BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The season for camping is underway in Brown County, as all three properties are officially open for business.
For the past seven years, Marilyn Batey and her husband Pat Batey have been some of the first to arrive for the season. The campground hosts say they are there to help.
“We sell wood. We sell ice. We just walk around, talk to the people. We get to know the regulars, and the not-so-regulars,” said Marilyn Batey, Campground Host.
Bay Shore Campground opened Monday morning. The 107 sites offer various amenities, and rates range from $22-$32 a night. Brown County Parks Director Matt Kriese says since the pandemic, camping is very popular.
“Camping has not let up, the trends continue to go up. And our campground demand is also there. So we’re seeing our campground filling up typically on Wednesdays through the weekend. So it’s no longer a Friday evening when you can find a campsite. You really have to look in advance,” said Matt Kriese, Brown County Parks Director.
Kriese says Brown County’s new Reforestation Camp Campground is designed to help meet the demand. The 51-site facility first opened last summer.
“We have a 1400-acre playground, really between bike trails, horse trails, walking trails, you can spend the whole weekend exploring the woods out there. And the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park is right out of the backyard of the campground,” he said.
For those looking for something in the city, the 46-sites at the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere are close and convenient. Meanwhile, back at Bay Shore, the Bateys continue to settle in. They say despite Monday’s chilly weather, their travel trailer makes the difference.
“You can be warm inside and still come out, and then go back in to get warmed up and have a fire. People will sit here with their winter coats on and have a fire. So, you’re roughing it, but not too rough? Exactly,” she said.
More improvements are in the works at Bay Shore Campground.
The design phase is underway to upgrade all the shower, and bathroom facilities at the park.
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