Brown County Campgrounds Nearly Fully Booked for NFL Draft

Campgrounds in Brown County are quickly filling up as football fans plan to attend the upcoming NFL Draft in Green Bay. Officials report that 220 of the 245 total campsites across three local locations—Reforestation Camp in Suamico, the Brown County Fairgrounds and Bay Shore Campground—have already been reserved the local report shows.

Many of those who booked are arriving from out of state, drawn by the promise of easy camping access to the draft venues. “We have quite a number of out-of-state people that have reserved campsites,” said Matt Kriese, director of the Brown County Parks Department, in an official statement.

All three campground sites are scheduled to open on April 18, with workers racing to finalize preparations. “We’re really doing what we normally do in the spring, which is summer prep work. But we’re going a little bit above and beyond to make sure things are pressure washed and everything’s as tidy as we can make it,” said Kriese.

That process involves cleaning, safety checks and restoring utilities. Campground host Pete Borchardt described the importance of waiting for warmer weather to ensure water and electrical systems are functioning properly. “We’re just waiting for the weather to stay above freezing so we can get the water turned on,” said Borchardt. “After that happens, we’ve just got to clean up the place, go around and check everything, make sure the electrical is working,” he explained.

Each campsite requires a three-night minimum booking at $100 per night, which is expected to generate at least $66,000 for the county’s parks department. This income aims to cover overtime wages for staff who are beginning the camping season earlier than usual and to fund future campground upgrades.

“All of our costs and all that revenue, it really goes back into what we’re doing here. And if there’s any extra at the end of that, it’s going to go back into campgrounds,” said Kriese. By allocating funds toward improvements, local authorities hope to maintain high-quality operations for both the draft and the general summer camping season.

Roughly 25 campsites remain at Bay Shore Park for those seeking last-minute accommodations, according to recent figures. Campers without reservations may still find limited openings, though officials suggest booking as soon as possible to secure a spot.

There are currently no shuttle services planned between campgrounds and NFL Draft locations. “Our sites, such as Reforestation Camp or Bay Shore, that’s definitely going to be alternative transportation, or even driving,” said Kriese. Many campground managers suggest personal transportation for convenience, noting the distances involved.

Industry best practices often encourage forming partnerships with transit services or introducing onsite rentals like bikes and e-scooters. Fostering these strategies can ease traffic concerns, create more sustainable travel options, and help visitors unfamiliar with the area navigate more smoothly. In other settings, such as Lake Louise in Banff National Park, well-planned transit efforts have reduced congestion by 23% seen in national data.

Many campground and RV park operators recognize the importance of convenient transportation during large events. Partnering with local transportation providers can help ease travel burdens for guests, especially those who may be unfamiliar with local roads. Potential solutions include coordinating with ride-share or tour companies, establishing designated pick-up and drop-off locations, or offering onsite bike rentals and e-scooters. These options can simplify planning for guests and help reduce traffic congestion around high-demand venues. Meanwhile, providing guests with updated transport schedules or recommended driving routes ensures they can navigate event traffic more confidently. In the context of Brown County’s campgrounds and their upcoming NFL Draft crowds, the absence of shuttle services presents an opportunity for managers to consider collaborative efforts that enhance the visitor experience and strengthen community relationships.

Preparing for an early-season influx of visitors also requires careful coordination of staffing, maintenance, and long-term planning. Many operators advise hiring and training seasonal employees in advance, with clear checklists to ensure facilities are operational before opening. Coordinating overtime schedules for existing staff and allocating dedicated teams for tasks such as maintenance, guest relations, and groundskeeping can streamline daily operations. Preventive measures, including inspections of water, sewer, and electrical systems, often help avoid disruptions during high occupancy. In Brown County’s situation, setting flexible schedules and having well-trained teams can manage sudden demand more effectively, leading to smoother check-ins, fewer technical issues, and overall guest satisfaction.

Brown County’s earlier-than-usual opening mirrors the strategies used for large events where campground owners prioritize swift check-ins and consistent facility upkeep. Clear task assignments and cross-training typically reduce wait times for campers while preventing technical hiccups from overshadowing the experience. Early-season planning likewise cuts down on last-minute repairs that can be challenging to manage once the rush has begun.

By combining revenue from higher demand with proactive management, local officials hope to maintain a welcoming environment for draft attendees. The plan includes investing in campground amenities once the event concludes, channeling resources back into site improvements for the long term. Organizers point out that the intense interest in the NFL Draft has already brought a vital boost to Brown County’s outdoor hospitality sector. Campground bookings remain popular among fans, and with event preparations nearly complete, the community expects to accommodate visitors safely as excitement builds for draft day.