Coon Fork County Park Unveils Glamping-Style Options
through collaboration with area high school students and businesses, Eau Claire County sees multi-year project to fruition
Pending any sneaky snow action from Mother Nature, we’re on our way to warmer temperatures and sunshine across the Midwest. Day-trip kayaking excursions and overnight adventures are enjoyed all summer long at Augusta’s Coon Fork County Park – and now, glampers can get in on the fun too.
Eau Claire County Parks & Forestry recently unveiled the launch of two “camper cabins” in Coon Fork County Park (E25501 Co Rd CF, Augusta), one of the county's largest at 380-plus acres.
There are over 100 traditional camping sites available at Coon Fork County Park and now, folks also have the choice camp in in comfort – with queen- and full-size beds, high-speed WiFi, heating and AC and more.
The project was originally approved back in 2023 as part of the capital budget cycle, Parks & Forestry Director Josh Pedersen said; since then it has evolved into today’s camper cabins.
"It’s been a long time coming and I am very proud of the project and the work that has been done."
jOSH PEDERSEN
DIRECTOR, EAU CLAIRE COUNTY PARKS & FORESTRY
Pedersen initially envisioned yurt-style builds for the park, discovering those options wouldn't be the best long-term offering. So, he pivoted and explored a dozen different building types that leaned into the “glamping” style of camping, he said.
“I had met with countless people and companies but just couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for,” Pedersen shared. “I had looked at numerous building sites for these units, before my crew and I finally settled in on the location where they are.”
Two camper cabins will be available for rent – reservations will open on April 18 with the first camping site availability set for May 1 – that can accommodate up to six people in their roughly 320-square-foot space.
Alongside the Eau Claire County team, area students also have their fingerprints all over the project – thanks to a collaboration with Neillsville High School. Adam Kren, building trades instructor and the school board approved the camper cabin project as the class’s 2024-25 capstone project.
With the builders secured, Pedersen then worked with local Evolve Architects on getting plans drawn up for the units.
Sure enough, the Neillsville High School students hit the ground running an completed the cabin builds during their school year.
“This was a class of about 20 kids, who had limited time daily to work on this project. I believe the class worked on these approximately two hours every school day,” Pedersen said.
The County team completed final touches – inside trim and furnishings – and, finally, the project was ready to announce.
Each cabin features one queen size bed, a full-size loft-style bed – with a short ladder to enter – and a full-size futon. Folks will need to bring their own linens and bedding, but the rest of the cabin space is fitted with furniture and appliances.
Both cabins are equipped with a myriad of tech perks: high-speed WiFi and Roku TV, a “mini split” for heating and AC, baseboard electrical heating units, plus a small refrigerator and Keurig coffee maker.
Outside, guests can enjoy a patio area with a charcoal grill and wood-fire pit, picnic table, four Adirondack chairs and a two-person rocker-glider chair.
“It’s been a long time coming and I am very proud of the project and the work that has been done,” Pedersen said. “A lot of people had a role in helping make this project happen and I hope the most are excited about this addition to the park.”
Pricing for May 1-Sept. 15 is $110/weeknight and $130/weekend night (Friday and Saturday), Pedersen said. Off-season rates will be $95/weekday and $110/weekend night.
County park cabins can be booked through its campground reservation website, www.eccountyparks.com/parks/. Learn more about Coon Fork County Park (E25501 Co Rd CF, Augusta) online.
