Countdown 2 The Draft: Campgrounds prepare for surge in football fans

SUAMICO, Wis. (WBAY) - Some campers are counting down the days until they welcome 2025 NFL draft-goers to campgrounds across Northeast Wisconsin.

“It’s one of the best places to be in my opinion but I’m a little biased,” Reforestation Camp Host Pete Borchardt said.

The Brown County Parks Department decided to open up the Reforestation, Bay Shore and Fairgrounds campgrounds earlier than usual next year.

“There’s only so many motels and beds in Brown County and we knew those were going to be filled rather quickly,” Parks Director Matt Kriese explained.

Kriese said he hopes to accommodate some of the hundreds of thousands of people flocking to our area in April.

“So you could have a tent. You could have a small pop-up. You could have a 40-foot motorhome that you could fit and bring into our campground. We don’t limit it. That’s up to people on how they want to camp and what their lifestyle is,” Kriese told Action 2 News.

Borchardt believes camping is the best way to spend the draft.

“You get to really interact with people. You get to make new friends right next door. Sharing a beverage around the campfire. Discuss who is going to get picked... who got picked...” he expressed.

As we first alerted you, the NFL reported the draft is expected to bring in about $94 million to Wisconsin and about $20 million right to the Greater Green Bay area.

Kriese said his team is looking at every single opportunity to get people places to stay so they can be closer to the action and support local businesses:

“Versus having to stay in Wausau or Marinette or Milwaukee and having to travel all that ways every single day just to come and visit the draft.”

The price tag for a campsite is still being worked out, but Kriese said he anticipates releasing online reservation information in the fall.

“And then that would be opened up to everybody across the world,” Kriese said. “Whoever might want to come in. We’re also looking at potentially partnering with different RV dealers and things to see if units can be brought into different campgrounds.”

The Parks Department is also looking at the possibility of shuttles from the campgrounds to Titletown.

The weather may be unpredictable in April, but you can warm up by the firepit and maybe even make some new friends.

Campers said there’s something special about feeling like you’re up north, but really being just minutes away from the draft.

“Sitting around the campfire. Listening to the lions roar next door from the zoo. It’s quiet. You get to feel nature. It’s just really relaxing,” Borchardt said. “Just come out and have a good time!”

You can find more information about Brown County camping here.