Brown County campgrounds open for business

BROWN COUNTY (WLUK) — For many, it’s a sign of the season. Excitement is in the air as campgrounds are opening all around Northeast Wisconsin.

In Brown County, hundreds of sites are ready for business.

Heading into its third year, Brown County’s Reforestation Camp Campground in Suamico offers about 53 sites.

“We have miles and miles of biking trails, horseback trails, hiking trails. It is surrounded by 1400 acres of public land, along with the NEW Zoo being just a walk away from the campsite here, that we’re sitting at,” said Matt Kriese, Brown County Parks Director.

“I like meeting people. I like helping out people,” said Pete Borchardt, Campground Host.

Borchardt is in his second season as campground host.

“I always enjoyed camping. I grew up in Wisconsin. I was a boy scout. My wife is a traveling nurse, and those two just meet together. We got a camper, and Wisconsin is our summer home. And when it’s cold, we go somewhere else. And then we come back,” he said.

Less than 30 miles away, near New Franken, is Bay Shore County Park. The campground features 107 sites. Kriese says there is some construction.

“We’re re-investing into that campground, and replacing all of the showers and restroom buildings. We had hoped that we were a little bit further ahead with that construction, but due to a number of different delays, construction continues up there,” he said.

Kriese says shower and restroom facilities are still available, and construction could wrap up in a couple weeks.

“Don’t mind our dust, as we make progress at that campground,” he said.

A third campground can be found at the county fairgrounds in De Pere. The facility offers 56 sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Kriese says Brown County camping revenue has increased over the last five years, and the investment reflects the need.

“It’s still a popular sport. It’s still a way to connect families, to recreate in nature, and enjoy the great outdoors,” he said.

Brown County Parks leaders say depending on the amenities, the fee to camp ranges from $22 to $32 a night.