herons. Sitting on the screened in deck one can hear a kaleidoscope of bird songs and activity. And an abundance of fireflies in later May through late July and then some.    

The cabin is off-grid, what that means is: there is NO RUNNING WATER in the cabin and only a chemical toilet (port-a-potty). A limited amount of water is supplied for drinking and washing. There is a sink with a drain in the cabin but no bathroom or refrigerator so bring a cooler. Very limited electricity. There is basic LED lighting and you will be able to charge your phones/devices. The power is supplied from batteries/inverter charged by solar panels on the roof. There are LED lights and a coffee maker. There is NO air conditioning but excellent ventilation and a small, cozy wood stove for heat.

 If you're uncomfortable or unfamiliar with a wood stove, it may not be wise to stay here in the winter heating season,

but we can show most people how to use the stove safely.

This is still considered "camping" so be prepared to bring camping gear: your own pillows, sleeping bag, food, drinks, cups, plates, cooking utensils etc. There are carryout options a short drive away. The only thing you won't need is a tent, the cabin is very cozy, warm on the cold days and cool on the warm ones and there is a picnic table, lawn chairs and a gas grill with a side burner. There are a few spots around the cabin for tents if you have additional friends staying. There is an additional charge for additional guests (over 2) but please be advised: any loud "parties" or disturbances and you will be asked to leave. This is a place to enjoy nature and quiet time. To get away from it all. No extra charge for children 12 or under. 

Insects are a part of the woods environment, if you're afraid of bugs this may not be the right fit for you. We rarely have any real issues, so we're reluctant to use toxic chemicals to kill most (normal) bugs. Normal bug repellent is about all that is necessary.

Why we have this cabin; It's a way to share this special place that, judging from the artifacts found here has been a camping area for thousands of years. We want to let others enjoy the seasons; the return of the migrating birds, the spring peepers in the marsh, the fall colors, the silence of a winter day in the woods and the warmth of a wood stove. (many people have found the stove to be their favorite feature) The cabin gives you a front row seat in the middle of, comparatively, pristine nature. Campers will have access to our fine trails for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and biking. (we would allow a snowmobile from the State trail to the cabin).

All campers take note:

1.
Please do your best to arrive/check in before dark!

The cabin is dark; no yard lights, no streetlights, and if it isn’t a moonlit night, it IS very dark. Some of you are not used to real darkness. We provide some flashlights and headlamps (if you forgot yours) and there are LED lights in the cabin we keep charged for you.

 Camping headlamps are great for cooking, using the port-a-potty and finding your way around, etc.

Bring yours or you can borrow ours, just ask.

2.
Take safety precautions with the wood stove and learn how to use it correctly.

The only source of heat in the cabin is a small, very nice wood stove.

Those without any experience with using wood for heat are advised not to stay at the cabin during the cold season. Those that are eager to learn--we can help you, but safety is very important and you must at least have some basic skills to handle wood heat: using a propane torch, using kindling, splitting wood, operating the stove airflow.

3.
Campfires: Campfire wood can be purchased for a reasonable price @$10 for a tote, or @$20 for a large pot/container. We do allow people to bring their own if they are coming from less that 50 miles away. Some exceptions do apply.

4.
It has been very enjoyable meeting the many campers. Everyone has been very well prepared and it has been a pleasure seeing them have fun. We especially have enjoyed the families with young children and people with their dog(s). All have been very well behaved and very enthusiastic.

5
Dogs are welcome, but please let us know if your dog does not get along well with other dogs, so we can let others know.  We have a young golden retriever that is very friendly and does very well with other dogs, kids and all people. If your dog doesn't get along with others (dogs or people) please let us know in advance, so we can warn others and please, for safety, keep them on a leash.  

Your hosts,

Dan and Anne

Great view from loft. Fine place for afternoon naps.  

Small Orchard on 150 acre Farm

CAMPSITE IS LOCATED IN THE ORCHARD. Please do not enter the main farm driveway. If you are not looking at Apple trees you are in the wrong place.  Pets need to be on a leash and cleaned up after. Please do not leave them out of the orchard. 

My grandfather purchased the property and everything you can see 360° around you in 1953. The orchard was started in 1962 and the large trees date back to that time and still produce apples.

My dad took over in 1985 and it has been part of my life ever since. After my dads passing in 2017 the property fell to me.

At it's peak there were 85 trees that produced 500 bushels of apples per season. All hand pruned, sprayed and picked. We sold them 5 days a week at local farmers markets.

Currently, about two dozen trees are maintained, the rest feed the local wildlife. An orchard is a year round commitment.

Enjoy your stay.

~Dale

This is a small working family orchard. Sites are rustic.  RV and trailers can park on grass or the driveway.  Tents ⛺ can set up on the grass.  One picnic table on site. One fire pit. Minutes from the Rock River for paddling and fishing. No bathroom on site. No water onsite. No onsite camp host. My Uncle is your neighbor, so I will hear about any mischief you might get into.

Natures Garden

Learn more about this land:

Peaceful Private tree farm. Wildlife preservation.  Deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, ducks, geese, birds, frogs etc.  options:   4 wheeler trails..  Camp.  Walk trails,. Peace and quiet for your picnic.   Fish for small pan fish in ponds.   Take pictures of wildlife. Feed pet ducks.  Gods Glory!   Guests provide own tents, chairs, tables, water, food.  If the weather has days of rain.   I will refund all visitors.   Because its gets muddy.
May use bathroom in my cabin in an emergency.  Enjoy!

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