Hidden Shady Nook
3 RV Sites, 2 Cabins
Perched on the spring-fed shores of Pike Lake in Wisconsin's Chippewa County, Hidden Shady Nook delivers the kind of lakeside escape that makes you want to cancel your checkout date. The resort spreads across 800 feet of shoreline on Pike Lake—a 200-acre, 38-foot-deep gem known for clear water and excellent fishing—positioning it as one of the most distinctive camping experiences in central Wisconsin. Cornell, a small town tucked into the rolling Chippewa River valley, serves as the jumping-off point, and the surrounding forests of the Wisconsin Northwoods provide a backdrop that shifts from emerald green in summer to blazing color by fall.
Twenty-five RV and camping sites plus four lodging options give guests plenty of ways to enjoy the lake, from full-hookup spots to comfortable overnight accommodations. Thirteen fishing docks, a private boat launch, and kayak rentals keep water lovers busy from first light to sunset, while the onsite restaurant—famous for Friday fish fries, Saturday ribs, and Sunday brunch—means you never have to drive far for a memorable meal. Live music performs on the lakefront deck throughout the summer, the pole barn hosts activities and events, and UTV and ATV trail access opens the surrounding forests to exploration. Boat storage, a dog park, and a playground round out an amenity list rarely matched at a lakefront resort of this size.
Pike Lake itself is the star of the show—spring-fed and exceptionally clear, it supports strong populations of walleye, bass, and panfish that draw anglers from across the Midwest. The resort's 800 feet of private shoreline gives guests direct access to a sandy beach for swimming, paddling, or simply sitting with a cold drink watching the loons drift by. Surrounding the property, mature hardwoods and conifers filter the light and provide the natural canopy that gives the resort its name—shady, quiet, and genuinely tucked away from the noise of everyday life.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail traverses the property itself, offering guests access to miles of hiking through terrain shaped by the last glaciers to push across Wisconsin. The trail winds through kettles, drumlins, and moraines that tell the story of a landscape still bearing the marks of its glacial past. Beyond the property, the Chippewa River corridor provides paddling, and the surrounding forests offer birding, hunting, and wildlife watching throughout the seasons. The city of Eau Claire, with its vibrant arts scene and full range of dining and shopping, lies less than an hour west for those who need an urban fix between lake days.
Hidden Shady Nook shines brightest in summer when live music floats across the water and the fishing is at its peak, though the fall walleye run draws dedicated anglers well into October. Spring arrives early on the lake and brings migrating waterfowl and the first warm evenings perfect for dock sitting. The resort's combination of waterfront access, on-site dining, live entertainment, and trail access makes it rare among Wisconsin campgrounds—an all-in-one destination rather than just a place to sleep. Book your site on Pike Lake and discover why guests return to Hidden Shady Nook year after year.
from $35/night
