Campgrounds May Remain Open Under The Safer At Home Order

Axley has been able to confirm with the state of Wisconsin, that campgrounds are considered to be the same as “hotels” and “motels” under the Safer at Home Order, which means they are an “Essential Business and Operation” that may stay open under the Safer At Home Order.  There are specific restrictions that campgrounds must follow.

If a campground is open, it must:

• Close swimming pools, hot tubs, and exercise facilities.
• Prohibit guests from congregating in lobbies or other common areas, including providing adequate space to adhere to Social Distancing Requirements while queuing for front desk services.
• Close all seating intended for consuming food.
• Prohibit customers from self-dispensing all unpackaged food.
• Close any onsite restaurants except:
  • Restaurants may remain open for food take-out or delivery;
  • Customers may enter the restaurant to order, pick up, and pay for food or beverages;
  • No seating may be provided.
  • Food and drink may not be consumed on premises, either indoors or outdoors.
  • Establishments shall meet Social Distancing Requirements between all individuals on the premises to the extent possible.
  • There shall not be any self-service operations of salad bars, beverage stations, and buffets.
• Close all onsite bars except:
  • Carryout sales of alcohol beverages and food are allowed, if permitted by state law and municipal ordinance.
  • Delivery of alcohol beverages to retail customers is prohibited.
  • Customers may enter the restaurant to order, pick up, and pay for food or beverages;
  • No seating may be provided.
  • Food and drink may not be consumed on premises, either indoors or outdoors.
  • Establishments shall meet Social Distancing Requirements between all individuals on the premises to the extent possible.
  • There shall not be any self-service operations of salad bars, beverage stations, and buffets.

Since campgrounds are considered Essential Businesses and Operations under the Order, they shall, to the greatest extent possible, use technology to avoid meeting in person including virtual meetings, teleconference, and remote work (i.e., work from home). To the greatest extent feasible, Essential Businesses and Operations shall comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in the Order; in doing so, Essential Businesses and Operations shall, to the greatest extent possible, ensure that both employees and members of the public are maintaining six-foot social distancing, including but not limited to when any customers are standing in line.

When taking any action permitted under the Order, all individuals, organizations, government bodies, and any other permitted group of individuals shall, to the extent possible, follow DHS guidelines located here.

All Essential Businesses and Operations shall comply with DHS guidelines for businesses located here.

Essential Businesses and Operations are encouraged to follow the WEDC’s best practices for a COVID-19 response plan.