The Northwest Wisconsin Business Development Corporation (NWBDC) awarded loan funding to complete the final phase expansion of Camp Namekagon & RV Park.
This expansion funding will go toward the build out of 20 new pull through, full hookup RV sites and updates to the Bar’N Grill that will include screened in outdoor seating and pergolas.
Lee and Rene Magnuson purchased a former dairy farm in Springbrook, WI and in 2005 began development of
Camp Namekagon & RV Park. The site was chosen specifically for its location to several landings on the Namekagon River. The original business plan also called for using the Namekagon River for canoeing, kayaking and tubing rentals to add to the income and desirability of the campground.
Camp Namekagon is now starting its 11th year. In 2007, 34 full hookup sites existed, a couple of tent sites and an old dairy barn. Now 74 sites exist and all have full hookups, 3 park model rental cabins, 2 sleeping cabins, a very nice bar and grill/ office, and a river rental service of canoes, kayaks and 150 tubes. In 2017 a 24’ x 32’ general store was opened to compliment basic camp and river needs.
The lay of the land includes 80 acres with a very nice creek running through and the original dairy barn had been repurposed and made the location very attractive to the campground plan. The dairy barn now has been remodeled and serves as a focal point of the campground. It now is the “Bar’N Grill” and campground office. The Bar’N Grill has a full bar with great burgers, homemade pizza and a very popular and growing Friday night fish fry.
The Magnusons believe campers come back to Camp Namekagon year after year because they strive to provide great and consistent service to the customers. Camp Namekagon has a very clean operation, modern clean bath house, great recreational opportunities on the Namekagon River and nearby lakes and towns. Every site has a full sewer hookup, rather than holding tanks and dump stations.
Currently, Camp Namekagon serves West Dairy Ice Cream and will be adding a small coffee and snack bar this year. Many of the campers would like a place to gather in the mornings for coffee and the tubers always need snacks before going out on the river so the plan is to provide them. The Barn and Grill opens later in the afternoon and this will give the opportunity to entice campers and tubers into ordering from the grill after their trip.
“The funding will help us complete the buildout and transform this ongoing project into a complete RV Campground experience for all our customers to enjoy,” Lee Magnuson explained.
Rene Magnuson added, “The final transformation of Camp Namekagon [and RV Park] will offer our campers and river enthusiasts a one stop shop for all their needs, from cold beverages to a General Store for last minute items.”
NWBDC’s revolving loan funding provided the needed leverage to fund the expansion of Camp Namekagon & RV Park. This project is expected to retain 5 jobs in Springbrook, Wisconsin. To see if your business would qualify for a startup, transition or expansion loan product at NWRPC, contact loan fund manager
Ken Pearson at (715) 635-2197.