Dec. 15, 2025
By Tim Hundt
VIROQUA, Wis. — Campers and boaters using Vernon County parks will see higher rates next season after the Conservation and Education Committee last Thursday approved a series of fee increases aimed at keeping up with maintenance costs and strong demand.
The changes affect seasonal full-hookup campsites, nightly full-hookup sites and boat slips at county facilities including Sidie Hollow, Esofea and Black Hawk parks.
Seasonal campsite fees
The county’s seasonal full-hookup campsite rate will rise from $1,900 to $2,000 per season beginning in 2026.
- Old rate: $1,900 per season
- New rate: $2,000 per season
- Change: +$100
Parks Director Marty Kennedy said the increase is driven in part by higher holding tank dumping fees and other operating costs.
The county has 24 seasonal full-hookup sites:
- 11 at Sidie Hollow
- 2 at Esofea
- 11 at Black Hawk
Kennedy estimated the $100 increase will generate about $2,400 in additional annual revenue if all seasonal sites are filled.
Supervisor Mary Henry backed the hike, saying turnover doesn’t reflect a lack of interest.
“Families kind of grow out of use and decide we’re not using it as much,” Henry said, “but there are more people waiting in line to use those sites, so I don’t really foresee that’s going to be an issue.”
Nightly full-hookup rates
The committee also approved a steeper increase for nightly full-hookup campsites, which Kennedy described as “very popular.”
- Old rate: $45 per night
- Original staff proposal: $50 per night (+$5)
- Approved rate after amendment: $55 per night
Henry pushed for going higher than staff recommended.
“I think they should be $55,” she said. “They’re beautiful sites.”
Committee members agreed, unanimously approving the higher figure.
Kennedy told the committee that even at $55, Vernon County’s rates remain in line with comparable campgrounds and that his revenue projections were conservative, assuming just three nights a week of rental.
At that low-end usage assumption, a $5 increase would have produced about $4,680 in extra revenue. The $10 actual increase will yield more, depending on occupancy.
Boat slip fee hike
The committee also voted to raise seasonal boat slip fees by $50.
- Current top rate: about $825 per season
- New top rate: about $875 per season
- Change: +$50
Kennedy said Vernon County continues to fill its slips each year but had to go down the waiting list last season. Even so, he reported there are still about 30 names on the list.
Supervisors pointed to strong regional demand. Dave Eggen said he once tried to get on a private marina list in Stoddard and was told he’d be 113th in line.
Despite the higher costs, committee members signaled confidence that the county’s parks and waterfront facilities will remain in demand.
“People do leave,” Eggen said of both campers and slip holders, “but there are people that are ready to move in there immediately, as soon as sites open up.”
The new rates will take effect with the 2026 camping season and upcoming boat slip contracts, according to the discussion.
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