Nelson Ledges has over 200 campsites. You will park at your campsite. All campsites have a fire ring and firewood is available for purchase. Shower trailers will be available (5 minutes or less please!). The campground is 250 acres of forest, meadow, rock formation, and water. There are two fishing lakes, besides the swimming quarry. The fishing lakes are home to large bass, catfish, crappie and blue gill. You may also find many waterfowl and smaller animals like turtles, frogs, nonpoisonous snakes, and other small fresh water life. The Quarry is spring-fed, clear, clean and warms up by mid May.

The forests consist of a variety of trees, wildflowers, mushrooms and an assortment of plant life. Many small, to large mammals. Squirrels, opossums, raccoons, wild turkeys, pheasants, woodpeckers and song birds, along with the elusive loon and so much more, consider the park their home. The individual campsites cater to one's personal preference for site location. Whether it's on the ledge by the water, or deep in the quiet woods. You may camp near the social activity, or settle in one of the quiet, isolated areas. We pride ourselves on being a primitive campground to avoid the trailer/RV park look of our competitors. Campers and Winnebago’s are more than welcome to visit for a few days, but long stays are not encouraged, and there is limited electric and no water hook up.

Ready to start packing? Our Camping Checklist will help get you started. We've compiled a list of camping tips and advice, suggestions, and useful information for helping to make your weekend a little more comfortable.

CAMPING CHECK LIST (Download PDF)

Festival ticket(s)
Money
Camera & Film
Portable radio, Cassette/CD Player, Cassettes/CDs
Games, Cards, a Frisbee, A Book
Binoculars

Camp Setup

Tent
Sleeping bag
Air mattress or Camping mattress or Cot
Folding chairs
Beach umbrella, tarp or canopy for shade
Lantern (battery operated ones are handy and sturdier than propane but the light isn't as good - a propane lantern with a metal screen instead of the usual glass is the way to go)
Ground cloth, blanket and/or tarp
Ice Chest / Cooler
Ice

Camp Tools

Duct tape
Flashlights
Hammer, stakes, rope, bungee cords
Lighter or matches
Waterproof containers
Flashlight or headlamp
Batteries (AA and D)

Food

Water
Bread, peanut butter & jelly, tuna, sandwich makings
Chips
Fruit (oranges, bananas, melons)
Vegetables (carrots, celery, prepackaged salad, etc.)
Anything that's an easy snack and doesn't take much preparation
Freeze your water bottles and milk before you leave and store in the cooler

Cook Kit

Camp Stove / Propane grill (with propane)
Kitchen Utensils, Pots & Pans, Can Opener
Table setup, Cutting Board (even just a board you can set on top of rocks will help greatly)
Eating utensils, paper / plastic plates, bowls, and cups (One set for each person, wash and reuse)
Tablecloth, paper towels
Water containers
Dishwashing equipment (pot scrubbers, sponge, biodegradable soap, plastic tub)
Garbage bags, Ziplocks, baggies, tinfoil

For Babies & Kids

Sunhats & sunscreen
Waterbottles / water misters
Identification to keep with child at all times
Earplugs
Family doctor's phone number
Backpack, stroller, playpen
Waterguns
Games and books
Pen, pencil, and drawing pad / coloring book

Personal

Good walking shoes, waterproof sandals
Ear plugs. Because not every one wants to sleep at the same time you do
Soap (biodegradable), shampoo (there are free showers)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Sunglasses, sunhat, sun block
Bathing suit/swimming trunks, beach towels, bath towel
Toilet paper
Insect Repellent

First-Aid Kit

Band-Aids, Neosporin, Ace Bandage
Aspirin / Pain Relievers
After-sun lotion or aloe (keep it in the cooler with your sunscreen)

DON'T FORGET TO:

Bring & drink plenty of water!!!!
Be sure your car is ready for the trip; bring an extra can of oil & coolant
Bring some warm clothes - it may get cold or breezy at night
Be prepared for rain, just in case!
Wear sun block!
Protect yourself against theft
Report harassment to festival security
Deal with your trash & Recycle

DON'T EVEN BOTHER BRINGING:

Pets
Nitrous oxide
Fireworks
Firearms
Open-flame grills
Video cameras or audio equipment (except radios to be left at your campsites)
New or white clothing or shoes
Expensive jewelry