Crystal Lake in Wisconsin

A Campground, Beach, RV Resort and More!

Jun 22, 2007 Kelly Whitt

Enjoy the many amenities of Crystal Lake, a summer getaway in south central Wisconsin.

On a quiet 700 acre lake just over the border of Dane County and a short drive from Madison is the Crystal Lake resort. The facility is open from April through October and can be enjoyed in a single day or for a longer stay with a variety of accommodations.

Directions: Crystal Lake is located in Columbia County halfway between Lodi and Sauk City. From Interstate 39/90/94, take exit 199 into Lodi. Follow Hwy 60 through Lodi until you reach Gannon Road. Turn onto Gannon Road (it only goes in one direction) and follow the road back through the property. The mailing address is N. 550 Gannon Rd., Lodi, WI 53555. Phone 608-592-5607 or 888-757-3330.

Fees: There is a "guard shack" near the entrance to the property but it is no longer occupied. Park in the main lot and pay your fees inside the main office. Rates in 2007 are $5.00 per person for one-day use of the pool, beach, and playground. There are extra fees for mini golf, a climbing wall, and space ball. Other rentals include a variety of bikes, fishing boats, and golf carts.

Accommodations: There is a wide range of accommodations for people who wish to stay overnight. You can bring your own tent and camp or your own RV to hook up. There are also rental cabins, hillside or beach front yurts, an A-frame house, mobile homes, and even a regular house (referred to as the "family cabin"). Insider tip: The beach-front yurts have the best location because they are between the pool and the beach. They do not have their own bathrooms, however, the bathroom and shower area is right next door, attached to the hot tub house.

Facility: The swimming pool is an Olympic-sized pool with a frog slide and an additional deeper section that goes to 10 feet. A kiddie pool is next to the main pool with its own fenced in area. Insider tip: Before entering the pool area from the beach, dip your feet in the tubs of water by the gate to prevent transfering sand from the beach into the pool. The beach has beautiful soft sand that has been shipped in from elsewhere. Sand volley ball is available but not right in the swimming area, giving everyone their own space to play. There is also a playground in the shape of a wooden shape by the pool but in the sandy area. At the beach, the lake is shallow for quite a distance out but then drops off quickly. A roped off area is provided for swimmers. A number of inflatable water toys are anchored in the swim area, including slides, teeter totters, a climbing rock, trampoline, and magic carpet. Both the beach and swimming pool have lifeguards. The water at the beach is typical lake water - expect fish and occasional green algae, although seaweed here is rare. Boaters, both fishermen and recreational boaters with tubers, use the lake. The resort has been around a long time and some things are showing their age. The hot tub area is one of them. The mini golf up by the main office is playable but a bit dated. Insider tip: Day camps are held over summer vacation at the resort but the buses come at 4 p.m. to pick up the kids and the resort is much quieter after that time.

Pets: Dogs are allowed at campsites but not in any of the buildings, rental units or in the pool and beach areas.

Overall the keyword to Crystal Lake is variety. There are numerous ways to spend the night and much to do, from swimming, to mini-golfing to fishing to biking to riding the little train. The beach area is excellent and in a gorgeous setting. Some areas need updating. Bottom line: a worthwhile place to visit.

Crystal Lake Resort is not far from the tourist Mecca of the Wisconsin Dells.

The copyright of the article Crystal Lake in Wisconsin in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Kelly Whitt. Permission to republish Crystal Lake in Wisconsin in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Crystal Lake, Kelly Whitt Crystal Lake
Beach and Inflatables, Kelly Whitt Beach and Inflatables
Frog Slide at Pool, Kelly Whitt Frog Slide at Pool
Beachside Yurt, Kelly Whitt Beachside Yurt
Minigolf, Kelly Whitt Minigolf
 
What do you think about this article?
NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 5+4?

Comments

Oct 19, 2009 2:23 PM
Guest :
We have had a seasonal at crystal lake for 6 years. The last four have been terrible. No full time on site manager. They had very little if any security. Most of the time there hot tub and pool were unusable. We finally left in June mostly for my kids safety. If your looking for a good camping experience. Don't try Crystal Lake. There are many other places a lot safer and have ammenities that work. Please for your families sake camp somewhere else.
1 Comment: