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Cricket Ranch

100%
·
· Cascade, Wisconsin
53 acres
5 sites
5 Tent
The property was a farm until 30 years ago. It's been virtually untouched since then. Chambers Creek runs thru the west side. And you'll find fossils in the rock walls. Learn more about this land: Off the Beaten Path @ Cricket Ranch provides a true back to nature environment for campers, sometimes called "backcountry camping". Located on 50 acres of private forest, field, and valley, our campsites are very secluded and separated by acres of woodland. Each layout is unique, embracing what nature has provided. Backpacking (or wagoning) to your camp from the parking area is necessary as the 5' wide paths do not accommodate cars/trucks. Hiking distance from parking area: (1) Camp Cricket is 600 Ft. (2) Haen Hollow is 250 ft. (3) Rocky Top is 700 ft. (4) Grapeline is 1000 ft.  Feel fee to explore the land! We are located near the Niagara Escarpment so you might even find a 460 million year old fossil on one of the field rock walls. Keep it! So we can keep a count of how many are found, and out of an overabundance of curiosity, please let us know and send some pics of your find.   Chambers Creek (small trout stream on the headwaters of the Milwaukee River-North Branch) winds through the valley on the west side of Cricket Ranch, providing a spot to cool your feet, stone step, or just listen to the relaxing sound of a babbling brook. The creek is overgrown with brush so access is limited to a couple spots at this time. We intend to clear some of the underbrush in the near future to allow for better enjoyment and management of this invaluable natural resource. Near by: Kettle Moraine National Forest is a 10 minute drive, boasting great hiking and the can't-miss-it view from atop Parnell Tower. Lake Ellen has a nice no-fee public boat landing just 2 miles away. The lake has clear water and is stocked periodically with Pike and Walleye. It is surprising how un-busy this lake is so bring your boat, kayak, paddle board, and/or assorted flotation devices and check it out. Our parking area can accommodate boat trailers during your stay. Top Upcoming Local Events (distance): Autumn 2021 (everywhere): It is a MAJOR event!
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Location
Cascade, Wisconsin, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Jay S.Joined in July 2021
100%
57 ratings · 50 reviews
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Christopher W.recommends
May 21, 2023
Grapeline
Excellent experience! Beautiful woods and lots of places to explore. Very secluded and private. We enjoyed our stay very much!
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Liz K.recommends
November 1, 2022
Grapeline
We had a wonderful time camping at Cricket Ranch. It was a beautiful piece of land, the sites were well maintained and delightfully isolated from each other, and there was lots of firewood to scavenge.
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Andrés G.recommends
October 21, 2022
Rocky Top
Rocky Top was a perfect spot! Aspen and Birch to the East with a gorgeous open natural field to the west for a perfect view of the sunset. We got lucky with a cloudless night to see the night sky full of stars too. A great big fire pit for large fires and plenty of room for multiple tents. We'll definitely be coming back to this spot in the future!
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Rafaella L.recommends
October 10, 2022
Site 5 - Off the Beaten Path
Excellent! (Site 5)
Our group had a very enjoyable stay at Cricket Ranch. It's a short walk downhill to Site 5, and the sled provided made hauling our stuff easy breezy. It felt like we were the only ones in the whole area even though the parking area was full. Definitely a place where we would stay again on another trip to Kettle Moraine!
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Dan R.recommends
October 9, 2022
Rocky Top
Great place to camp. Well maintained and very quiet for a nice get away.
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Stephen B.recommends
October 7, 2022
Site 5 - Off the Beaten Path
Site 5
We had a peaceful and relaxing time on Jay's land. Site 5 was a longer walk in and included a steep hill. It was nice to use the sled and wagon to carry things in and out. However, knowing about the steep incline/decline wouldve been nice to know about ahead of time. Other than that our 2 nights there were secluded, quiet, and grounding. The campsite was spacious overall and we enjoyed our fall camping weekend.
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Jonathan A.recommends
October 2, 2022
Grapeline
Nice Sites
Great spot and Jay was an excellent communicator. Sites were really great. Highly recommend.
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Jon M.recommends
September 29, 2022
Grapeline
A Happy Anniversary
Wife and I had a wonderful time camping in one of Jay's yurt style tents with air mattress for our 21st anniversary. Tucked back, far enough from the road we heard nothing but birds and squirrels making racket. The surrounding area we explored on foot and that Saturday took a 30 mile bike ride to town, stopping at restaurants and shops, then around the countryside. Exhausted from that, Sunday we drove to shops and eating establishments. Jay made it easy to book and enjoy mom & dad time. Thank you. Jon & Jill
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Jacquelynn C.recommends
September 19, 2022
Site 5 - Off the Beaten Path
Creek side Camping at Site 5
We had a lovely evening on site 5 (not yet named!) Jay provided incredibly detailed instructions the day of arrival, complete with a camp map that proved helpful. On-site we had an 8-person picnic table, and fire pit with cooking grate, plus recycling and garbage bins! Our two girls were mesmerized by the creek, apple picking, and all the different plants (goldenrod and aster were plentiful!) Parking was convenient and site markers made finding our site very easy. Just a note that site 5 is a pretty good hike-in, and includes a steep-ish part. We were very glad to have a sled from Jay at our arrival to help pack our stuff in to the site. Porta potty was a little walk, but we found it clean and stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Lastly, Jay was SO communicative and helpful - allowing us to add the cost of firewood to our invoice and take an extra sled to transport. Thanks so much - it made all the difference! 🙏😊⛺️🙌
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Krissy H.recommends
September 18, 2022
Rocky Top
jay was super helpful. place was super clean, tons of firewood. probably about a quarter mile hike from parking lot to totally secluded site. would definitely stay here again.
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Katie S.recommends
September 5, 2022
Rocky Top
We had a great time camping! The property is really beautiful and Jay was a great host! The tent sites are very private and quiet, and there are nice hiking trails in the state park nearby
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Jenny S.recommends
September 5, 2022
Haen Hollow
We ❤️Jay’s Hideaway
Jay is AMAZING! If u want a quiet, large place to tent camp this is the place to go. We had 4 times the amount of room you get at most campgrounds. He had our tent set up and wood waiting for us when we got there. My air mattress didn’t fit so right away he went and got 2 smaller ones for me and blew them up. It was my 10-year olds first time camping and Jay was very patient and helpful when we asked about fossils and anything else a 10-year can think of. It was a perfect getaway!
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Jeff D.recommends
September 5, 2022
Grapeline
Beautiful, relaxing, and private.
Great spot! Sites on the property have plenty of space in between and good privacy. Land is well maintained with beautiful surroundings and tons of trees and wildflowers (I was there in early September). I met the owner when I pulled up — very friendly, helpful, and accommodating and also respectful of your space and isolation. Options for shady sites or open sites (I stayed at grapeline which is split into one of each). Great fire pits and grates for cooking. All around enjoyable and relaxing site that I would recommend!
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Moya B.recommends
August 31, 2022
Rocky Top
Solo camping for my 40th. Gorgeous land, peaceful disbursed camp sites. Nice refuse and recycling area and relatively easy to find. Would camp here again.
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Katie K.recommends
August 29, 2022
Rocky Top
Above and Beyond Camping
Cricket Ranch was awesome. We arrived around 7:30pm, and the hosts were kind enough to set up the tent we had rented from them. Our friends rented the yurt, and it seemed awesome. We had everything we needed and wanted, and there was even a little yard games area next to the porta-potty where we could throw a frisbee or play ladderball. We would definitely return!
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Tyler P.recommends
August 28, 2022
Grapeline
Thanks Jay for letting us stay, beautiful property!
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Mandy D.recommends
August 27, 2022
Site 5 - Off the Beaten Path
Incredible:)
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Nick B.recommends
August 23, 2022
Grapeline
Directions were very clear the campsite was super cute and the land is fun to explore. Would absolutely come back. Thanks Jay!
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Aurora E.recommends
August 23, 2022
Site 5 - Off the Beaten Path
I had an emergency come up and had to change plans last minute and Jay was wonderfully kind and flexible. I can’t wait to return and explore this wonderful property as I’d intended to. Jay was prompt and friendly, with a camping experience more secluded than your average state park campsite. I think you’d be missing out not to book.
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Dana W.recommends
August 22, 2022
Rocky Top
Enjoying nature, pure serenity
Wonderful hosts! Everything was as they said it would be. Camp areas are set apart, well maintained and located in close proximity to great hiking and biking options as well as various lakes. We loved exploring along the rock walls and down by the creek.
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Douglas M.recommends
August 21, 2022
Site 5 - Off the Beaten Path
A+ Host, beautiful property can’t wait for another visit!
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Jonathan K.recommends
August 18, 2022
Grapeline
I really enjoyed camping here and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get away. The land was very well maintained. The sites are far enough away from each other to provide privacy. Jay was really nice and responded to any messages quickly. Overall I can't recommend enough.
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Amanda D.recommends
August 17, 2022
Rocky Top
Camping
Beautiful property and a great place to stay and relax! There is plenty of space to unwind and enjoy the wonderful surroundings! Amazing host who is very accessible and accommodating. Definitely would recommend.
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Kelly P.recommends
August 10, 2022
Grapeline
Would camp here again
It felt like we were in our own private park. Jay was an excellent and helpful host. Wonderful experience overall!
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Carrie F.recommends
August 8, 2022
Grapeline
Off the Beaten Path
We stayed at Off the Beaten Path. Jay was an excellent host. Communication was immediate, and although the host was not on site, he let us know he was only a phone call away. When we arrived, the 2 bundles of firewood that we added to our reservation were neatly stacked near the firepits. We stayed at the Grapeline site. It was just as described- 2 campsites in 1. The site is the farthest from the parking, so be ready to haul any supplies. Jay provides a wagon, sled and wheelbarrow. One side was definitely sunny all day. It would be helpful to have a canopy. The other side was shaded. Both sides had a firepit. The sites were clean and private. Although we ran into guests from another site on our second day, we never heard anyone from our campsite during our stay. It was a peaceful and relaxing getaway in a beautiful location. Thank you Jay and Jodi for providing such an amazing campsite. It is evident that you care very much for your land, and I look forward to returning in the future.
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Marc B.recommends
August 7, 2022
Rocky Top
Nice little spot!
Jay's Off the Beaten Path property was just what I was seeking for a quick overnight. Adequately secluded (there is some road noise, but I didn't see another person the whole time I was there) and very nicely maintained. The paths to the campsites are an easy walk and well marked. The porta-potty appears to be regularly maintained, no complaints there. Picnic table, fire pit and cooking grate were convenient, and the requested firewood was a generous pile (I ordered 2, but would have been fine with 1 for the evening). I stayed at Rocky Top, which seems to be the most open site (would be good for a family/small group to spread out), Grapeline or Site #5 look like they would be better if you want to have more tree cover. I'm glad I found this little spot, would definitely stay again when passing through that way.
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Douglas M.recommends
August 7, 2022
Site 5 - Off the Beaten Path
Stayed at site 5 the creek trail was beautiful and calming. Jay is a great host, all around great experience. If you you are in the area treat yourself to this low key gem in the kettles!
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Jacob H.recommends
July 31, 2022
Site 5 - Off the Beaten Path
Sweet stay at Site 5
Site #5 was a great stay. There are well maintained trails that get you there. The site itself is down a little hill and nestled right next to the creek there, which my dog absolutely loved. There is a trail leading to the creek and then along it for a little while. Lake Ellen is a really nice little lake, and is super close by. Amsterdam Dune Preservation Area is on Lake Michigan and about a 20 minute drive, and is a shining example of a typical Lake Michigan white sand beach. Thanks again for the great stay Jay.
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Mike D.recommends
July 27, 2022
Grapeline
Amazing path to our site.Amazing location. Amazing history. Amazing natural site. Amazing host. Al in all amazing.
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Stephen B.recommends
July 18, 2022
Haen Hollow
First time hipcampers
We had a great time getting to go in the woods and find wood for the fire we camped atHaen Hollow close to unload the car short walk but still away from anyone else and peacefully we will return and may try the other sites too
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