Camp Wandawega
Est. Prior to 1930
W5453 Lake View Drive, Elkhorn, WI, United States
Up to 150 guests
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Camp Wandawega is recognized on The National Register of Historic Places. 
Camp Wandawega is a no-frills, back-to-bascis establishment, with no modern conveniences; that's part of our charm, but it's not for everyone.
The Lowdown
Type
Beach / Lake / Waterfront LocationBoutique HotelCamping / GlampingField / Forest / OrchardHistoric Building
Views
ForestLakeLandscaped GroundsRolling Hills
Style
Casual
Country
Eclectic
Retro
Vintage
Best type of Celebrations
Product Launch
Corporate Event
Family Reunion
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception
Workshops: Creative, Photo, Etc.

Venue Setting

Camp Wandawega is recognized on The National Register of Historic Places. We're not a "proper" resort by a long shot. We're just carrying on the timeless tradition of connecting people to the simple pleasures of simpler times, since 1925. Camp Wandawega is a no-frills, back-to-bascis establishment, with no modern conveniences; that's part of our charm, but it's not for everyone. Overnight accommodations include a combination of vintage cabins, cottages, a dorm-style hotel/bunkhouse and camping.

Capacity

Seated
150
Buffet
N/A
Standing
150
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Insurance

Additional Insurance Is Required To Host An Event At This Venue

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Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
Prior to 1930
Curfew
No Curfew
Venue spaces
Outdoor Venue Space Only
Catering
Client Can Select The Caterer Of Their Choice
Alcohol
BYO Permitted – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol
Music
Outdoors Only
Smoking
Designated Smoking Areas Only
Accommodations
A combination of vintage cabins, cottages, a dorm-style hotel/bunkhouse and camping can account for up to 50 overnight guests.
Eco/Green Events
Yes
Amenities
  • Ample Parking Onsite
  • Onsite Restrooms
Inside Scoop

If the owner, David, is there when you are, ask him for a private tour. He's a local history buff, and he has some fascinating stories going back to Wandawega's Prohibition roots.

Venue Features
The scene:
Our location on the edge of the woods, on the shores of a hidden lake, and at the end of a dead end road made Wandawega a hotbed of activity during Prohibition. The historic buildings and facilities in a pristine natural setting will make you feel like you've gone back in time.
Design:
While the overall architecture is simple cottage vernacular, the pristine natural setting and well-preserved and renovated structures contributed to Wandawega's recognition on The National Register of Historic Places and The Wisconsin Registry of Historic Places. As a place that evolved over the decades, the interior design and furnishings reflect the charm of the 1920s through the 1950s.
Standout venue features:
Camp Wandawega has 25 private acres, a private beach, hiking trails, boating, fishing, swimming, archery, shuffleboard, horsehoes and a world-famous treehouse.
Extra perks:
Vintage boats, canoes, and sporting equipment are at your disposal. As are a half dozen or so picnic tables, outdoor grills, smokers, and campfire pits.
Awards & Notables
Awards, recognitions, or noteworthy achievements associated with the venue.
We are honored that we have been featured in local, national and international press and media including The London Independent, The Wall Street Journal, Treehouse Masters, CBS Sunday Morning, The Huffingtom Post, Net-A-Porter, Conde Naste Traveler, MTV, Buzzfeed, Esquire, Details, Design Sponge, InStyle, NPR, Dwell, and may others.
Food Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Lounges
This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.
We do not provide any food or beverage services, so our renters are able to bring in the caterer and event services provider of their choice.
Celebration Locations
This section outlines the various spaces available within the venue for different types of events.
The Outdoor Chapel
For over 50 years, this outdoor chapel overlooking the lake has been the location for Catholic "Mass In The Grass" on summer Sundays, weather permitting. Vintage handmade pews sit casually under a canopy of trees. It's also the perfect location for a wedding ceremony, an outdoor movie, a presentation, or group meetings.
View: Quiet, peaceful Lake Wandawega is the backdrop for our outdoor chapel.
Max capacity: 150
Price range: All of our facilities are included in a private all-camp rental.
The Old Tennis Court
This old concrete tennis court doesn't see much tennis action anymore, but it's the perfect place to place an event tent for a reception/event/party of up to 150 people.
View: Quiet, peaceful Lake Wandawega is the backdrop for our outdoor chapel, and it's located on the edge of the woods.
Max capacity: 150
Price range: All of our facilities are included in a private all-camp rental.
Venue matched with reports
This Authentically Vintage Sleepaway Camp for Adults Has A Crazy History
Throwing a big birthday bash may feel too self-indulgent for some folks out there, but we have an approach that makes it more about your friends having a good time than just about celebrating another revolution around the sun. Enter Camp Wandawega, a sleepaway camp for the grown-ups (and the not-so-grown-up). A sprawling property that sits on a lake, this no-frills experience is free of scolding camp counselors and still full of activities. If you’re all for spending a b-day weekend soaking up sunshine surrounded by your whole posse, this spot is sure to make it on your birthday party bucket list. Photography by Sergio Mottola  
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Camp Wandawega
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