A Visit to the Wild West of Wisconsin

Written by Sarah Lingen, current camp counselor and former camper at Wild West Campground & Corral.

13-year-old Sarah at Girls Camp!

Sarah guiding the next generation of campers!

From Wisconsin State Highway 54, all you can see is a long dusty gravel road and a massive billboard that reads “Wild West Campground and Corral” in gleaming gold lettering. Most people have never heard of this place or drive past without a second thought. I however, do not belong to either of those groups. I am fortunate enough to call this place my second home. 

The first time I visited Wild West, I was six years old. I vividly remember the mile-long driveway that made me question whether we had taken a wrong turn. It felt like we were traveling through an untouched wilderness. Surrounded by towering pine trees on one side and thick woods on the other, the drive was a tranquil escape, with nothing but the occasional deer or squirrel breaking the stillness.  

At the end of the lush forest, the campground emerges, almost like a hidden treasure. Though it is on the smaller side with only sixty sites, this campground is truly one of a kind. A community can be found, filled with some of the friendliest people you could ever meet. Each campsite holds not only campers and supplies but also a wealth of memories. Every weekend, as the sun sets, the flickering glow of campfires lights up the campground, accompanied by the joyful sounds of laughter that echo into the night.

Continuing up the driveway, beyond the campsites, you will find a cozy brown wooden lodge that houses the campground office. Every Friday night in summer, the lodge hosts a community fish fry. The enticing smell of grease wafts through the air before you even step inside, a sure sign that a delicious meal awaits. Outside the lodge, there is a communal campfire surrounded by enough chairs to accommodate a small gathering. This was my favorite spot. I could sit by this campfire for hours, utterly content. My mother and I would often go there, meeting both familiar faces and new friends. The owner, Jay, was always there to greet us, accompanied by his loyal dog, Duke, whom we affectionately call the campground mascot. I sometimes joke that Jay and Duke are two sides of the same coin–both a bit grumpy and reluctant to engage, yet inherently bound to their roles as owner and faithful mutt. As a child, I found Jay somewhat intimidating, but after nearly thirteen years, his unchanged demeanor has become a comforting constant.

To the left of the lodge lies a large, hilly pasture home to sixteen horses, gracefully surrounding the building. Mornings are the best time to experience this scene. If you arrive early enough, when the sun is just beginning to rise and the world is still asleep, the crisp morning air welcomes you. You might even find the horses peacefully lying down, savoring the quiet before their day begins. This spot, with its creaky wooden swing chairs, is another place where I could sit for hours, simply watching the campground come to life. 

Wild West Campground and Corral is more than just a place to visit. It is a sanctuary for memories, friends, and serenity. From the welcoming glow of campfires to the tranquil mornings with horses, every moment spent here has shaped who I am. As I take a look back at all the times I have shared with friends and family, I realize that this campground will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Leave a comment with your favorite memory of Sarah!