Wisconsin Campgrounds Face Uncertainty During Pandemic

Campgrounds in rural areas can be packed with people from cities trying to social distance

WASCOTT, Wis. – People are trying to get out of cities as much as possible during the pandemic.

That means campgrounds in rural areas can be packed. While the owners appreciate the business, they tell us it’s up to campers to act responsibly and maintain social distance.

Rick Maas, owner of Up North Resort in Wascott, tells us there are a lot of unknowns about how to best run his business during the pandemic.

“As far as the 88 campsites we have, they’re all taken. We have a waiting list,” said Maas.

He says only about a third of the rented campsites at Up North Resort have been occupied on the weekends so far, but he expects it to get busier when he turns on the water later this month.

“Once the water gets on, then I would think on a weekend, well over fifty percent of the campground is actually full,” said Maas.

He tells us it’s tough to know what rules campgrounds need to follow.

Right now, gatherings have to be limited to immediate family only, but that can be tough to enforce. All pools must be closed, but what about natural bodies of water?

“Well, we don’t have a swimming pool, but we’ve got a lake. And there’s no directive. Can we use the lake?” asked Maas.

Maas may have to close his seven rental cabins for the summer, which make up about 20 percent of his business.

When it comes to the campground, he says it’s up to the campers themselves to be responsible and limit the coronavirus spread.

“My wife and I are very concerned. I’m 71, she’s 69 and some health issues, so we can’t afford to get the virus because it would almost be like a death sentence to us,” said Maas.

As the pandemic continues, campers keep coming.

Many of them are from Duluth and Superior. They see the resort as a way to socially distance away from the city.

“I’m not too worried at this moment, but it could get worse so who knows. Just got to wait and see I guess,” said camper Nathan Lundeen, who was visiting Up North Resort.

Meanwhile, Maas says he and other campground owners will keep operating their businesses as close to normal as possible, at least until they get specific requirements from regulatory agencies.

“It would be nice to have some direction as far as what we can do and can’t do and also hear from our insurance provider to know if we’re covered if somebody claims that they picked up the COVID-19 virus here,” explained Maas.