3215 Lakeview Church Rd., Shell Lake, WI 54871
FAQ
See the topics below in the following sections:
The Bashaw Lake Resort Property
Bashaw Lake
Resort Cabins
The Resort Campground
Resort Amenities
Television, Radio and Wifi at the Resort
Resort Location
Things to Do – Area Events, Attractions and Activities
The Bashaw Lake Resort Property
What is the Resort address?
The address of the Resort is 3215 Lakeview Church Rd., Shell Lake, WI 54871.
What is the size of the Resort property?
The Resort sits on nearly 12 wooded acres with over 900 feet of lake frontage.
How is the Resort situated on the Lake?
The Resort is located on the northeast side of the lake, running north and south along the shoreline. Facing west, spectacular sunsets are a regular evening treat viewable from the cabins, piers and campground.
Is it a level walk to the lake?
The Resort has over 900 feet of frontage on Bashaw Lake. It is a fairly gentle slope to the piers near the cabins. The access to the piers nearest the campground is via steps or sloping path.
What wildlife exists on or around the resort?
We have seen a wide variety of animals on or near the property including deer, beaver, woodchucks, muskrats, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, turtles, skinks (a native short legged lizard), frogs, garter snakes, grouse, woodpeckers, orioles, cardinals, blue jays, turkeys, geese, ducks, herons, cranes, swans, loons, black bears, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, badgers, porcupines, squirrels (grey, red and black), and others. Bald eagles are often seen over the lake with an Eagle's nest in a tree on the south end of the lake.
Is there a boat landing?
There is a public boat landing on Bashaw Lake that is on the same side of the lake as the resort, to the South, and easily accessible. Small 12-14 foot boats owned by the resort are launched onsite by merely pushing them in or pulling them out at the shore.
How old is the Resort?
There are records indicating that a resort has probably existed on the property since at least the late 1940's, and definitely in the 1950's. It appears on a 1969 State of Wisconsin survey map of the lake. It has had a number of owners over the decades. We purchased the property in 2012.
How long have you owned the Resort?
We purchased the Resort in November on 2012 and worked on renovations through 2013. Our first year receiving guests at the Resort was 2014.
What is the water supply for drinking?
The water is supplied by a well drilled in 2013. It is safe and tested annually. The water is good and has some natural softness. The well supplies the main house, all four cabins and the campground.
How are the fall colors?
In the fall, the Resort and lake present a brilliant array of colors. The north end of the lake is very sparsely inhabited and has a very wilderness lake feel.
What types of trees are on the property?
The most heavily wooded portion of the Resort property is comprised of birch trees, along with oak, maples and a variety of tall pines among others.
What plants and gardens are on the property?
There are a wide variety of plants and gardens on or planned for the Resort. Currently, there are wild and cultivated strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, peonies, lilies, irises, chives and others, including the usually wide variety of forest vegetation. Future plans include expanded flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and a small orchard (currently with an apple tree and pear tree).
Do you have a "sand beach"? Can you swim in the lake from the Resort?
We do not have a sand beach. Swimming and floating is possible from the piers, as is fishing from the piers. People on the lake do swim from pontoon boats. We have a swim platform for guest use. All swimming is at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty. There is a nice public sand beach in Shell Lake, about 20 minutes from the Resort that people also visit while staying in the area. Another beach is located in Siren off of Hwy. 35 & 70.
What other buildings or structures are on the property?
There is a Resort office, main house/owners’ residence, garage/workshop for equipment/vehicles, playground with swings, slide, sandbox, and playhouse, a 9x12 utility barn/shed that has a freezer for deposit of fish entrails, fish cleaning house, shed for storage, large pole barn for storage and workshop area, dump station and two privies/outhouses for emergency use. There is also a 6x6 wood playhouse.
How many piers are available?
By the time the Resort opens for our regular 2023 season, we plan to have five piers back in the water. There will be two piers in the campground area and three near the cabins.
Bashaw Lake
What is the size of the lake?
According to maps and records from the State of Wisconsin, Bashaw Lake is about 171 acres. Based upon measurements from that map, the lake is over one mile long and over half a mile wide at its widest point. The shoreline is over 3.2 miles in length. Click HERE for a map and additional information.
How deep is the lake?
The deepest part of the lake is about 16 feet. Click HERE for a map and additional information.
What fish are in the lake?
There are northern, bass and panfish including bluegill, crappie and sunfish, as well as some other breeds including walleye and catfish.
How is the fishing on the lake?
Bashaw Lake is described as a very good fishing lake with a variety of game fish including northern, bass and panfish. In the past, an annual ice fishing tournament was held on the lake each January. While fishing from the piers, we have caught many fish including northern, bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass (including a 22" bass). Guests have caught bass, northern and panfish, as well as catfish, walleye, and perch.
Do people ice fish in the winter?
Bashaw Lake is known as a very good ice fishing lake. In the past, there was an ice fishing tournament held annually in January. Future plans are to possibly have ice fishing shelters available for rent by Resort guests.
Are there any fishing restrictions or bag limits?
As these can change from year to year, one should consult with the Wisconsin DNR related to any specific restrictions or bag limits. Generally, though, limits and restrictions are only those that apply to all state lakes, but you should double check with the DNR for any special issues or restrictions. Copies of Wisconsin fishing regulations will be available at the Resort for your reference and use. Also see HERE for additional Wisconsin DNR information.
Is trolling allowed on the lake?
Trolling has been allowed according to past printed regulations, but one should check and confirm whether it is still allowed during any particular season. Also, see HERE for additional information.
What boating activities are available on the lake?
There are no posted restrictions. On the lake, in addition to fishing, people tour the lake on pontoon boats and pull tubes and other item behind boats as well as swim off pontoons. A tour around the perimeter of lake at a modest to slow pace can take half an hour or longer.
Resort Cabins
How many cabins are there?
There are four cabins. Three have two bedrooms and one has one bedroom. The cabins sleep between 4 and 8 people including futons and/or foldout sofas. With such a configuration the cabins, altogether, could also accommodate a group, retreat or reunion of about 23 to 28 people in cabins depending upon the then existing configurations. See HERE for additional information.
What are the specific details for each cabin?
Please see the following page HERE for additional details for each cabin.
What is the availability for each cabin at this time?
Please see the availability calendar HERE.
Are the cabins winterized/usable in the winter months?
Several of the cabins were at one-time set-up for winter use. After completing modifications, Cabin #2 is available over the winter season. Cabin #3 may be available in future years.
What forms of payment do you accept? Do you take credit cards?
We accept cash (preferred) and good checks. We had issues with our credit card provider toward the end of 2021, so have switched to a new provider. In 2023, we should be able to accept most major credit cards. Due to increased costs, there will be a 5% convenience fee added for credit card transactions. The availability of credit card transactions is subject to occasional equipment and internet access issues.
Are there sales tax/other taxes?
Yes, there is sales tax applied. Sales tax in Burnett County is 5.5% and will be added to the stated rental rates for cabins and campsites, as well as other taxable purchases and rentals.
Do you require a reservation deposit?
For 2023, we are asking for an advance reservation deposit of $50.00. This deposit policy is being applied to all advance reservations and is implemented due to some circumstances that occurred with reservations in past years. If you did need to reschedule a reservation after it has been made, the deposit can be applied to a different reservation in the 2023 season only and subject to cabin or campsite availability.
Do you allow pets?
We do allow for one or two dogs in a cabin. In the campground you may have a dog or two in your camper/RV. We have a pet policy that is as follows:
1. We reserve the right to require your dog(s) to be on a leash or in a kennel.
2. You must clean up all messes.
3. Do not leave pets in cabins alone.
4. Pets go with you whenever you leave.
5. If a pet bothers or disturbs other guests at the Resort, you will be asked to leave. You will pay for your full reservation time
and no refund will be given.
6. You will pay for any damage done by your pets at a price determined by the Resort Owners.
7. We charge a $5.00 per day/$35.00 per week pet fee. We reserve the right to waive the fee on a case by case basis.
Do you have a rental contract?
We have a form that is to be signed upon registration that includes a few simple rules (i.e. no smoking in cabins).
What is your smoking policy?
There is no smoking allowed in the cabins. There is an additional cleaning fee of $200.00 for violation of the no smoking policy.
What are the cabin rental rates?
Please see HERE for details on the cabins and their daily and weekly rental rates. If you are interested in longer terms, please contact us at 262-391-6817 or at dlcwm@netscape.net
What are the campsite rental rates?
We charge $25/per night, $125/per week, $300/month or $1,200/season plus sales tax. For additional details, please see HERE. Please call to inquire about monthly or seasonal rates.
How many people are allowed in each cabin?
Each cabin rental rate is for specific number of people. Additional people in each cabin, up to the cabin's maximum, will be an additional charge of $25.00 per week for 2023. Please call for information on the cost of daily (minimum of two days) or for longer term rentals.
Can we have additional daytime guests? Is there an extra charge?
Additional daytime, non-overnight, guests must check in at the office and must leave by 9:00 p.m. There is no additional charge for daytime guests for 2023.
In the Cabins, do you provide pots, pans, cooking & dining utensils? Bedding/Bed Linens? Bath Towels?
We do provide pots and pans. We provide an initial supply of disposable dining utensils, including plates, cups, knives, spoons and forks. Additional items may be purchased. Bedding and bed linens, such as sheets and blankets, are provided. We do not provide bath towels. You will need to bring your own bath towels.
Parking? Trailers?
There will be parking for a car at each cabin. Space for parking a boat trailer is available.
Resort Campground
What campsite hook-ups are available?
The campsites are for campers that are defined as "independent" meaning that they have their own toilet. Hook-ups include both water and electric (on a 20, 30 or 50 amp circuit depending on availability). A dump station is located onsite which can be used by driving to it or pulling you own waste tote to it. Some campers have larger holding tanks with additional charge for tank pumping by a local service provider.
How many people can be at a campsite?
The rate charged will be for 4 adults/children over the age of 12. An additional fee may be charged for overnight guests beyond that number. There is no charge for additional daytime visitors.
What is the rate for campsites?
In 2023, the rates are $25.00/night, $125.00/week, $300/month and $1,200/season plus tax. Please see HERE for additional information. Please call us at 262-391-6817 to inquire about reservations and seasonal rates.
Resort Amenities
Is there any meeting space?
We have a multi-purpose room in the metal pole barn that can be rented for small meetings. The room will also serve as a farm museum, decorated with various antique, primitive farm items and tools.
What if there is severe weather?
In the case of a severe weather emergency, a portion of the owners’ residence basement will be available as an emergency severe weather shelter.
What if I need to conduct business while I am at the Resort?
Various business services, some at reasonable fee, are available, including, but not limited to, copier, scanning, office supplies (i.e. staples, paper clips, paper, pens), and inkjet printing. Free wireless internet is available around the office, cabins, and other areas around the Resort. We are working to expand coverage area on the resort property.
Can we have a campfire? Is firewood available?
Each cabin and campsite has a fire pit or ring. In 2023, we do plan to have firewood available for purchase, subject to availability. You will be responsible for safely maintaining the campfire and an adult must be present at all times. Fires should be appropriately extinguished when you are finished for the evening.
Are there grills?
Each cabin has a charcoal grill available. A limited number of additional charcoal grills are also available on a first come, first served basis. We will have a limited amount of charcoal, lighter fluid, and other items available for purchase at the Office.
Are there picnic tables?
Each cabin has a picnic table available. As long as the picnic tables are returned to their original locations, guests may move the picnic tables around the vicinity of their cabin as needed. There are also several picnic tables in the campground area available.
Are their televisions in the cabin? Are there DVD players?
Yes. Each cabin has a television. Over the air broadcast service is basically unavailable. At this point, we have been able to occasionally receive PBS and FOX broadcast signals in some locations depending on the time of day and weather conditions, so there is currently no service available. Each cabin has either a DVD player or DVD/VHS player. A selection of DVD's will be available from the library at the Resort Office or you may bring your own discs from home.
Does the Resort have DVD's or books available?
The Resort will maintain a lending library of DVD's, books, and board games. These will be available for guests to check-out at the office at no charge. Office hours will be limited and irregular in 2023. Guests will be responsible for loss or damage.
What activities are available for guests?
In addition to activities on the lake such as fishing and boating, the Resort will also offer other amenities to guests. There is a playground with swings, a slide, a digger, sandbox and playhouse. Picnic tables, campfire areas and charcoal grills are available. A lending library of books and DVD's will be available at the office during limited hours in 2023. There is a walking trail available. WiFi will also be available at the Resort. Future plans include horseshoe pits and a grass volleyball court.
Do you have a hiking/walking trail?
There is a walking trail available. Starting in the campground, the trail enters the woods. This portion of the trail is about one tenth of a mile. The walk then continues past the pole barn to the resort drive. One can then walk along the drive, past the main house and cabins 2, 3, and 4, as well as along the lake, before returning to the point of origin in the campground. The total distance is approximately 1/4 mile. It is a fairly easy walk, with a few small inclines.
Existing Resort amenities, in addition to fishing, other lake activities, and spectacular sunset views, include:
Free WiFi is available at the main house, cabins 2 & 3 and surrounding areas. Cabins 1, 4, and parts of the campground do receive a signal, but the strength of the signal varies.
Each Cabin has:
Television with a DVD or DVD/VHS
Microwave Oven
Coffee Maker
Toaster
Pots/pans
Charcoal Grills available
Playground with swings, slide, digger and sandbox.
12 or 14 foot aluminum boats with oars available
Short Walking/Hiking Trail
Fish cleaning house
Wooded acreage
Storm Shelter
Dump Station
Souvenirs including magnets, postcards, hats and T-Shirts
Piers for docking boats and fishing
Fire pits/Rings
Firewood available
Picnic Tables
Bird Watching opportunities
Copy/Scan/Print Services
Library of Books, DVD’s, CD’s, Board Games
Calendar of Local Events (Available via this website)
Basketball, Football, baseballs, softballs and other items available
Retail Goods for available for purchase (limited stock/inventory)
Paddle boat
Boat/Motor Rental
Kayak
Swim Raft
Playhouse in playground area
Farm Museum/Meeting Room
Other planned Resort amenities include, but not limited to:
Planned to be installed in 2023:
Expanded flower/vegetable gardens
Basketball hoop
Micro-Mini Golf
10x20 Event Tent available for rent
Bait/Tackle available for purchase
Limited stock of supplies available for purchase
Vending Machine
Planned for 2024 and beyond:
Volleyball Net
RV Parts/Supplies (limited stock/inventory)
Horseshoe Pits
What if there is something that I need to buy/forgot to bring?
The Resort has a limited supply of common items for purchase at the office including can goods, personal care items, and souvenirs. In 2023, the hours and days of availability will be irregular and limited as will be the stock and inventory. For items that are not available at the Resort, or for a wider selection, there is a convenience store in Hertel, WI, about 5 minutes away. There are full service grocery stores, hardware stores and other businesses in Spooner, Shell Lake and Siren which are all about 20 minutes away.
What are the hours for the Resort office?
Exact hours are to be determined. We plan to have some regular hours in the morning at the new Resort Office, but hours will be subject to change due to circumstances and needs of guests at the Resort.
Do you rent boats? Do you rent motors?
There will be 12 and 14 foot aluminum row boats available for use. Each cabin comes with a boat included in the cabin rental. Subject to availability, row boats may be rented by campers for an additional fee. We have a few boats with 5-6 HP motors and a fishing boat with an 18 HP motor to rent and plan to have these ready during 2023. For more information, please see HERE.
Do you have a pool?
No. We do not have a pool available for use by guests.
Where can I buy ________?
The Resort does have a limited supply of items for purchase that may be most needed by people staying in the cabins and campground. Such items will include some can goods, soda, pre-packaged snacks, candy bars, camp/RV items, souvenirs, pain relievers, and other items. During 2023, these items will have limited availability and limited dates and hours of availability. We have purchased a vending machine for 2023 and plan to have that ready when we open in the spring.
If items are needed that are not available on site, there is a convenience store in Hertel, WI, which is about 5 minutes away on WI 70. There are full service grocery stores and hardware stores in Spooner, Shell Lake and Siren. RV and Boat stores are also in the area.
What if I have a medical need or medical emergency?
Should you need medical treatment or need a prescription, there are many options in the area. For prescriptions, there are a number of local and national pharmacies in Spooner, Rice Lake, and other communities. For medical treatment, there are clinics/hospitals in Spooner, Shell Lake, and Rice Lake.
In event of life threatening emergency, 911 service is provided by the area communities.
Television, Radio, Cell Service and Wifi at the Resort
How is the cell phone service?
We have found the cell phone service to be very good considering the overall location of the property. We have tested the service via US Cellular, which is in a roaming mode at the Resort, and Verizon. There is an AT&T tower in the area. Individual results may vary based on service plans and other conditions.
How is the TV reception?
TV reception over air is very limited. Occasionally, PBS stations and a FOX affiliate are received, but varies based upon time of day and weather conditions. Cable/Satellite is not currently available, but free WiFi will be available in the cabins for streaming to your personal devices such as laptops, tablets and smart phones. Currently, the Wifi reaches the cabins, the main house, the surrounding areas, and some parts of the campground. The strength of signal may vary due to interference, weather conditions, number of users, and other issues.
How is the radio reception?
A number of radio stations are available. Broadcasts of country, pop, rock and talk formats are available in the area, as well as sports coverage of Wisconsin and Minnesota teams, including Brewers, Twins, Badgers, Gophers, Packers and Vikings. Results may vary based upon issues including time of day and weather conditions.
Do you have Wifi?
There is good Wi-fi available at the Resort. By using the Wifi, guests agree to terms of use. Currently, the Wi-fi signal is available in the main house, cabins, and the outdoor areas around them. Some part of the campground also receive signal.
Resort Location
Address and Map:
3215 Lakeview Church, Shell Lake, WI 54871. See Map at bottom of this page.
What are the nearby Wisconsin communities? Click on the community name for their website if available.
Community Population Distance
Spooner 2700 20 minutes
Siren 800 20 minutes
Shell Lake 1350 20 minutes
Webster 650 20 minutes
Danbury 172 35 minutes
Cumberland 2200 35 minutes
Frederic 1100 35 minutes
Grantsburg 1300 40 minutes
Luck 1100 45 minutes
Hayward 2300 50 minutes
Rice Lake 8500 50 minutes
All travel times are approximate based upon calculations by an online third party service. Individual results may vary due to exact departure location and traffic, weather and road conditions.
What interstate or state highways are nearby?
The Resort is located just south of WI 70. Taking WI 70 east to Spooner, one can access WI 53, which is a four lane highway that runs north to the Superior/Duluth area or south to Eau Claire, where one can connect to I-94. Taking WI 70 west through Siren, one can continue across to Minnesota and connect to I-35, which runs directly to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
How far is the Resort from:
Rice Lake, WI: 0hrs 50min
Hayward, WI: 0hrs 50min
Duluth, MN: 1hrs 40min
Superior, WI: 1hrs 40min
Eau Claire, WI: 1hrs 40min
Andover, MN: 1hrs 55min
Minneapolis, MN: 2hrs
Eagan, MN: 2hrs 10min
St. Cloud, MN: 2hrs 30min
Wausau, WI: 3hrs
Rochester, MN: 3hrs 15min
La Crosse, WI: 3hrs 20min
Rhinelander, WI: 3hrs 20min
Mankato, MN: 3hrs 30min
Madison, WI: 4hrs 30min
Green Bay, WI: 4hrs 40min
Iron Mountain, MI: 4hrs 40min
Appleton, WI: 4hrs 45min
Janesville, WI: 5hrs
Fargo, ND: 5hrs 15min
Beloit, WI: 5hrs 20min
Milwaukee, WI: 5hrs 30min
Des Moines, IA 5hrs 30min
Dubuque, IA: 5hrs 30min
Waterloo, IA: 5hrs 30min
Marquette, MI: 5hrs 40min
Rockford, WI: 5hrs 45min
Sioux Falls, SD: 6hrs
Racine, WI: 6hrs 20min
Kenosha, WI: 6hrs 20min
Cedar Rapids, IA: 6hrs 20min
Waukegan, IL: 6hrs 30min
Chicago, IL: 6hrs 50min (from downtown Chicago)
Davenport, IA: 6hrs 50min
Gary, IN: 7hrs 30min
Bloomington, IL: 7hrs 40min
Lafayette, IN: 9hrs
South Bend, IN: 8hrs 30min
St. Louis, MO: 10hrs 15 min
All travel times are approximate based upon calculations by an online third party service. Individual results may vary due to exact departure location and traffic, weather and road conditions.
Things to Do – Area Events, Attractions and Activities
In addition to activities at the Resort, there are many events, activities and attractions in the area around the Resort.
What attractions are in the area?
There are many attractions in the local area. We have listed some of them HERE. You can also check with the local community webpages for additional attractions, including Spooner, Siren, Shell Lake, Hayward, Rice Lake and others. If you need assistance, please let us know.
Is there entertainment nearby?
The St. Croix Casino at Hertel, WI, is about a five minute drive from the Resort. In addition to casino gambling, there is a restaurant and convenience store/gas station. The casino also has an outdoor amphitheater with live entertainment throughout the spring, summer and fall. For more information, see the casino website HERE. There are other events and attractions in the local area.
What annual events are in the area?
There are many events in the local area, with something happening almost every week or weekend throughout the year. Some of the major events nearby include:
January
Birkie Tour (Cable)
February
Winter Nationals - Snowmobile (Rice Lake)
Iceman 500 (Balsam Lake) Cancelled for 2023
Slumberland American Birkebeiner (Cable/Hayward)
March
Fat Bike Birkie (Cable)
May
Food & Wine Tasting (Spooner)
Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day (Spooner)
June
Aquafest (Rice Lake)
Hayward Musky Festival (Hayward)
Hungry Hollow Steam Engine Show (Rice Lake)
July
July 3rd Street Dance and Fireworks (Shell Lake)
Spooner Block Party (Spooner)
Bluegill Festival (Birchwood)
Spooner Rodeo (Spooner)
Barron County Fair (Rice Lake)
Gandy Dancer Air Show (Siren)
Lumberjack World Championships (Hayward)
Washburn County Fair (Spooner)
Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous (Danbury)
August
Siren Summerfest (Siren)
Burnett County Ag Fair (Grantsburg)
Jack Pine Savage Days (Spooner)
September
Town and Country Days (Shell Lake)
Central Burnett County Fair (Webster)
Harvestfest (Siren)
Barron County Pro Rodeo (Rice Lake)
Bluegrass Festival (Cameron)
October
Cranberry Festival (Stone Lake)
Jack O' Lantern Fest (Spooner)
Pumpkinfest (Milltown)
November
Bentleyville Tour of Lights (Duluth)
December
Bentleyville Tour of Lights (Duluth)
Christmas in the Village (Cameron)
Christmas at the Forts (Danbury)
Miracle at Big Rock (St. Croix Falls)
We have also listed some of them HERE. You can also check with the local community webpages for additional attractions, including Spooner, Siren, Shell Lake, Hayward, Rice Lake and other. If you need assistance, please let us know.
What activities are available in the area?
There are many attractions in the local area. We have listed some of then HERE. You can also check with the local community webpages for additional attractions, including Spooner, Siren, Shell Lake, Hayward, Rice Lake and other. If you need assistance, please let us know.
Is there hunting in the area?
Yes. Burnett County has 150,000 acres of county and publicly owned forest land on which hunting is allowed during the various hunting seasons. For more information, please click HERE.
Are there snowmobile/ATV trails?
Burnett County has many miles of maintained trails. There is not a trail that connects directly to the Resort, but all roads in Dewey Township, where the Resort is located, are ATV trails unless otherwise marked according to a sign near the Resort. Please see the following for rules, regulations, maps and access for Burnett County by clicking HERE. You can also see HERE for Washburn County ATV trails and HERE for snowmobile trails.