Getting to Camp

There are many options for getting to Clearwater. We’ve seen families bringing their pontoon boat up to the dock, campers flying internationally, and everything in between. We hope that the information below helps you decide on the best option for your family. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us!

This page provides an overview of options, but please read our Handbook for complete policies and fees regarding luggage, times, and logistics before you confirm any travel plans.

By Car

Your first stop will be at our HWY 51 Office for lice checks and to check in with our nurse before you go down to camp. It is located across from Lenz Trucks about 2 miles from camp. Use this Google Link to find it!

Many families choose to drive their daughter to camp. We’re about 5 to 6 hours from Chicago, 4 to 5 hours from Minneapolis, or 29 hours from Los Angeles. Clearwater is nestled along Tomahawk Lake, tucked into the woods of the Pottawatomie Colony. Whether coming from the North or South, you will turn off of US-51 onto Poplar Road. From there, just follow the signs to Clearwater until you arrive at Mainstay, our welcome and visitors’ center.

As you can imagine, opening day is incredibly busy for parents and staff alike. With that in mind, and to help our staff carefully prepare for your daughter’s arrival, we ask parents dropping off their campers to adhere to the arrival time of 2 to 4 p.m. for both first and second session. Pick up on the last day of camp is between 9 and 11 a.m. If you’re staying the night or weekend, we can provide a list of nearby accommodations.

By Bus

Clearwater also provides a chartered, chaperoned bus service for a small fee. Many of us have vivid memories of meeting our first Clearwater friend on the bus! Reservations for the bus are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus stops include Chicago’s Diversey Driving Range, O’Hare Airport (only for campers flying in/out), Lake Forest Oasis and Delafield, WI. See our Parent Handbook for links to specific bus stops.

By Airplane

Flying is part of many campers’ trips to camp. Campers may fly into Rhinelander Airport (RHI) or Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA), get picked up by a Clearwater Staff member and travel to camp by van. They may also fly into O’Hare and take the bus. For this option, campers must arrive at O’Hare no later than 9:30 a.m. and departure flights must be after 4:30 p.m. Check with your airline for information on unaccompanied minors.