Campgrounds

Campgrounds are an important part of tourism and recreation in Sauk County. We are contracted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to license, inspect, and investigate campgrounds. We enforce ATCP 79 (Campground Code) to ensure campgrounds are providing safe and healthy conditions to their guests. 

Campground Licensing Information

If you are thinking of starting a campground, please take the time to review the following information about the licensing process and requirements. It is against the law to operate a campground without a license.

• Zoning

  • A campground license is not the only approval you will need to operate. Your local planning and zoning department must also approve your business.

• Application

  • A completed License Application must be submitted to the public health department with the correct fees enclosed.
  • If you are unsure of the type of license your establishment requires after reviewing this document, please contact us at (608) 355-4327.
  • The application can be found in the supporting documents below.

• License Types

  • License type is determined by the number of campsites.
  • The license types are: 1-25 sites, 26-50 sites, 51-100 sites, 101-199 sites, 200+ sites

• Plan Review

  • A plan review is required prior to campground expansion or new campground operation.
  • When a plan review is required, a plan review fee, a campground map, and plan review application must be submitted to the department for review.

• Pre-inspection

  • A pre-inspection will be conducted when you are ready to start operating. This is to ensure that the facility has the appropriate design, equipment, and management to comply with the Campground code.
  • Once your application has been submitted, a sanitarian will contact you to schedule the pre-inspection.
  • Keep in mind that a new license, including change of ownership, requires the facility to get into full compliance before a license is issued.

• Your License, Routine Inspections, and License Renewals

  • Your license is valid for one year from July through the following June.If you are licensed in April, May, or June, your license will not expire until June 30 of the following year.
  • You will have at least one annual inspection during the license year (not calendar year). If there are any complaints attributed to your establishment, additional inspections will be conducted.
  • Renewal notices for annual license fees are sent out in April of each year. Annual license fees are due by the end of June. If the license fee is not received or post marked by June 30, a late fee will be charged.

• Licensing Fees

  • If you do not understand which fees are applicable to the licensing of your business, please call us at (608) 355-3290 before submitting your application and fees.

• Special Event/Temporary Campgrounds

  • A special event license application and license fee must be submitted to the public health department. The application can be found in the documents below.
  • No camping is allowed until a permit is granted by the public health department.
  • The permit is valid for a maximum of 14 days.
  • Each campsite needs to have an area of at least 800 square feet.
  • An adequate supply of potable water must be provided.
  • Toilets that are clean and in good repair must be provided in adequate numbers.
  • Wastewater must be disposed in an approved manner.
  • Garbage must be disposed in accordance with the campground code.
  • For more information, review the special event campgrounds section of the Campground Code or call the public health department at 608-355-3290. 

Frequently Asked Questions