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Cricket Ranch

Hosted by Jay · Cascade, Wisconsin
5 sites · Tent · 53 acres
99%
·
188 reviews
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Best Hipcamps in Wisconsin
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Best in Wisconsin: 3rd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
We are honored to again be named one of the Best Hipcamps in Wisconsin for 2024. Thank you to our guests for your wonderful reviews and helpful suggestions! And a special thank you to one of our guests, Brandon "Da Garbage Disposal" Clark, for featuring Cricket Ranch in his YouTube series "Outdoors Unsupervised: Survival Season 6". Learn more about this land: Cricket Ranch is a crazy combo of Nature's past, present, and future. The property was a farm with 75% of it corn fields until 30 years ago. It has been virtually untouched since then and in just a few decades it has reinvented itself as a forest. Chambers Creek runs thru the west side of the property. As a headwater of the Milwaukee River, it is part of the Great Lakes Basin and a source for Lake Michigan. Wisconsin has identified Chambers Creek as an Exceptional Resource Water (ERWs), Less than 10% of Wisconsin waterways carry this designation. What we do (or don't do) now affects the Great Lakes later. And you'll find fossils in the rock walls of some of the earliest examples of complex life on Earth (from 460 mya, Ordovician, Cambrian). No digging required. Seriously. How they got there is a very long story in the making and involves ancient inland seas, plate tectonics, glaciers, German immigrants, and 19th-20th century farming. 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, as previously mentioned, 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 provides 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 but we do have a trail that follows the creek for about 300 yds. We intend to clear some more 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.
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Grapeline

99%
(98)
Tent site · Sleeps 14
Grapeline is a 2-for-1 site that combines the coziness of "Lil' Grapeline" with the open sky of "Big Grapeline". The large trees (Elm, Hickory, Oak, Maple) growing on the rock wall by Lil' Grapeline provide shade, a break from wind and rain, and are a great base for hammocks. An antient Wild Grape vine is interwoven with that line of mature trees, inspiring the site's name. Big Grapeline provides more space for bigger setups, lots of sky, and a great sunset view. Lil' and Big are right next to each other and are connected by a short path through the trees. Grapeline has 2 firepits, a picnic table, cooking grate, garbage can and recycle bin.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
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Rocky Top

99%
(63)
Tent site · Sleeps 14
**FEATURED in "Outdoors Unsupervised: Survival Season 6" on YouTube** Rocky Top isn't actually rocky as the name implies. It's named for the rock wall that runs next to it and it is on the highest point of elevation at Cricket Ranch. Rocky Top is a large site with a huge view of the sky for star-gazing and the sunsets are fantastic! There is very little shade and many of our guests recommend using a pop-up canopy during the day. There are two ways to access the site. The short way takes you over the rock wall which is not hard for most people and you can get a little red wagon over it. The long way takes your around the rock wall, adding about 300 feet to your hike, but is wheelchair and ATV accessible. Site includes a picnic table, fire pit, cooking grate, garbage can and recycle bin.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
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Haen Hollow

98%
(54)
Tent site · Sleeps 14
Haen Hollow is the only site you can drive right up to at Cricket Ranch. It is located near the front of the property so it is close to the entrance, porta-potty, yard game area, and firewood stand. It is set back about 100 feet from the main trail and provides privacy. There is a picnic table, fire pit, cooking grate, garbage can and recycle bin provided. The site is surrounded by trees (Maples and Quaking Aspens) that provide a good amount of shade. The surface is grass and clover and is on a slight slant, with the most level area being shaded. Haen Hollow is a smaller site and is best suited for a smaller group. We can no longer allow vehicles/campers/trailers to park on the campsite. Our sites just aren't built for the stress. You can drive up to it and park just outside of Haen Hollow for you entire stay.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
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Apple Valley (Site #5)

100%
(40)
Tent site · Sleeps 14
Apple Valley (Site #5) is very big and secluded. It is located in the valley by Chambers Creek, it has a level grass surface, and is surrounded 360 degrees by a wall of nature. There is a large amount of sky viewable for star-gazers at night. That also means there is very little shade most of the day so bringing a pop-up canopy would be worth the effort. A 25 foot trail takes you creekside and to a 500 ft trail that follows the creek. The site is closer to the road than our other sites so you get more road noise. It's not at all bad or constant but is worth a mention. Most of the time when a vehicle goes by, it's white noise. But a truck downshifting on the hill or a motorcycle with deer-repellent pipes goes by, you'll hear it (and so will your dog) Firepit, picnic table, cooking grate, garbage can and recycle bin provided.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
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Camp Cricket

100%
(9)
Tent site · Sleeps 14
Simply put, Camp Cricket is our best campsite. Most of the time it is occupied by the Hosts (Jay and Jodi) so it is rarely available. If you get a chance to nab this site, you'll see why. (Big Bang Theory fans: this is Sheldon's spot) Camp Cricket is a large site nestled in the trees where 3 rock walls converge. The mature Maple and Hickory trees provide shade, some protection from wind/rain, and multiple hammock options. Perfectly level surface throughout the site so you can build your camping compound with confidence. There are two fire pits, one is an extra large ring to circle the chairs around, the other is small and ideal for cooking. This site is next to its own parking area and the "blue phone booth" is close by. **Camp Cricket is not intended for those who don't want it easy**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
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5 sites

Reviews

99% Recommend344 ratings · 188 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Grapeline
Clean, private, and spacious. Easy, wide walk in with wagons. Jay brought us a big haul of firewood. Would recommend.
A
Ashley W.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Grapevine is a great adventure!
Tent · With kids ·
Grapeline
Third annual camping trip to Grapeline, and every year it's a home run! We love the convenience of having the Bell tent up and ready to go when we arrive. This property is so close to so much great outdoor adventure we keep coming back year after year. See you in 2026!
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Amy I.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Spooked
Tent · With pets ·
Haen Hollow
Directions to get to the site were easy enough to follow. Portapotty was clean and well maintained. Firewood was available on site for $5 with a wagon which was helpful. We cooked our dinner over the fire grate provided & ate at the picnic table. Overall a lovely stay. We took a nature walk during sunset to scope out a bit of the land. Was cool to see the rock walls & get some history from The land owner. When we crawled into the tent for the evening we were awoken twice throughout the night from our dog barking at what seemed to be human footsteps through the fallen leaves on the path leading up to our site. We were quite spooked to say the very least… other than that, we heard truck noise from the road throughout the night which brought some comfort to us. The owner said he never heard of such a thing in the middle of the night.. Would recommend, just be aware & prepared as always when tent camping.
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Julia F.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Rocky Top Respite
Tent ·
Rocky Top
Stayed at Rocky Top for one night, what a lovely, secluded campsite! Even though there were campers at other sites I barely heard or saw them. Nice sunset view and the creek was calming. The wagon was awesome amenity as the site is a little ways in and up a bit of a hill. The only minor con was a bit of road noise but it wasn’t too loud or distracting.
M
Megan R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Haen hollow
Tent · With pets ·
Haen Hollow
Great camping spot would recommend to others. We had a group of 6, 4 dogs and 3 tents and had plenty of space. Trashcan was full when we got there with trash on the ground and no wood was left in the precut bundle area. Can hear the traffic from the site but really wasn't a problem for us. Overall would go again.
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Rob S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
First time Hipcampers
Tent · With pets ·
Grapeline
This was our first time staying at a Hipcamp. Don't think we will ever go to another crowded campground again. This is exactly what we were looking for. We adopted 2 rescue dogs a few years ago and one is not so great with people. Pretty much put an end to our camping. This site was absolutely perfect. We picked the furthest site away from the others, Grapeline. It was not a bad walk at all, remote enough that we could let the dogs off leash. We still encountered other campers when we were coming and going for the day, near the parking area and Porta potty. Lake Michigan is near by and Kettle Morain for some great hiking. This trip and the camp were exactly what we were looking for. Perfect!
B
Becki L.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Grapeline
Super nice property and host! We stayed at Grapeline and barely heard any traffic from the road. Would recommend!
B
Brenda W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· September 2025
An overall great time
Tent · With pets ·
Haen Hollow
Overall, we had a great experience. Pros: -The site was easily located via the pin provided on Google. The directions listed on the Hipcamp posting were clear. -The site was clean and provided a lot of shade with a big open area in the middle. On a clear night the view would be amazing. -The porta potty was clean, close by, and stocked according to needs -Ability to drive up to the site was ideal for me. -Wood available for purchase at site offered convenience. -Not able to hear other campers when in other sites. So quiet nights... a well needed retreat. -Site is private as it is surrounded by trees and tucked a bit back. -location is 10-15 min away from lots of walking trails. - Grabbed food at a local joint. Sipps bar and grill. Owned by a local couple. The food and service were great!! -Dog loved her time...the ability to have her roam a bit was awesome. Cons: All due to my own lack of thought. So I list them to help others realize what some pros may also entail. - Be aware that this site IS right off of the loading and unloading area(a bit less than 100 feet) so you will have to deal with noise from other arrivals...even when they decide to come later in the evening. As well as other departures...even if that departure is at 1130 at night. - Because the porta potty is close by you may catch a wiff or 2. -Since this is a shaded area you will have to deal will have some muddy areas if it decides to rain...we got stormed on 70% of our time there.
C
Cat C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Rocky Top
Great communication from the host, everything exactly as described. We had a question upon arrival and Jay was very helpful. The site was well maintained and the property is beautiful.
C
Chris H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tranquil times @ Cricket Ranch!
Tent · With pets ·
Haen Hollow
We had an awesome time at Cricket Ranch! We were lucky enough to have the entire property to ourselves for a night of camping! The host, Jay, was incredibly communicative and accommodating. It’s awesome that he has firewood for sale right in the general area, porta potty was very clean & all sites were awesome as we did explore with our 3 dogs! The off leash amenity of this location is hard to beat! We will be back!
S
Shannon A.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Apple Valley (Site #5)
We got rained out, but the dry time we had was great! Port o potty was amazing. Our dog had a blast getting to camp and be free!
H
Heather F.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Apple Valley (Site #5)
Awesome spot! Tent camped at site 5, it felt nice and private. You hear a little car traffic during the day but it’s pretty quiet at night and doesn’t take away from the experience. Wonderful spot to see the stars. The sled is very helpful getting supplies to the site from your car. There is a bit of a hill towards the actual site itself so have decent shoes on, again nothing crazy or undoable. I would recommend this spot if you need a relaxing getaway!
K
Katie B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Grapeline
We had a great weekend camping here! The grapeline site was secluded and peaceful, and the hosts quick to respond with answers to questions.
S
Sha N.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Rocky Top
Great place to camp, would definitely camp here again.
B
Brett S.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Awesome stay!
Tent · With kids ·
Haen Hollow
This was such a great spot to camp! The site was well maintained, so clean, and had lots of spots to explore (the rock wall was fun to explore and the history of the area is fascinating). Our host, Jay, was also very responsive. We definitely will stay again. One note, the road noise was loud at times, mostly overnight due to the big rigs taking that route. Not at all a deal breaker, just a heads up for any light sleepers!
D
Danielle B.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Great property and fantastic camp
Tent · With pets ·
Haen Hollow
Super cute campsite! Definitely felt very private. We could hear the cars going by on the highway but the property is so well maintained and the portapotty is really clean, so all things considered we didn’t mind at all. Host was also very nice!
L
Lydia H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Great for group camping
Tent · With pets ·
Grapeline
Loved grapevine camp spot, quiet and mostly private area. One campground area with a few clearings around to spread out a bit. Downside was creek area wasn't much of an excitement as hoped, but would definitely recommend area and such a deal for 12 ppl!
K
Kimberly D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Off the beaten path…
Tent ·
Rocky Top
A very private and peaceful campsite, exactly what we were looking for. The host had excellent communication throughout our stay. The property was well-maintained: clean, freshly mowed, and even had firewood available for sale. And honestly, the port-a-potty was the cleanest I've ever seen. Highly recommend if you're looking for a quiet, well-kept spot to relax
M
Mike P.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Loved it!
Tent ·
Haen Hollow
Haen Hollow was great! The camping area is easy to drive right into and park at, and secluded from other sites. Definitely will be back!
B
Ben M.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent ·
Rocky Top
Amazing, beautiful campground! Rocky top was so peaceful and felt very private, I couldn’t hear or see the other campers. Definitely the best Hipcamp I’ve stayed at!
M
Maria I.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Haen Hollow
Such a great time! Beautiful campsite, easy drive to Lake Michigan, Jay was a great host. The creek and rocks were love by all.
B
Bradley M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Grapeline
My party stayed on Grapeline. This site was plenty large enough to fit all our tents and gear. Two of the three sections had ample shade to protect us from the sun. Another admirable feature is the privacy. Other sites on the property were far enough away to minimize any interference from other people. Overall, it was a great experience. The owner Jay was responsive to questions and quick to help. That kind of service was appreciated!
P
Paul N.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Relaxing!
Tent ·
Apple Valley (Site #5)
Stayed at Apple Valley V. Incredibly private. Thoughtful to have sleds/carts to get things from the car to the campsite. Only one porta potty on property that was a bit far away. Good instructions/directions from Jay so we knew what to expect ahead of time. Wished we could have accessed creek for some cool down but it was very tangled on the banks. Lots of native flowers and butterflies!
L
Linda G.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Nicer than most state parks
Tent · With kids ·
Apple Valley (Site #5)
We had such a fun family weekend camping. The site was completely private and beautiful. It is down a steep dirt path, so we left before a big rain, as we were wary of getting everything back up, but in dry weather its a wonderful location. The site was nicely mowed and clean, with a nice table and fire pit. The porta potty was far from the site but clean. We live in the city so would definitely call the site quiet- highway noise was not an issue.
L
Laura H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Grapeline
Lots of choices to pitch your tent. Privacy was the best. Being close to nature life was so good. Jay gave be a lot of wood to burn. Thanks.
M
Minyoung L.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Grapeline
We had a great trip with Cricket Ranch as our homemade. Our three year old loves our area Grapeline, going back and forth on the path between the two sites. Very well thought out simple camping experience, saw lots of birds and some rat snakes ! Natural creek with gorgeous Lilly, and old stone wall to explore. Had a fun day at the beach at the Kholer state park swimming and hiking and visited bookworm gardens and the Kholer Art preserve, all about 30 minutes away.
C
Carrie V.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Haen Hollow
Super responsive host. The camp site was easy to access and secluded. You can hear the road traffic but can’t see it and it’s not really a bother. Lovely night stay!
M
Meghan S.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
Grapeline
Great quiet spot! All directions and maps were very clear and host was well communicative. Wagon was extremely helpful and easy to haul gear.
S
Stephanie R.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Grapeline
Tent ·
Grapeline
Well maintained and scenic camping spot, I would stay at Grapeline again.
J
Justin B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Peaceful, Restful, and Perfect for
Tent · With pets ·
Haen Hollow
We had an amazing stay at this campground in Criket Creek in Cascade, WI! From the moment we arrived, we felt wrapped in peacefulness. We stayed at the Halen Hollow site, which was the perfect size—easily big enough for 3–4 tents, though we just had one. It truly felt like our own little world tucked away in nature. We also rented a Yurt, and it was such a treat—it was all set up and ready to go when we arrived, so we just moved in and got to relaxing right away. Our dog had an absolute blast exploring and discovering the nearby creek. It was pure joy watching him run around so freely. Firewood delivery was super convenient, and we were able to purchase more onsite when we needed it, which made evening campfires easy and cozy. Overall, this place was everything we needed and more—restful, scenic, and soul-nourishing. We will definitely be back!
A
Awaken H.
6 months on Hipcamp

Location

Cascade, Sheboygan, 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

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