Diamond Lake Campground

Man developing Chippewa County campground

Kevin Pratt searched for three years for what he considers the perfect site for a new campground.

He believes he found it northeast of New Auburn.

"We've looked at thousands of pieces of property just to find one that works," Pratt said. "We searched the Blue Diamond area, from Holcombe to Bloomer."

Pratt said the site is ideal because it is across the road from Sand Lake, on the border between Rusk and Chippewa counties. The land is flat, with few adult trees, and could easily be turned into campground sites.

Pratt, 47, of Ladysmith, bought the 68-acre site and will open the Green Acres Family Campground the first weekend of July. He will have 42 campsites ready for the first weekend, with a goal of eventually having about 200 sites.

Pratt, a truck driver, said his goal is to have a family business that he, his wife, Angie, and the couple's children can share.

"It's a family thing we want to do," he said. "It's like a family farm, without the farm."

While Pratt declined to say how much he's spent on preparing the grounds, he said he's made the costly initial investment of installing water, sewer and electric lines. He also has added a sand volleyball court and a playground.

"First of all, you have to keep the kids happy," he said. "Because that will make the parents happy and they'll come back."

Future expansion, along with the additional campsites, will include restrooms with showers, a game room and laundry.

Pratt said there is a lack of available campsites in the area, and those that have water, sewer and electricity fill up quickly. Proximity to 252-acre Sand Lake, which has nearby public boat access, will be a selling point to campers, he said.

"There seems to be a high demand for campsites," he said. "That's why we decided to build our own campsite."

Charlie Walker, director of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corp., said he is happy to see new developments such as Pratt's campground, which could boost tourism in the region.

"Tourism is absolutely an important economic tool, especially for the northern part of the county," Walker said. "Let people come in, enjoy the lakes and hiking trails, spend their money, and go home. Tourism is a great source of summer jobs. It's a good thing."

Vetter can be reached at 715-723-0303 or chris.vetter@ecpc.com .

Thielsen View Campground, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon Campsite ...

In the shadow of majestic Mount Bailey on the west shore of Diamond Lake in the Diamond Lake Recreation Area, the Thielsen View Campground takes its name from the view of the unforgettable peak of Mount Thielsen. This camp is a favorite with fishermen. The campground features interpretive programs provided in the summer at the amphitheater, numerous hiking trails, 11 miles of paved bicycle/hiker trail surrounding Diamond Lake, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, and lake fishing for Rainbow trout. In addition, the rim of Crater Lake National Park is 30 minutes from Diamond Lake. Facilities at the campground include tables, fireplaces, running water, vault toilets, garbage bins, gray water sumps, and a boat ramp. If you find our videos helpful to you, why not help us. We have added a donation button on the bottom of our homepage at campsitephotos.com.

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