Green Acres Family Campground…A New Campground In New Auburn, Wisconsin…Owners Strive to Make It Kid and Adult Friendly

By Ruth Wucherer

“My wife and I looked for five years before we decided to build a new campground in New Auburn, Wisconsin.  We liked northwestern Wisconsin because of its rolling hills, beautiful trees and access to many lakes.”  This is how Kevinand Angela Pratt described why their family chose to build the Green Acres Family Campground in this area.

I went to visit Kevin and Angela Pratt, owners of the campground, on July 21, 2013. The couple is very hospitable.

CAMPGROUND FEATURES In an interview, Angela said Green Acres is the newest WACO (Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners) campground built in 30 years.  She stated that the campground opened on July 1, 2011 and has 68 acres.

As you drive into the campground, one notices the curb appeal of the property which is home to a large indoor recreational hall (70’ x 75’ size).  This hall is unique  to this campground.  Other campgrounds do not even have a rec hall. The rec hall is home to an arcade, pool tables, ping pong and a small convenience store (where  ice, firewood, soda, candy and chips are sold). “Kids can celebrate birthday parties in the hall which has also hosted  DJs and karaoke and potlucks,” Angela said. The campground owners plan weekend events such as water wars and death by  chocolate.

There is much to see and do at the campground.  Enjoy the sand volleyball court, playground or horseshoe pits.  If you like sports, there are acres of open space for   kickball, dodgeball, football, baseball and kite flying.

In 2013, additions to the campground include a camper for rent on-site and FREE Wi-Fi.

FUTURE GREEN ACRES FAMILY CAMPGROUND PROJECTS According to Kevin, 15 new campsites will be added in late summer and fall 2013. Kevin said he will do much of the prep work before the campsites can be put in.  He added that soon construction of a 40,000 square foot swimming pond will begin.  The  family believes in “sweat equity” which is necessary in today’s economy.  He added that soon construction of a one acre swimming pond will begin.  The pond will be rubber  lined and have a sand bottom.  It will have filtered water with 25 feet of sand   surrounding the body of water and an aquatic playground.

NEARBY CAMPGROUND ATTRACTIONS Green Acres is located in the Blue Diamond Recreational Area, named for its 30  lakes within 30 minutes of the campground.  There is no lack of water recreation in the area with Sand Lake directly across the road from the campground.  Although there is no private access to Sand Lake, there is a public boat access within one mile of the property.

Check out the Chippewa County Forest (33,653 acres) full of hiking trails, horseback riding, geo-caching and hunting.  There is also golfing and music festivals, winery, brewery and apple orchard tours nearby.

One attraction I visited was the David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center (formerly “Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Visitor Center”).  It is located at 13394 County  Hwy. M, New Auburn, Wisconsin 54757.  The phone number is 715-967-2800. The Interpretive Center has hands-on exhibits that interpret the glacial legacy and how it Influenced plants, animals, and people in the area.  It is open year-round Tuesday  through Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  It is closed on Mondays.  Admission is free but donations are accepted. The name of the Center was changed by the Wisconsin Legislature in 2011. The new name “David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center” was dedicated on October 15, 2011.  Even though the Center is closed at times, the Ice Age Trail is open   every day so people can hike on it.

NUMBER OF CAMPSITES AND CAMPGROUND CONTACT INFORMATION Green Acres Family Campground  is located at 30714 Sand Lake Road, New Auburn, Wisconsin 54757.  It is open April 15^th through October 15^thevery year. Winter camping is allowed (with permission) for special events but there is no water/sewer available. At present there are 42 campsites equipped with 20/30/50 amp electrical service, softened water, full sewer hook-up, picnic table and fire ring.  The  campsites can accommodate sizes from primitive tents to Class A rigs.  Stay overnight  or the entire season!  Daily rates are $20/night for primitive tent camping, and $37/night for RV and tent camping (add sales tax to these rates). Camping reservations are requested, call 715-967-2067. 

The website is www.GreenAcresFamilyCampground.com.  The email address is  info@greenacresfamilycampground.com. Green Acres Family Campground is located about 12 miles from New Auburn’s downtown area.  New Auburn has a population of 548 people.  I recommend you stay at this campground.  It is growing and getting better every year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ruth Wucherer has authored about 145 articles/book reviews.  This includes six articles, which were published in “Camping Today” magazine.  She also has had three how-to books published.  During the school year she works as a substitute  teacher at Milwaukee Public Schools.  She resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Pictured is the large indoor recreational hall at Green Acres Family Campground in New Auburn, Wisconsin.  This is a unique feature at the campground.  Most campgrounds do not have a rec hall.  Photo courtesy of Green Acres Family Campground.

Here is the Green Acres Family Campground sign.  In the background is Angela and Kevin Pratt's home.  The campground opened in July 2011. Photo courtesy of Green Acres Family Campground.

The campsites accommodate various sizes--from primitive tent to motorhome to class A rig. Photo courtesy of Green Acres Family Campground.

When staying at the Green Acres Family Campground, one can enjoy the playground.  There is also a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits.  Photo courtesy of Green Acres Family Campground.

An interesting attraction, not on the campground, is the David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center.  It is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday.  It is closed on Monday. Admission is free but donations are accepted.