Camp Wandawega

Last Updated on September 8, 2024

“Why doesn’t technology work!!!!!!!!” This is what I was screaming in my office a month ago, literally having a tantrum much like my 4-year old’s display of displeasure. Camp Wandewega was giving me a full-on panic attack. I texted The Boy, called his office phone, called our home phone, emailed, left multiple messages, telepathically willed him to CALL ME. PICK UP THE DAMN PHONE ALREADY! The world is at defcon one!

Why am I acting completely psychotic you ask??? Camp Wandawega…come again???

Welcome To Camp Wandawega!

Time was ticking my friend, and I had found one! I repeat one, ONE weekend where the cabin of my dreams was open to rent.

Located in Elkhorn, Wisconsin is a genius retreat for hipsters and creatives trying to escape the concrete jungle and wanting to take a step back into childhood. A prohibition lodge turned brothel turned kids summer camp turned pure geniusness. A flea market enthusiast’s dream come true. My dream come true. It’s been begging me to Instagram the shit out of it since I discovered its existence about 8 months ago.

This place is vintage folks, and by vintage, I mean old, rusty, and probably full of tetanus. Nothing’s been updated. There is no air conditioning. The owners claim that no modern conveniences are part of the charm. Each room is outfitted with antiques that have been deemed “found, free or flea” and comes equipped with vintage books, jigsaw puzzles, and magazines. loaded with mosquitoes and complete with “manifesto of low expectations” and an application quiz to determine if you’re cut out for the place.

The camp has a few buildings for rent on Airbnb. Two side-by-side vintage cabins, a private three bedroom cabin nestled within the resort overlooking the lake (this is where I will reside for four days glorious days of my life), and an old bunkhouse—top and/or middle floors. some rooms come with a shower…some do not…but hey, there’s always the lake, right? BTDubs, the cabin we rented, does have a shower.

The boy and I can’t wait to have Grandma and Grandpa watch the kiddos, so we can immerse ourselves into the whole old-school camp experience. I foresee canoeing, shuffleboard, fishing, archery, s’mores, and plenty of relaxation in our future. A nice, quiet, calm, wholesome, fun-filled weekend…just the two of us…alone. We had talked to a few other couples that were interested in joining us, but since it was a bit pricey to stay, we thought it best that we should test it out the first time ourselves.

As an added bonus, the Elkhorn flea market will be in full effect that weekend. I’m hoping to spy on the resort owner to get some tips and tricks since she is a flea market junkie. We are also hoping to squeeze in a dinner at Mars Resort and Supper Club. We plan to be sipping a brandy old-fashioned and dining on wedge salad and prime rib. Side note, The Boy and I are on a quest for the best wedge salad…right now, Bavette’s in River North holds that spot…but who knows, maybe Mars will give them a run…BTW, Ishnala in Wisconsin Dells is a close second.

Styleseek Retreat: Camp Wandawega from Duncan Wolfe on Vimeo.

It’s going to be so much fun! I can’t wait to share all the details with you!

All photos belong to Camp Wandwega folks. Mine are yet to come!

More Vintage Decor Inspiration and Interior Design Ideas

I’m spilling all my secrets! Don’t miss the ultimate guide to the best vintage stores in Chicago.

We spent the weekend at Camp Wandewega, and it was absolutely magical.

The eclectic home office makeover reveal is live, and yes, it’s some serious hipster interior design.

This is a look back at a few of my favorite Vintage Shops In Chicago

I teamed up with my friends Chloe and Sarah to share our favorite antique home decor ideas.