Key Takeaways
- Lifestyle differences – Weekend camping offers travel flexibility, while seasonal camping provides a “home away from home” with reduced setup and teardown time.
- The“break-even” point – Seasonal sites often become cheaper than nightly rentals if a family camps more than 40–50 nights a year or frequently visits during peak holidays.
- The Emrick Lake advantage – Emrick Lake’s resort-style amenities (including an aquapark and themed weekends) solve the “boredom” concern of staying in one location, making it a prime candidate for seasonal commitment.
The“To Tow or Not to Tow” Dilemma
Picture this: You’ve finally settled into a campsite after a day or so of unpacking and getting situated, and now you need to pack everything back up during the Sunday scramble so you can head home. On the other hand, maybe you’ve picked a site for an extended stay only to find there’s little to do.
This is the central conundrum of a lot of campers, as they try to determine whether a short weekend jaunt is the right choice or if an extended stay is the way to go. Short-term camping can be like a hotel on wheels, while seasonal camping can offer a second home away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Case for the Weekend Warrior
Seasonal camping isn’t for everyone, making the occasional weekend the ideal option for some. Plus, many campers who travel on a weekend-by-weekend basis eventually crave more relaxation and less labor, so they may ultimately grow into seasonal campers.
At its core, taking part in short-term camping provides:
- Flexibility in terms of fitting your camping schedule into your everyday life
- Versatility through being able to try out different campsites
- The ability to see new areas of the country and chase good weather
- A good opportunity for infrequent campers and those who like road tripping
This form of camping can come with some downsides and hidden costs, however. Frequent towing of a camper can result in increased fuel costs and ongoing vehicle wear and tear, but these same costs can apply even if you’re just loading up the family station wagon.
Also, booking stress can be a point of friction, since trying to find a spot for busy weekends like Memorial Day or the 4th of July can often be difficult or come with added costs due to popularity.
Once camping becomes a more regular activity for your family, the “freedom” of weekending can start to turn more into a chore, making seasonal camping a more attractive option.
The Seasonal Lifestyle: Convenience and Community
Campers can also go the seasonal route, booking a location that offers open-ended camping, usually from spring to fall. By doing so, they gain access to a reserved site for their tents and gear, as well as any vehicles, ranging from standard sedans up to RVs.
Seasonal camping offers key benefits like:
- Saving time – Seasonal campers have dedicated hookups at their sites for utilities, making everything easy. They also know exactly where to go when they arrive and simply pull into their spot, letting the fun begin much more quickly.
- Open-ended schedules – Since seasonal campers have access to their sites for a prolonged period, they don’t have to worry about check-in and check-out times. If they want to sleep in on Sunday or stay an extra day, it’s no problem.
- Better value – If you plan on camping a lot during the season, somewhere in the range of 40 to 50 nights, you get more bang for your buck compared to short-term visits. When you factor in staying every weekend along with holidays, and consider nightly rates and gas, you can ultimately save money through seasonal camping.
- A sense of community – When you camp seasonally, you get to know your neighbors, letting both you and the kids make lasting bonds and giving you great company.
How to Choose the Right Weekend or Seasonal Resort
Whether you’re ready for a quick getaway for the family or an ongoing seasonal experience, you’ll want to look for many of the same factors: convenience, value, and plenty of fulfilling activities.
You get all of that and more at Emrick Lake Campground & Resort! Since the 1970s, the Emrick Lake property has been a gateway to the great outdoors, and our dedicated team provides everything campers need for a streamlined experience, including pull-through sites, back-in sites, seasonal sites, high-end cabins, and more!
Plus, as the largest campground in Wisconsin, we serve as a great base of operations for your family, providing plenty of amenities and activities on-site when you’re not busy exploring the region. Some of our offerings include:
In short, you and the fam won’t get bored, whether you’re with us for a few days or for months on end! Plus, to spice things up even further, we offer themed weekends from April to October, featuring events like Christmas in July, the Father’s Day Car Show, the Cinco De Derby Race, the Olympic Games Weekend, Halloween Weekends, and much more!
FAQs on Weekend and Seasonal Camping
Are pets allowed at Emrick Lake?
Yes, Emrick Lake is pet-friendly and we even have both a small dog and a large dog park for your furry family members to enjoy.
What happens if I want to have guests visit my seasonal site?
Seasonal camping is great for hosting. Emrick Lake welcomes families and offers plenty of activities for guests. Contact us if you have any questions.
Are golf carts allowed or available for rent at seasonal campgrounds?
Many seasonal resorts encourage golf cart use for easy travel between sites and amenities. At Emrick Lake, we offer premium electric golf cart rentals, allowing you to cruise the largest campground in Wisconsin with ease.
Book Your Stay!
With our weekend camping, seasonal camping, premium cabins, and wealth of amenities, Emrick Lake has everything you need for fulfilling family fun. Be sure to reach out to our team with any questions or to book your stay today!
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