Camping in the Clouds is a campground situated on 75 acres of wooded land. The property has a history as a former mining facility, and remnants of the old building and mine shafts can still be found on-site. A total of 70 relatively spacious sites can be reserved at the establishment, with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and some sites with sewer connections. Camping In the Clouds intends to focus on providing a comfortable and relaxed experience for its guests. In an attempt to prioritize customer service, the owner and staff try to interact with their patrons, offering assistance and recommendations for local attractions and activities. Themed events are organized on a weekly basis, adding to the entertainment options for those staying at the property. Visitors can enjoy the amenities of the main office and store, which sells firewood, ice, and various merchandise. The campground also features a bar and restaurant with an attached heated indoor pool, open to both campers and the public.
In the words of Brian—the owner of Camping in the Clouds—the campground is located in a secluded and wooded area, offering a "rustic camping experience." With 70 sites available, the establishment supplies various amenities in an effort to ensure a comfortable stay. Each unit is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, while some units also have sewer connections. The units vary in size and layout, with a mix of pull-through and back-in sites. The campground strives to preserve the natural environment and limits tree removal when creating sites. Brian says that when making changes to their property, it is important for them to be conscious of the effect the changes would have on the environment.
There are a number of other facilities that the patrons can utilize during their stay. The main office and store at Camping in the Clouds are housed in a 14 by 24 building, serving as the check-in area. Visitors can purchase firewood, ice, trinkets, shirts, hats, and other memorabilia. Additionally, there is a bar and restaurant adjacent to the store, featuring a relatively spacious 3,000-square-foot interior. Guests can enjoy the heated indoor pool, which is accessible to both campers and the general public. The campground also has outdoor activities, such as horseshoes, cornhole, tetherball, and a playground. Brian says that one of the property's most unique features is its direct access to ATV and snowmobile trails, allowing snowmobilers to depart straight from their campsites.
As for dining options in the area, Brian recommends Bartel Eddie's in Aurora, which he says is known for its chicken options, and Roadhouse 139, which serves a variety of dishes, including prime rib on Saturdays and smoked ribs on Sundays. The campground's own restaurant, the Mine Shaft Bar and Grill, has received recognition for its fish fry and chicken dishes. The owner smokes his own ribs and offers other food choices as well.
According to the owner of Camping In the Clouds, Brian, customer service is one of his main priorities, as "approximately 99% of the business focuses on providing excellent service to guests." One former patron said in a review of the campground, "The owners are amazing; they even warmly greeted us very late as we had vehicle trouble on our way there." Another person commented, "The owners are absolutely two of the nicest and most welcoming people you'll meet."
The owner's wife organizes themed events on a weekly basis in an effort to provide more entertainment. A few examples of the events that are planned include Halloween Week and Christmas in July. The campground also collaborates with nearby facilities for activities, such as ATVs and motorcycle runs.
Camping in the Clouds has several policies that everyone is expected to act in accordance with during their stay, as Brian notes that he tries to maintain a "laid-back atmosphere." A speed limit of 10 miles per hour is enforced for the safety of all guests, and visitors must also take responsibility for keeping their sites clean. For those who bring a pet with them to Camping in the Clouds, their dogs must be leashed on the premises. Overall, Brian hopes that everyone will respect their neighbors and follow the establishment’s guidelines.
The property remains open year-round, with the peak season being from the middle of May through September. The typical demographic of guests at Camping in the Clouds ranges from around 30 to 70 years old, with fewer younger individuals. Brian remarks that the campground caters more towards a "rustic and back-to-nature experience," with the intent to appeal to those "seeking a peaceful and nature-focused getaway." He also mentions that he receives a number of repeat visitors.
Camping in the Clouds has a history rooted in the late 1800s when it was an old mining facility. The property was primarily used for mining hematite ore, and remnants of the old building and a few mine shafts can still be found on-site. After the mining operations ceased, the property was acquired by a timber company, which ultimately led to the naming of the nearby town of Florence. Over time, the property changed hands through various sales.
Around 15 years ago, the campground was established by the previous owner. The current owner, Brian, took over six years ago in 2017, bringing with him prior experience in the food and beverage industry, as he had previous ownership of a bar and restaurant.
Brian says that his passion for interacting with people and his love for the hospitality industry drove his decision to enter the lodging industry.
Since taking over, Brian has made significant changes to the property. He has undertaken cleaning and renovation projects, including a complete overhaul of the bar and restaurant area with new kitchen equipment. Moreover, he has added 27 new campsites and two cabins, with ongoing plans for other improvements, such as additional equipment in the kitchen and finishing touches on the campground's bathrooms and showers.
4080 U.S. 2
Florence, Wisconsin 54121
United States
Campground
Brian
