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The English Pale Campground (21+)

Hosted by Cal · Melrose, Wisconsin
10 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 70 acres
96%
·
99 reviews
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Best in Wisconsin: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Hike-in sites
Hike-in to some sites at this Hipcamp.
The English Pale Campground is located along the Black River in Jackson County, 1 mile west of the Village of Melrose. The entire property only allows guests and occupants who are 21 or older. Sites/house can be booked 6 months in advance. The main campground is 70 feet elevation above the river, so the beach access road and paths have 14% grade change . We have 5 rustic (no hook-ups) RV/Travel Trailer/Tent sites "up top", a fully furnished “Manor” House, a travel trailer as well as 2 rustic beach sites and 4 rustic river sites that are located along the river. The property is a total of 70 acres, which includes the 4+ acre beach, a mile of river front and trails through the woods that connect them all. IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION: The river edge erosion wall has been repaired from flood damage and all site along the river should be available starting 2027. The English Pale opened in 2021 and is a developing property. In November 2025 an erosion wall was built along the Black River. This included clearing of a section of the forest, building a gravel access road using 3" base gravel, and an riprap river wall to prevent further erosion. Since 2016 over 60 feet of the riverbank has washed away. ATV/UTV/golfcarts are allow to operate on gravel pathways without any permits. This includes up to but NOT on the beach. A permit from management must be obtained for ATV/UTVs to operate ON the beach. Our property offers a reasonable expectation of privacy and we do not offer day passes as our target guests are campers. We are an adult only property, but not a nudist campground, as that is not our central theme. We do not prohibit our guests from nudity for the purpose of sunbathing on the beach, campsites or sundeck, but nudity is not allowed in general common areas. Part of our nature is allowing discreet nudity for tanning purposes. While we target couples for time together, singles and groups are welcome. This is NOT a party campground, our goal is to let you connect with nature. More campground information can be found on our main web page or on Facebook at The English Pale Campground and Resort. The entire property can be rented by contacting us directly by phone or email.

Select a site

Tent-only sites

2 sites

R3 Rustic Beach

99%
(36)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
NOTE: After the repair of the erosion wall in 2026 the original site as designed no longer exists. Site R3 is still in the same area but has changed. This is a rustic site located directly along the Black River, at the end of the erosion wall and accessible by water. No other campsites are with in 400 feet and the site is located adjacent to a 4+ acre beach. This site allows a maximum of 6 adults (must be 21+) per site. The vehicle rustic parking area is located by walking a gravel road along the wood's edge about 10-15 minute north. There is no direct access by vehicles to this site. The main campground to the property is located about 10-15 minutes west, by walking on a trail as well. A Water Station, outdoor shower and portable toilets are available in the main campground. Based on availability, we can provide transportation to the rustic beach sites (for supplies) with a Gator, one-way is $10 and $20 round trip. Please contact management by the email or direct text. A beach road permit ($30) can be purchased on the "EXTRAS" page or directly through me. This permit allows access to the gravel road, down to just short of the beach by about 50 yards. Parking is RESTRICTED to the gravel parking lot. Site R3 is still about 200 feet from the lot, but parking on the site is not possible. Weather conditions like rain and flooding directly affect the availability of this site. High water will cause the site to become unusable and unsafe. Use of the property is on your own risk and no lifeguards patrol the beach. All campers must be 21 and older, ID required.
Hike-in access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers

R4 Rustic Beach

100%
(30)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
This is a rustic beach site located directly along the Black River accessible by water and foot only. No other campsites are with in 800 feet and the site is located on the west side of our 4+ acre sand beach. Six adults (must be 21+) are the maximum allowed per site. A vehicle parking area is located by walking about 10-15 minute north on a gravel road along the woods edge. There is no direct access by vehicles to this site. The main campground to the property is located about 10-15 minutes west, by walking on a trail. Based on availability, we can provide transportation to the rustic beach sites (for supplies) with a Gator, one-way is $10 and $20 round trip. Please contact management by the email or [xxxxxxxx]. A permit ($30) can be purchased for a single 4 wheel, or all wheel drive vehicle on the "EXTRAS" page or directly through me. Parking is RESTRICTED to the gravel parking lot. Site R4 is still about 800 feet from the lot, so parking on the site is not possible. This site is well suited to access by canoe or kayak. A fire ring is provided but safe burning on the beach is allowed. A picnic table is also provided. Drinking water, portable toilet and outdoor shower are available on the north side of the Manor House in the Main Campground. Weather conditions like rain and flooding directly affect the availability of this site. High water will cause the site to become unusable and unsafe. Activities are at your own risk and no life guards patrol the beach. All campers must be 21 and older, ID required.
Moderate walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers

RV/tent sites

7 sites

B21

94%
(25)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 50 ft
This site is 1 of 5 that can be used for any type of camping unit including a tent, travel trailer, RV or 5th wheel. The site receives sun in the morning and starts to become shaded about 1pm. The Campground is rustic and does not provide electrical or water hook-ups currently. A Water Station and outdoor shower is provided on the north side of the Manor House.  One tent may be used in conjunction with the primary independent camping unit or up to 3 tents alone. Maximum  6 persons, all 21 or older, may rent these sites. Each site is 50’ X 50’ and provides a level, diagonal 60’ gravel parking pad, a fire pit and picnic table. Rental of a site entitles you access to a 4+ acre beach along the Black River, 1 mile southwest of the Melrose Boat launch. The beach is about a 10-to-15-minute walk on trails through the woods.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

B14 Pull Through Wooded Site

94%
(9)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 38 ft
This was a new vehicle access site in 2025. This site is 1 of 5 that can be used for any type of camping unit including a tent, travel trailer camper that with the towing unit and camper DO NOT exceed more than 38 feet. Pulled units 21' or less are a good fit. This is a drive thru site that has a curved gravel pad around a huge oak tree, that makes it difficult for large units. The driveway level and made with 3/4" granite which is less messy in the rain. This is a great site for added privacy, but has limited sun mid-morning and starts to become shaded late afternoon. Not the best for sunbathing due to the trees on the site. The site was constructed in the tree line for added privacy. The Campground is rustic and does not provide electrical or water hook-ups currently. A Water Station and outdoor shower (hot/cold water) is provided on the north side of the Manor House. One tent may be used in conjunction with the primary independent camping unit or up to 3 tents alone, but would get tight due to the tree cover. Maximum 6 persons, all 21 or older, may rent this sites. A fire pit and picnic table is included. Rental of a site entitles you access to entire property and a 4+ acre beach along the Black River, 1 mile southwest of the Melrose Boat launch. The beach is about a 10-to-15-minute walk on trails through the woods.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

B18

100%
(7)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 50 ft
This site is 1 of 5 that can be used for any type of camping unit including a tent, travel trailer, RV or 5th wheel. The site receives sun in the morning and starts to become shaded about 1pm. The Campground is rustic and does not provide electrical or water hook-ups currently. A Water Station and outdoor shower is provided on the north side of the Manor House.  One tent may be used in conjunction with the primary independent camping unit or up to 3 tents alone. Maximum of 6 persons, all 21 or older, may rent these sites. Each site is 50’ X 50’ and provides a level, diagonal 60’ gravel parking pad, a fire pit and picnic table. Rental of a site entitles you access to a 4+ acre beach along the Black River, 1 mile southwest of the Melrose Boat launch. The beach is about a 10-to-15-minute walk on trails through the woods.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

B16

83%
(6)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 50 ft
This site is 1 of 5 that can be used for any type of camping unit including a tent, travel trailer, RV or 5th wheel. The site receives sun in the morning and starts to become shaded about 1pm. The Campground is rustic and does not provide electrical or water hook-ups currently. A Water Station and outdoor shower is provided on the north side of the Manor House.  One tent may be used in conjunction with the primary independent camping unit or up to 3 tents alone. Maximum of 6 persons, all 21 or older, may rent these sites. Each site is 50’ X 50’ and provides a level, diagonal 60’ gravel parking pad, a fire pit and picnic table. Rental of a site entitles you access to a 4+ acre beach along the Black River, 1 mile southwest of the Melrose Boat launch. The beach is about a 10-to-15-minute walk on trails through the woods.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

B20

100%
(6)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 50 ft
This site is 1 of 5 that can be used for any type of camping unit including a tent, travel trailer, RV or 5th wheel. The site receives sun in the morning and starts to become shaded about 1pm. The Campground is rustic and does not provide electrical or water hook-ups currently. A Water Station and outdoor shower is provided on the north side of the Manor House.  One tent may be used in conjunction with the primary independent camping unit or up to 3 tents alone. Maximum of 6 persons, all 21 or older, may rent these sites. Each site is 50’ X 50’ and provides a level, diagonal 60’ gravel parking pad, a fire pit and picnic table. Rental of a site entitles you access to a 4+ acre beach along the Black River, 1 mile southwest of the Melrose Boat launch. The beach is about a 10-to-15-minute walk on trails through the woods.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

R6 Rustic Riverside

Booked 3 times
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 13 ft
This is a rustic river site located directly along the Black River and accessible land and water. This site is located at the very beginning of the river erosion wall approximately 1,400' from our 4+ acre beach. The site has access to a shared canoe access point with R5 and is located on a mowed section on top of the erosion wall. The main view of the river is obstructed by trees growing on the bank. Shade is provided by a large Oak tree, but the site is sunny all day until about 3pm. This site allows a maximum of 6 adults (must be 21+) per site. A vehicle parking area is located by walking up the gravel access road less than 5-minutes north. There is a SINGLE vehicle access permit (by fee) available for the gravel Beach road allowing vehicle access by permit, directly to this site. The main campground to the property is located about 10-15 minutes west, by walking on trails and gravel roads. A Water Station, outdoor shower and portable toilets are available in the main campground. A single portable toilet is within eyesight of this site. Access to the site can be on foot, ATV/UTV, or vehicle (with fee). For an additional $10 fee (one way) $20 round trip, supplies can be transported from the parking lot to your site or/and back, contact management, send a text. In addition to tents, this site can be used by small Overland Trailers, Off-road Teardrops, Rugged Pop-ups and 4x4 Camper Vans. There is a 14% grade gravel road hill that needs to be maneuvered, due to an elevation change of 70 feet. A vehicle permit (under extras) must be purchased in addition to the camping fee to utilize this option. Weather conditions like rain can cause the access road to become difficult to maneuver so NO standard campers like Class A, 5th wheels, or Class C campers or any camping unit pulled by a 2-wheel drive vehicle will be allowed access. Use of the property is at your own risk, and no lifeguards patrol the beach or river. All campers must be 21 and older, ID required.
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup

R5 Rustic Riverside

100%
(1)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 13 ft
This is a rustic river site located directly along the Black River and accessible land and water. This site is the second site along the river erosion wall approximately 1,400' from our 4+ acre beach. The site has access to a shared canoe launch with R6 and is located on a mowed section on top of the erosion wall. R5 and R6 are close to each other by a few 100' feet. The main view of the river is obstructed by trees growing on the bank. Shade is provided on the west side by the forest edge trees, but the site is sunny all day. This site allows a maximum of 6 adults (must be 21+) per site. A vehicle parking area is located by walking up the gravel access road less than 5-minutes north. There is a SINGLE vehicle access permit (by fee) available for the gravel road allowing vehicle access by permit, directly to this site. The main campground to the property is located about 10-15 minutes west, by walking on trails and gravel roads. A Water Station, outdoor shower and portable toilets are available in the main campground. A single portable toilet is within eyesight of this site. Access to the site can be on foot, ATV/UTV, or vehicle (with extra fee). For an additional $10 fee (one way) $20 round trip, supplies can be transported by Gator from the parking lot to your site or/and back, contact management, send a text. In addition to tents, this site can be used by small Overland Trailers, Off-road Teardrops, Rugged Pop-ups and 4x4 Camper Vans. There is a 14% grade gravel road hill that needs to be maneuvered, due to an elevation change of 70 feet. A vehicle permit (under extras) must be purchased in addition to the camping fee to utilize this option. Weather conditions like rain can cause the access road to become difficult to maneuver so NO standard campers like Class A, 5th wheels, or Class C campers or any camping unit pulled by a 2-wheel drive vehicle will be allowed access. Use of the property is at your own risk, and no lifeguards patrol the beach or river. All campers must be 21 and older, ID required.
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup

Lodging

1 site

B16 Trailer 07 Sunset

100%
(4)
Onsite RV/trailer · Sleeps 6 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 toilet
This camper rental is perfect for the guest who wants a little more than the "Rustic" experience, but does not own their own unit. It comes fully set up as a 26-foot, "2007, Sunset Trail" travel trailer ready to rent on location. While we do not have electrical hookups, as the campground is rustic, we do include an inverter generator and one tank of gas with the rental. Also included is a full propane tank, 40-gallons of fresh water (non-potable), linens for two double beds, some basic utensils, BBQ supplies and dumping of the 50 gallon waste tanks. Our sites are 50’ X 50’ and provides a level, diagonal 60-foot gravel parking pad, a fire pit, and picnic table. One tent may be used in conjunction with the travel trailer for a maximum of 6 persons, (all 21 or older) may rent the site. Rental is $200 for the first, two nights and $80 per night after that, up to 7 nights (contact Cal before booking to get the discount). The supplies provided (propane, gas and water) are normally sufficient for a 2 to 3 night stay. Extra charges are incurred for additional gas, propane, or a gray/black water dump.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table

Reviews

96% Recommend126 ratings · 99 reviews
English Pale Campground garners high praise for its serene setting and welcoming host, Cal. Campers enjoy the clean and well-maintained sites, with many highlighting the proximity to a beautiful, secluded beach along the river. Reviewers appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty, often mentioning the clear night skies and birdwatching opportunities. While the majority of feedback is positive, a few guests noted the presence of bugs, suggesting it as a minor inconvenience.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Location

Melrose, Jackson, 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 Cal S.

Joined in August 2021
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour

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