A legislative effort is underway in Wisconsin to address how seasonal campers’ personal property is treated under Act 12, a law that eliminated the state’s personal property tax beginning in 2024.
The proposed fix, introduced in September by Rep. Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca) and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton), seeks to clarify that seasonal campers’ personal property located within licensed campgrounds should receive the same exemption from property taxation as other personal property covered by Act 12.
OHI, the national association representing RV park, campground, and glamping businesses, is working in collaboration with the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) to rally support for the legislation.
The two organizations are encouraging campground owners, operators, and seasonal campers to reach out to their state legislators and ask them to sign on to LRB #4985 and #4990 before October 14.
The initiative marks what both organizations describe as an important clarification rather than a new policy, intended to align with what lawmakers originally intended when passing Act 12. You can read the bill here.
“Once this action is taken, it will translate to substantial tax savings for campgrounds and seasonal campers in Wisconsin,” said David Basler, chief strategy officer and senior vice president of government affairs for OHI.
Basler noted that the issue was first raised by Jim Button, OHI’s board chair and owner of Evergreen Campsites in Wild Rose, Wisconsin.
OHI has launched an Advocacy Action Center providing two customizable letters—one for campground owners and one for seasonal campers—to streamline grassroots participation.
Campground owners are being asked to submit letters through OHI’s platform and to share the campaign with their campers via social media. The organizations hope to “flood legislative offices” with messages of support ahead of the mid-October deadline.
For Wisconsin campground operators, the proposed fix could have long-term implications for financial planning and tax management.
By clarifying how Act 12 applies to seasonal campers’ property, the legislation aims to remove uncertainty that could otherwise complicate business operations and billing practices.
“Our highest priority is the well-being of Wisconsin campground owners and operators, and that’s why making sure this comes to fruition is so important,” said Scott Kollock, owner of Vista Royalle Campground and president of WACO.
“Tackling issues together as a united front is the best way to see success. We’re looking forward to seeing this across the finish line with OHI and the state of Wisconsin.”
Questions about the bill or the grassroots campaign can be directed to OHI’s government affairs team at [email protected].