When Gwen Farber and her husband, Dustin, purchased their 44-acre campground near Cambria, Wis., 12 years ago, it was abandoned and littered with shingles, bricks and other construction materials, which had been left behind by the previous owner. 

But with unrelenting determination and repeated investments of at least $30,000 per year, the Farbers have gradually transformed the property into today’s Deer Creek Campground, which features 50 campsites with water and electrical hookups, including 10 secluded tent sites, all of which have access to wireless Internet service. 

The Farbers have also added family friendly attractions, including a playground, volleyball courts, a game room and an 18-hole miniature golf course. And the improvements are continuing today, even in the midst of a recession, according to a news release from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).. 

“Our plans for this year are to improve our old-fashioned, spring- fed swimming pool with a beach to make it more appealing and user friendly,” Gwenn Farber said. “One of our hiking trails crosses back and forth over a small creek. We will be building new bridges for the trail, and we will be finishing some landscaping.” 

And next year, she said, the campground hopes to add as many as 35 additional campsites. 

The Farbers’ efforts illustrate a national trend: The economy may be mired in recession. But private campground owners in Wisconsin and across the country are continuing to invest in improvements because they know that a good campground will always retain its appeal. 

In its most recent report on the states, ARVC noted these additional campground improvements across Wisconsin: