State of WI Yurt

For Wisconsin residents who cherish the unique beauty of the Northwoods, the State of Wisconsin offers a truly special camping experience that bridges the gap between traditional tenting and full-service cabin living: the **Elk Ridge Yurt**. This designated piece of rustic lodging provides an unforgettable, year-round basecamp nestled deep within the massive **Flambeau River State Forest** near Park Falls. Unlike typical campgrounds with row upon row of sites, the Yurt offers a secluded, one-of-a-kind destination that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural tranquility of Sawyer County.

The Elk Ridge Yurt is not just a dome-shaped tent; it is a semi-permanent, sturdy structure designed for comfort in all seasons. It represents a fantastic opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of a State Forest while having a warm, dry, and secure place to sleep. Initially funded and primarily utilized by the hunting community through the Pittman-Roberson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, this particular Yurt has since expanded its availability, now serving all outdoor enthusiasts, including those seeking a silent sports haven or a unique family getaway. The space offers a welcome retreat, especially when the crisp fall air turns to a snowy Wisconsin winter, thanks to its effective wood-burning stove.

This facility stands out for its deliberate design as an **ADA-accessible** lodging option, ensuring that more people can access and enjoy the robust camping opportunities offered in the Flambeau River State Forest. Its location on Feleen Road places you directly next to a web of walking trails and provides access to the celebrated Flambeau River, known for its pristine waters and exceptional paddling. It’s a perfect escape for those looking to disconnect from the daily grind and embrace the quiet solitude that only the deepest parts of Wisconsin's public lands can offer.

The Elk Ridge Yurt is situated in the scenic and remote area of the Flambeau River State Forest in Sawyer County, close to the town of Oxbo. While providing a deep-woods feel, the location maintains a specific address for navigation and access.

The official access point for this unique state lodging is:

• Feleen Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552, USA

To reach this secluded spot, visitors must navigate the picturesque Northwoods terrain. From County Highway 70, you'll turn Northeast onto Oxbo Drive, then make a left onto Feleen Road. This road dead-ends directly at the Yurt's designated parking lot. The Yurt itself is approximately 300 feet from this parking area. While the area promotes a walk-in experience to maintain its rustic nature, **drive-to-site access is available for individuals with disabilities** with prior approval from the property manager, honoring its ADA-compliant design.

This location is perfectly positioned for **silent sports** activities. It offers nearby access to hunter walking trails and, notably, a carry-in canoe and kayak launch on the Flambeau River. It is situated just upstream from Dix-Dox Landing, making it accessible not just by car or foot, but also directly by water for those paddling the Flambeau River. Its proximity to both the river and the extensive trail system allows local users to easily integrate their stay with multi-day paddling trips or long hikes/snowshoeing adventures.

The Elk Ridge Yurt provides a rustic but robust set of amenities designed to make year-round wilderness camping comfortable and functional, particularly for those utilizing the space in colder weather.

• Lodging Capacity: The Yurt is furnished with four bunk beds that include mattresses, one of which is an accessible bunk, along with a comfortable futon for additional sleeping space.

• Heating: A practical wood-burning stove is installed inside, offering a vital service that allows for comfortable stays during Wisconsin’s late fall and winter months. Guests must provide their own firewood, though dead and downed wood may be utilized.

• Furnishings: Inside, guests will find a table and chairs, providing a dedicated space for meals, games, or planning the day's adventures.

• Outdoor Provisions: Outside the Yurt, essential camping services include a fire ring for cooking and campfires, a lantern pole for nighttime illumination, and a bear-proof food storage box, which is a necessary precaution in the Northwoods environment.

• Restroom Facilities: An enclosed vault toilet is conveniently located near the Yurt, offering a dedicated and private facility for guests.

• Hunting Amenities: Specifically for its original primary users, a game pole is provided for hunters, demonstrating the state’s commitment to providing a full-service experience for sportsmen.

• Water Access: While there is no running water inside the Yurt, the proximity to the Flambeau River and the ability to carry in supplies supports true rustic wilderness immersion.

The Elk Ridge Yurt is celebrated by local users for offering a genuinely distinct experience within the Wisconsin State Forest system, merging the wilderness feel with unique structural comfort.

• ADA-Accessible Design: This is a major highlight, as the Yurt is fully ADA-accessible, from the accessible bunk bed to the special-approval drive-up access, making rustic forest lodging an option for individuals with physical disabilities.

• Year-Round Availability: Unlike many standard campsites, the Elk Ridge Yurt is available for rent during all seasons, allowing access to prime winter recreation like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, making it a true four-season destination.

• Immediate Trail Access: The Yurt sits adjacent to a network of hunter walking trails, which are perfect for general hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature photography throughout the non-hunting seasons.

• Flambeau River Access: A carry-in canoe/kayak launch provides direct access to the Flambeau River, one of Wisconsin's premier waterways for paddling and fishing, making it an excellent stop or starting point for river excursions.

• Rustic Comfort: The unique yurt structure, combined with the warmth of a wood-burning stove and comfortable mattresses, offers a ‘glamping’ style experience—it’s more robust and weather-resistant than a tent but still maintains a desirable remote, primitive feel.

• Seclusion and Solitude: As a single, dedicated rental site deep in the State Forest, the Elk Ridge Yurt promises a level of privacy and peaceful solitude that is difficult to find in larger, traditional Wisconsin campgrounds.

To secure your unique stay at the Elk Ridge Yurt, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hunting seasons and the desirable summer months.

• Location: Elk Ridge Yurt, Flambeau River State Forest

• Address: Feleen Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552, USA

• Phone: Contact the Flambeau River State Forest Headquarters for reservations and specific property information. While a specific public contact number for the Yurt is not provided, the general number for the property manager or the Wisconsin DNR camping reservation line is required for booking.

*Note: The Yurt is typically **closed on Tuesdays for cleaning** during its open seasons. Be sure to check the Wisconsin DNR's official Flambeau River State Forest camping page for the most current reservation windows and policies. Reservations are necessary to ensure the site is available for your desired dates.*

For Wisconsin adventurers, the Elk Ridge Yurt is worth choosing because it delivers an unparalleled combination of accessibility, wilderness immersion, and creature comfort. **The unique ADA-accessible design** immediately sets it apart, demonstrating the State's commendable effort to truly 'Open the Outdoors' to all residents. This feature ensures that multi-generational families or groups with mobility challenges can still enjoy the deep woods experience that the Northwoods are famous for, without having to rough it in a traditional tent.

Beyond accessibility, the Yurt offers a seamless transition between seasons. The presence of the **wood-burning stove** is a critical factor—it means you can confidently plan a trip in the fall to enjoy the incredible colors, or during the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, knowing you have a warm, dry refuge waiting for you. Most rustic campgrounds shut down once the snow flies, but the Yurt remains an open, reservable option. It provides the quiet, isolated feel of backpack or canoe camping, thanks to its single-site seclusion deep in the Flambeau River State Forest, yet it provides the shelter, furniture, and solid flooring of a cabin. This makes it a highly valuable resource for local users seeking a true disconnect. Whether you're a hunter needing a reliable basecamp, a paddler exploring the Flambeau River, or a family seeking an accessible, quiet nature retreat, the Elk Ridge Yurt is one of the most practical and memorable ways to experience Wisconsin’s magnificent State Forests.