A legislative effort to address tax concerns for seasonal campers and campground operators in Wisconsin is now underway.
Lawmakers in Madison, backed by OHI and a team of lobbyists, have introduced a bill designed to clarify property tax exemptions and provide financial relief to campground businesses and their guests.
The bill, formally introduced by Rep. Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca) and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton), seeks to resolve confusion stemming from Act 12, the state’s repeal of personal property tax starting in 2024.
The legislation would ensure that a seasonal camper’s personal property located in licensed campgrounds is treated the same as other exempted property under the law.
OHI, the national association representing RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping businesses, said the measure reflects what lawmakers originally intended when Act 12 was passed. By clarifying how the exemption applies to seasonal campers, the bill is expected to remove uncertainty for small business owners across the state.
OHI officials said the bill’s introduction is the result of sustained lobbying and collaboration with state legislators. The group is now calling on campground operators and campers to actively support the measure.
To encourage participation, OHI has created two letter templates available on its Advocacy Action Center. One letter is directed at Wisconsin campground owners and operators, while the second is customized for seasonal campers.
OHI is also urging campground operators to share the materials with staff and to distribute the camper-focused letter link to guests. The group emphasized that grassroots involvement is critical to advancing the legislation and ensuring the intended tax relief is delivered.
“Our persistence has shown results, but the fight for campground owners continues. OHI has been focused on this fix from the beginning when Jim Button, chair of OHI’s Board of Directors and owner of Evergreen Campsites in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, first raised it at the local level,” David Basler, CSO and SVP of Government Affairs for OHI, said in a press release.
“Once this action is taken, it will translate to substantial tax savings for campgrounds and seasonal campers in Wisconsin,” Basler added.
The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO) has also voiced strong support. The organization has worked alongside OHI to ensure the concerns of small business operators are included in the proposal now before lawmakers.
“The strength of our industry comes from standing united. WACO is committed to advancing this legislation, which includes the state’s input presented by OHI, because we know it will bring real relief and stability to campground owners across Wisconsin,” Scott Kollock, WACO Board President, said.
