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Eau Claire County tightens rules for dispersed camping, raises fees after reports of illegal activity
Summary
The County Board adopted an ordinance closing dispersed camping in the county forest from May 1 to Sept. 15, raised the two‑week permit fee to $40 and set nightly permits at $5 as officials cited safety, litter and enforcement costs.
Eau Claire County supervisors voted 24-2 on Jan. 21 to amend county forest rules, closing dispersed camping during the summer months and increasing permit fees. The ordinance sets a two-week dispersed camping permit at $40 (previously $10) or $5 per night for shorter stays and prohibits dispersed camping from May 1 through Sept. 15.
The change follows reports to county staff of repeated permit violations, abandoned camps, exposed needles, harassment and incidents that required law enforcement or emergency response. "There were significant public-safety and enforcement issues over the summer," Supervisor Joseph Knight said in explaining the committee recommendation. "Staff time and cleanup costs rose, and officers expressed concern about safety when approaching some campsites."
Why it matters: County officials said higher fees and the seasonal closure will reduce illegal or semi-permanent campsites that staff now must clear and patrol. Parks staff estimated about 160 employee hours devoted to administering dispersed camping in 2024 and noted extensive cleanup costs; 49 permits were purchased online in 2024, yielding roughly $490 in permit revenue that year, county records show.
Supporters of the change cited officers' safety and repeated rule violations. "Our staff members reported feeling unsafe when they encountered some of these encampments," Supervisor Michelle Skinner said. She and other committee members said the county’s two developed campgrounds remain available for summer camping.
Some residents urged more access to primitive camping. In public comment, Susan Warner of Augusta described a five‑day solo backcountry experience she said was important to her and asked the board to find a middle ground rather than a ban. "Dispersed camping should be allowed during the summer months," Warner said. The board considered and rejected an amendment that would have removed the summer closure.
The ordinance was introduced as an amendment to Section 16.30.520.A.1 of the county code. It passed on second reading after months of committee discussion that repeatedly returned to enforcement burdens and public‑safety concerns. County staff told supervisors that the Moratorium earlier in the previous year had been lifted after hunters and lawful users raised concerns about access, but that enforcement and cleanup needs remained high.
The parks and forests committee and county staff said the change is intended to protect both public safety and forest resources; committee members noted there are other public and state lands in Wisconsin that continue to permit primitive camping with different management rules. The board adopted the ordinance with a 24 yes, 2 no vote; oppositions cited impacts on lawful campers seeking a primitive experience.
A county staff implementation plan will follow to clarify permit sales, signage and enforcement steps for the coming season.
