Campsites, pavilions and shelters, as well as pontoon boats and short-term dock rentals, at Shawano County parks can now be reserved through a new website.
The site, www.shawanocountyparks.com, was launched in spring, officials said.
Matt Hietpas, the county’s technology services director, said they’ve already seen increases in inquiries due to the new website.
“We’ve had more interest in Wilson Park and pontoon boat rentals,” he told the Shawano County Executive Committee on June 19. “We’ve only had it up a little while, but it’s paying off already.”
Hietpas said there is also a new point-of-sale system at the snack shop and county campground store at Shawano Lake County Park. That equipment was among the goals of the parks department in 2024.
Another goal in 2024 was to add the Hayman Falls campsites to the online reservation system, a project completed with the new website.
A few new surveillance cameras have also been installed at the park, he noted.
The Shawano County Parks 2023 annual report shows there were 10,979 nights of camping at county parks last year, up slightly from the 10,730 in 2022 and 10,645 in 2021.
Events in the pavilion at the Shawano Lake County Park numbered 115, down from the 121 in 2022 but up from the 99 in 2021.
Overall, eight county parks raised $489,840 in revenue from campsite rentals ($209,139 or 42.7%), booking fees, shelter rentals, snack shop revenue, pavilion rentals, store revenue, trail permit fees, boat launch fees, boat rentals and boat dock fees. Revenue raised the previous year was $486,136.
The Shawano Lake County Campground has 100 campsites, a large sandy beach with separate pet beach, a camp store, a snack shop and pontoon boat rentals. There is also an indoor pavilion, open air shelter and lakeview shelter available to rent.
Hayman Falls County Park is a 54-acre site located along the Embarrass River with six campsites and a shelter with water and electricity.
The wood and stone Shawano Lake County Park Pavilion is available for business meetings, weddings and other functions. It features an interior capacity of 300, is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, and has audio and video equipment available.
Rates range from $150 to $700 depending on the day of the week and how the facility is used.
There are several shelters available to rent as well.
• Mielke County Park: This 32-acre site hosts a 250-seat theater, picnic area, playground, outdoor amphitheater, shelter with restrooms and a parking area.
• Oconto River Park: Also known as Pulcifer Park, it is located along the Oconto River with two shelters. It is a popular put-in or take-out point for tubing.
• Sunset Island Park: This 1.6-acre site provides a small shelter, picnic tables and three grills.
• Voelz Memorial Park (Wilson Lake): This 110-acre property, which encompasses Wilson Lake, includes a small beach area, fishing pier, boat ramp and a large shelter with water and electricity.
• Waukechon Riverside Park: The 68-acre site sits along the Wolf River and has a shelter with restrooms and a picnic area with grills.
Shawano Lake County Park has seven pontoon boats available for daily rental. Rates are $125 or $225 a day plus an equal amount as a deposit. The various sized boats can accommodate between five and 12 people.
Shawano Lake County Park also offers four short-term boat docks at $5 per day.
Call the campground at 715-526-4986 for more information.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
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