Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners

For Wisconsin locals, the call of the outdoors and the desire for a memorable camping experience are deeply ingrained. Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast, a family looking for a cabin getaway, or a tent camper seeking a rustic escape, navigating the myriad of options across our beautiful state can be a delightful, yet sometimes daunting, task. That's where the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) comes in. WACO isn't a single campground, but rather a vital non-profit association dedicated to promoting, improving, and protecting the camping experience at private campgrounds throughout Wisconsin.

Think of WACO as your trusted guide to finding the perfect spot for your next adventure. They are a federation of private Wisconsin campgrounds, working tirelessly to ensure that member campgrounds live up to high standards of quality and provide a pleasant, relaxing, and rewarding outdoor experience. From primitive parks to luxurious camping resorts, large or small, WACO offers a comprehensive resource to help you select a campground that perfectly matches your personal requirements and those of your family. When you see a campground is a WACO member, you know they are part of an organization committed to enhancing your family camping experience.

The administrative office for the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) is located at: 22676 US-53, Ettrick, WI 54627, USA. While this is the physical address for WACO's operations, it's important for Wisconsin residents to understand that WACO itself is not a campground where you can directly reserve a site and set up camp. Instead, it serves as the central hub for the association that supports and promotes hundreds of individual private campgrounds across the entire state of Wisconsin.

This strategic location in Ettrick, in west-central Wisconsin, allows WACO to be centrally accessible for its member campground owners from all corners of the state, particularly for events like their annual convention and trade show. For campers, WACO's accessibility comes primarily through their extensive online directory (wisconsincampgrounds.com) and their widely distributed printed directories. These resources make it incredibly easy for any Wisconsin resident, regardless of their location, to find and connect with WACO member campgrounds that are convenient to their desired destination or travel route within Wisconsin.

So, while you won't be camping directly at the Ettrick address, WACO's centralized location enables them to effectively serve as the essential bridge between quality private campgrounds and the eager camping public of Wisconsin.

As an association, the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) does not offer direct camping services to the public. Instead, their "services" are geared towards supporting their member campgrounds and, by extension, making the camping experience better for Wisconsin residents. Here's how they serve the Wisconsin camping community:

• Comprehensive Campground Directory: WACO publishes and distributes an extensive online directory (wisconsincampgrounds.com) and a printed directory (315,000 copies annually) that list all their member campgrounds. This is arguably their most crucial service for campers, providing detailed information to help you find the perfect spot.
• Detailed Campground Listings: Their listings feature detailed information about member campgrounds, including:
  • Types of camping (primitive, RV, cabins, tent sites)
  • Amount of development (amenities)
  • Activities offered (swimming, fishing, hiking, playgrounds)
  • Facilities available (restrooms, showers, hookups)
  • Types of recreation
  • Rental opportunities (RV, cabin, golf cart)
  • Nearby attractions and conveniences
• Quality Assurance: WACO members are private campgrounds dedicated to upholding high standards of quality camping. By choosing a WACO member, campers can have a greater assurance of a positive experience.
• "WACO Guarantee": This unique service offers a full refund to any camper requesting a refund on campsite fees and leaving within one hour of check-in at a WACO member campground. (Note: Not valid on holidays or holiday weekends). This demonstrates their commitment to camper satisfaction.
• "Campers Code" Promotion: WACO promotes a "Campers Code" encouraging considerate, cooperative, clean, conserving, cautious, and common-sense behavior, aiming to improve the overall camping atmosphere for everyone.
• Event and Activity Listings: Their website often features upcoming events and "What's Happening in WI" sections, helping campers find local festivals and attractions to enjoy during their camping trips.
• Educational Resources (for Campers): While primarily for members, WACO occasionally shares general camping tips and information through their blogs (e.g., "Delicious Foil Packet Meals," "Glampin' Is the Life for Me!").

By leveraging these services, Wisconsin locals can confidently plan and enjoy their camping adventures at a WACO member campground.

The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) offers several key features and highlights that indirectly benefit Wisconsin campers by ensuring a high-quality camping experience throughout the state:

• Curated Network of Private Campgrounds: WACO provides access to a pre-vetted network of private campgrounds, ranging from basic, primitive sites to luxurious resorts. This takes the guesswork out of finding a reliable and enjoyable camping destination.
• Extensive Reach and Exposure: With over 20,000 website visitors a month and 315,000 printed directories distributed annually, WACO ensures that campers have widespread access to information about member campgrounds across Wisconsin.
• Commitment to Quality: WACO's mission to "promote, usage, growth and improvement of campgrounds" means that its member parks are generally focused on providing excellent facilities and experiences for their guests.
• The "WACO Guarantee": This unique guarantee provides a safety net for campers, offering a refund if they are dissatisfied and leave within an hour of check-in (excluding holidays). It underscores WACO's confidence in its member campgrounds.
• Emphasis on Family Camping: WACO actively aims to "improve your family camping experience," indicating a focus on amenities and environments suitable for all ages, making it easier for families to find suitable locations.
• Diverse Camping Options: Through WACO, campers can discover a wide variety of camping styles, from rustic tent sites to full hook-up RV sites and even cabins or glamping options, catering to diverse preferences.
• Promotion of Responsible Camping: The "Campers Code" encourages respectful and environmentally conscious behavior, contributing to a better experience for all campers and preserving Wisconsin's natural beauty.
• Information on Local Attractions: WACO's listings often include details about nearby attractions and conveniences, helping campers plan a comprehensive vacation beyond just the campground.
• Advocacy for the Camping Industry: By supporting WACO, campers indirectly support an organization that advocates for the interests of campgrounds in Wisconsin, helping to ensure the continued availability and quality of private camping opportunities in the state.

As a non-profit association, the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) does not offer direct camping promotions or discounts. Their role is to market and support their member campgrounds. However, they do provide avenues through which Wisconsin campers can potentially find deals or benefit indirectly:

• Promotions Page on Website: WACO has a "Promotions" section on their website (wisconsincampgrounds.com/promotions/). This page may list contests or giveaways, such as chances to win camping certificates. For example, a previous promotion allowed visitors to enter to win one of three $50 certificates.
• Member Campground Specials: Individual WACO member campgrounds may run their own promotions and special offers, which might be advertised on their direct websites or through other camping deal platforms (e.g., Campspot often lists deals for specific Wisconsin campgrounds, some of which are likely WACO members). These could include discounts for extended stays, midweek specials, military/first responder discounts, or seasonal promotions.
• Convention Attendance (for Campground Owners): For campground owners, WACO's annual convention offers "Show Specials" and opportunities to "Shop, Compare, & Save!" on industry products and services, which can indirectly lead to better value or amenities at their parks.
• Value of Membership: By choosing a WACO member campground, campers benefit from the "WACO Guarantee" and the general quality standards upheld by the association, which can be seen as an inherent "value" proposition.

For Wisconsin locals looking for specific deals on their next camping trip, the best approach is to:

1. Visit the "Promotions" section on the official WACO website.
2. Utilize the WACO campground directory to find campgrounds in their desired region, then visit those individual campground websites or contact them directly to inquire about any current specials they might be offering.

To connect with the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) for information about member campgrounds, the association's services, or to inquire about promotional opportunities, please use the following contact details:

Address: 22676 US-53, Ettrick, WI 54627, USA

Phone: (608) 525-2327

Mobile Phone: +1 608-525-2327

Additionally, Wisconsin locals can access a wealth of information directly through their official website: wisconsincampgrounds.com. This website serves as the primary resource for searching member campgrounds, viewing their online directory, and learning more about WACO's mission and initiatives.

For Wisconsin locals, the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) is an indispensable resource for planning the perfect outdoor getaway. While WACO itself is not a physical campground, its role as a unifying body for private campgrounds across the state directly benefits every resident who loves to camp.

The primary suitability lies in WACO's commitment to quality and comprehensive information. Their extensive online and printed directories make it incredibly easy to find a private campground that meets specific needs, whether you're looking for full hook-ups for your RV, a rustic tent site, or a cozy cabin rental. The ability to filter by amenities, activities, and location streamlines the planning process, saving Wisconsin families time and effort.

Furthermore, the "WACO Guarantee" provides a unique layer of confidence, assuring campers of a certain standard. This, combined with the general emphasis on improving the "family camping experience" and promoting responsible outdoor behavior through the "Campers Code," means that choosing a WACO member campground often translates into a more enjoyable, stress-free, and higher-quality vacation. By supporting WACO, Wisconsin locals are indirectly supporting the growth and improvement of the private camping industry within their own state, ensuring that fantastic camping opportunities remain abundant and accessible for years to come. In essence, WACO "rocks!" because it makes finding your ideal Wisconsin camping adventure simpler and more reliable.