LESS MONEY = MORE CAMPING?
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 -- 11:12 AM
With the official start of Spring just a few days off, people are already lining up their summer vacation plans.There are mixed forecasts for how the economy will impact usage at area campgrounds.
"Depending on who you talk to, it could be positive or negative," says Mark Heil with the Clark County Forestry and Parks Department. "There are two trains of thought: one is people can't afford to go camping; the other is, perhaps people can't afford to do the Wisconsin Dells-type trips, but might still choose a cheaper alternative, like camping."
Heil notes campsite revenues were down in 2008, as was usership at Bruce Mound this Winter.
Clark County?s most popular campground, Russell Memorial Park in Hatfield, has seen decreased usership the past few years, probably due to the draw-down of Lake Arbutus. The lake is back up to normal levels, but it remains to be seen if those lost patrons will come back.
"We would hope so. Whether those campers will come back, or if they have already found another campground they're happy with remains to be seen," Heil says.
Clark County has seven campgrounds. They take advanced reservations for Mead Lake, Rock Dam and Russell Memorial, while others are occupied on a first come basis.
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