About The Oaks

Camp Shawano (1945–1996)

The Oaks at Kiser Lake was originally a Camp Fire Girls summer camp named "Camp Shawano." James Davis purchased land from John Kiser — who we also have to thank for donating the land for Kiser Lake State Park!

Plans for the camp began in 1945 with lodging, cabins, tents, and the swimming pool all being completed by 1959. In the spirit of keeping tradition alive, we have maintained or renovated many of the original sites, lodges, and cabins for you to use and enjoy — even the amphitheater, which was the site of the Council Fire Ring!

The Lodge

The Lodge available for indoor ceremonies, receptions, and gathering was once the Jim Davis Lodge. The floor plans were drawn up in the late 1940s, and the large barn on the original property was transformed into the Jim Davis Lodge. The grand fireplace was added in 1951.

You can still see the Camp Shawano sign embedded in the outdoor fireplace!

The Edna B Lodge

The Edna B Lodge was commissioned in 1960 as a gift from Huber Homes and housed a library for the Camp Fire Girls. It is now the owner's private residence.

Original Cabins & Tent Sites

Blue Bird Mountain was the site of 6 cabins for the 7–9 year old Camp Fire Girls. We have maintained these as our "Primitive Cabins" and kept the themed cabin names — Blue Jay, Oriole, Sparrow, Cardinal, Robin, and Wren!

Each cabin contains 4 bunks and sleeps 8 people comfortably. While equipped with electricity, there is no running water. The original bath house, a gift from the Dayton Kiwanis Club, is just a short walk down the sidewalk.

Whispering Pines and Indian Village tent sites housed the 10–15 year old Camp Fire Girls. Future plans include turning these tent pads into glamping sites!

Mary's Grave

Be sure to visit Yutesler Cemetery while hiking our grounds! This small cemetery is the site of Mary M.'s grave. Mary's husband, John Yutesler, was the original owner of this property. Legend has it that Mary was cursed, and the Camp Fire Girls would share ghost stories of her…

Higher Ground (1996–2022)

Camp Shawano came to an end in 1996 when the Camp Fire Girls Committee sold the property to The Vance Family. Dean and Shirley Vance purchased the camp and renamed it Higher Ground Family Retreat Center. Along with their daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Tim Driskill, they ran summer camps for many groups over the next 25 years, providing lifelong memories to many children in the community.

The Oaks at Kiser Lake (2022–Present)

We would like to keep the fire alive and continue allowing families to create the most beautiful and everlasting memories here.