Camp Elsewhere

Tucked between McClean and Gooseneck Lakes, Camp Elsewhere feels like a place you’ve been before. Part northwoods resort, part wedding haven, and part joyful throwback to summer camp, it’s the kind of setting that invites you to slow down, kick off your shoes, and stay awhile.

As you turn into the driveway, the first thing to greet you is a cheerful circle of vintage Shasta trailers, equal parts nostalgia and charm. Nearby, canvas-walled tents perch on raised platforms, each one thoughtfully appointed with a queen-sized bed, end tables, lamps, lounge chairs, and the comforts of both a fan and a heater. The canvas extends over the platform to create a covered porch, perfect for morning coffee or late-night conversations. Each tent is fully screened with mosquito netting, and despite being nestled between two lakes, the bugs are pleasantly minimal. Both the trailer circle and tent row have their own dedicated bathroom and shower houses, continuing the balance of rustic charm and modern ease.

Throughout the camp, the interiors feel like a love letter to summers past. Deer antlers and vintage wildlife prints hang on the walls. Steel-belted Coleman coolers, old Zenith radios, and classic sporting gear are tucked into corners, evoking an era of carefree afternoons, camp songs, and stories told by lantern light.

The original camp buildings have been beautifully restored and reimagined. Six refurbished cabins, each accommodating up to eight guests, offer both a full and half bathroom, making them ideal for families and groups. The lovingly restored chapel serves as the heart of wedding ceremonies and comfortably seats up to 150 guests. The Rec Hall invites late-night lounging, movie screenings, and board games, while the expansive Main Hall anchors the property with its welcoming lobby, bar, kitchen, and soaring, high-ceilinged space for dinners, dancing, and celebrations that stretch long into the night. Downstairs, private suites provide space for bridesmaids and groomsmen to get ready, along with a serene master room for the wedding couple.

Across the grounds, grills and fire pits encourage casual cookouts, while cabins are equipped with toasters and microwaves for easy mornings and late-night snacks. A newly built bridge, wide enough for golf carts, spans a gentle creek alongside a pedestrian walkway. Beyond it, a wooded hiking trail opens into a wide, sun-drenched field framed by tall pines, perfect for wandering, exploring, or simply taking it all in. Golf carts shuttle guests during larger events, adding a playful touch to getting around.

Days at Camp Elsewhere can be as active or as relaxed as you wish. Guests can fish, swim, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on the lakes, wander two miles of hiking trails, or challenge one another to a game of horseshoes. Hammocks sway between trees, Adirondack chairs dot the shoreline, and campfire pits beckon as evening settles in.

Camp Elsewhere isn’t just a venue, it’s a shared experience. A place for connection, laughter, and celebration. A weekend escape where memories are made, stories begin, and love feels right at home.