wisconsin campgrounds

Licensing A Campground

From the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the following are the steps you need to take when licensing a Campground.

Step One – You will need to ensure you meet other requirements such as but not limited to:

• Zoning: Contact your zoning office or municipal or township clerk to verify all local requirements.

Step Two – Plan Review:

New campgrounds and existing campgrounds making modification are required to submit plans before construction/modification takes place, this includes adding campsite.

• Complete the Campground Plan Approval Application (attached to this email)
• Email the Plan Review Approval Application to: [email protected]
• If plan review is approved you may begin construction

Step Three – Make sure your Campground is ready for inspection

• Refer to requirements in Administrative Code ATCP 79, Campgrounds: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/055/79 to make sure you are ready for inspection.
• Sample your well water if your campground is served by a private well.  A yearly bacteria sample is required.  Have test results available for review at licensing inspection.  Here is a link to approved water testing labs: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wells/privatewelltest.html

Step Four – Apply for a license

• Complete the attached Lodging and Recreational Facility License Application (F-fd-13).
• Submit the application and payment by mail to DATCP-Division of Food and Recreational Safety PO Box 93586, Milwaukee WI 53293 listed at the top of the form.
• Include the social security form only if applying as an individual or sole proprietor.

Step Five – Scheduling an inspection

• If your check has been cashed your application has been received.
• It will take a minimum of 10 business days to process your application.  Applications are processed in the order they are received; there is no expedited licensing feature.
• An inspector will contact you by phone at the number you indicated on the application.  The inspector will call you to set up a date and time with you for the licensing inspection.

Related Materials:

Campground Plan Approval Application


Lodging and Recreational Facility License Application


Social Security Number Form


Special Event Campground Application