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1947 Jim Dandy Vintage Camper 1940s Luxury Tent #8

It’s 1949 and the war is over. Soldiers came home, surplus canvas tents flooded the market, and Americans hit the Northwoods in droves for the first time. This site pairs a rare 1949 Jim Dandy vintage camper — the only one of its kind known to exist — with a companion 1940s luxury glamping tent, complete with the original owners’ photographs still inside. Two units, one decade, sleeps 6.

Unit Description

When World War II ended, America went camping. The same canvas tents that had sheltered soldiers were suddenly available at surplus stores for a few dollars — field-tested, durable, and cheap. Ex-military pilots became bush pilots flying canoeists into the Wisconsin wilderness. Paid vacations arrived. And families like the one who built this Jim Dandy packed up and headed north. This site pairs their actual camper — the only 1949 Jim Dandy known to exist, still bearing photographs of the couple who built and loved it — with a companion 1940s luxury glamping tent, together curated as part of POV Resort’s Living History Museum of Camping — America’s first.

The vintage Jim Dandy sleeps 2 on a full futon with a food prep area inside. Snug by design — that’s the authentic character of early American camping, and it’s the point. The companion 1940s luxury tent sleeps 4: a full memory foam bed with upscale bedding, two cots with luxury bedding, and charming period décor — dark inside for guests who love to sleep in. No appliances or running water in either unit; bathhouse nearby, cleaned 2–3 times daily. Outside: charcoal grill, hammock, Edison string lights, picnic table, and private firepit. Shared gas grill station with provided tanks in the campground. Basic electricity in the camper for lights, chargers, fans, CPAP machines, and low-draw appliances. Propane space heater provided — bring or purchase 1 lb canisters. Parking for one vehicle; overflow at the bathhouse.

NO PETS ALLOWED.

History of Camping - 1940s

The only known surviving Jim Dandy — hand-built on a Model T, complete with original plans, receipts, and the couple who built it

World War II ended and Americans returned ready to move. For the first time, most employers offered paid vacations — and families drove an average of 600 miles, two weeks on the road. Wisconsin’s Northwoods resort industry boomed. This Jim Dandy Cabin Cruiser was hand-built by an American couple on a Model T chassis, using mail-order plans and a handwritten parts list. Their receipt — every item, every cost — hangs inside with their photograph. It is the oldest known surviving Jim Dandy. You’re not just camping in a vintage trailer. You’re camping inside someone’s life’s work.

Beach at POV Lake Resort, Wisconsin Glamping

Crystal Clear Lake & Beach

Huge private beach with roped off swim area and swim platform to do summer up right.

Canoing and Kayaking at POV Lake Resort, Wisconsin Glamping

Complimentary Kayaks, etc.

Kayaks. Canoes. Paddleboats. Paddleboards. All free and on site - so you don't have to waste time or $ renting your own.

Yard Games at at POV Lake Resort, Wisconsin Glamping

Super Fun Sports & Yard Games

Pickleball. Basketball. Sand Volleyball. Horseshoes. Ring Toss. Badminton. Tug of War. Bocce Ball. Frisbee.

Game Room at POV Lake Resort, Wisconsin Glamping

Next Level Game Room

Billiards. Vintage arcade games. A huge tv and sound system to watch the game. Tons of board games and puzzles. Foosball.

Availability

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#8 - 1949 Jim Dandy Vintage Camper & 1940s Luxury Tent is available for selected dates.

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Amenities Included

POV is more than a cabin or glamping rental, it is a resort. Part of what makes POV Resort so special is our amenities included. We do have high-speed wifi throughout the main resort – so if you need to send an email or stream a movie on a rainy day, we’ve got you covered. Boat slips are available to rent.

Our base rates include more amenities than you would expect from any other Northwoods experience, including access to:

    • Access to Common Spaces/Amenities: Bathhouse, Newly-Renovated Rec Building, Coin-Operated Laundry Room, Fishhouse
    • Access to Outdoor Amenities: Beach/Docks, Basketball Court, Playground, Sand Volleyball, Horseshoes, Tetherball, Ring Toss, Pickleball, Trails, Wood Swings, Hammocks, Beachfront Shower
    • Use of Non-Motorized Boats (Free): First-come-first-serve for kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, paddle boards

There is also a general store on site for guests’ needs selling bait, pantry items, beer/wine/spirits, other beverages, toiletries, ice, camping supplies, and firewood. Visit https://povorder.com to see our full inventory.

Upgrade Your Stay

If you are interested in renting any of our fishing or pontoon boats look here to book & to see more info.  Or, if you bring your own boat, rent one of our slips

Book the best Romantic Getaway in Wisconsin with POV Resort’s Romance Package — $175 package. Cozy up with your special someone with romantic vacation on the lake! Get peace and quiet at the nicest Northern Wisconsin cabin rentals found nestled in the woods.

Select any of our cabin or glamping options and surprise your loved one with a romantic getaway for two.

Romantic Getaway Package includes ($225 value):

  • 10% off your stay
    • A $75 gift certificate to one of the following choices:
        • Craftsman American Tavern – seriously awesome craft food and drinks – and games to add some whimsy to your weekend away
        • Mary Kate’s Wine Bar – a nation-wide award-winning hotspot — and a perfect romantic spot with amazing charcuterie boards, flatbreads and more; unparalleled selection of wines as well as beers, spirits, N/A options, and more!
    • Bottle of bubbly, wine, or craft beers (requires proof of age)
    • Gourmet S’mores Kit 
    • Custom gorgeous handwarmer mugs
    • Deluxe hot cocoa 

To book, make your selection during the online checkout process or call us at 715-204-4111. 

MAKE SURE TO ADD THE 10% ROMANCE DISCOUNT THROUGH THE CHECK-OUT PROCESS (CODE: POVROMANCE). 

Fishing at POV

Really Great Fishing

We're not kidding - we have one of the best lakes for fishing & one of the best of Lake Resorts in Wisconsin.

Ice Fishing at POV Lake Resort, Wisconsin Glamping

Excellent Ice Fishing Too

North and South Twin Lakes are one of the nation’s premiere ice fishing bodies of water.

Snowmobiling at POV Lake Resort, Wisconsin Glamping

Super Fun Snowmobiling

We are the ideal destination for your next snowmobile trip - come explore miles & miles of fun!

HIking at POV Lake Resort, Wisconsin Glamping

Simply the Best Hiking

Beautiful trails on site and nearby (waterfalls too!) make for some of the best hiking in the Midwest.