Pettibone RV Park & Campground

Currently under the ownership of Mark Pretasky, Pettibone RV Park & Campground is found in western Wisconsin on a small island in the Mississippi River. The campground operates from May to October, with 200 RV sites and 50 tent sites available. Those who enjoy outdoor recreation such as fishing, canoeing, boating, and biking are often drawn to Pettibone RV Park & Campground due to its location in a fairly rural and natural area. While the encompassing land is fairly wooded and grassy, the campground is also found within walking distance of downtown La Crosse where people can explore a variety of shops and restaurants.

About

Neighboring the border shared between Wisconsin and Minnesota, Pettibone RV Park & Campground is located in the westernmost region of Wisconsin on Barron Island. A total of 200 RV sites and 50 tent sites are available for visitors to occupy, all of which are equipped with a concrete pad, a picnic table, and a fire pit. The majority of the RV sites provide 30-amp electrical hookups, however, some offer 50-amp electrical services. Moreover, water hookups are supplied at each site, and a dump station can be found at the front of the campground for everyone to utilize. It should also be noted that guests are given access to WiFi over the course of their stay. 

In addition to the sites, a laundry facility, bathhouse, and bar are on the premises. The bar is situated at the front of the acreage, and patrons can purchase frozen pizzas there. Additionally, within this bar is the establishment's check-in desk. A few shelves with camping supplies and packaged food are available to provide products that people can purchase.

Grassy areas and trees comprise a considerable portion of the grounds. A small beach area and playground can also be found on-site where people can engage in leisurely or active pastimes. Some of the activities that guests have reportedly enjoyed undertaking at the campground are boating, canoeing, and biking, among others. One particularly unique feature of the park is that there are a number of hand-carved statues of animals, such as kangaroos and dogs, which are scattered throughout the premises. Kody Pretasky, the manager of Pettibone RV Park & Campground, mentions that some of these statues were carved by his father, Mark Pretasky, the owner of the establishment.

The Mississippi River encompasses Pettibone RV Park & Campground. A bridge that extends into downtown La Crosse is located adjacent to the campground, and Kody notes that the park is about a five- to ten-minute walk into the city. The vicinity contains a restaurant, a beach, and a public park for tourists to visit, all of which are within walking distance as well. Kody remarks that Pettibone Beach is a relatively popular attraction nearby, and fishing is another notable draw for visitors, as bass is reportedly found in the Mississippi River, according to Kody. On account of the bluffs and hilly landscape that compose the surrounding area, Pettibone RV Park & Campground often receives guests that are hoping to explore the vicinity and observe the environment. For those who are in search of dining options that are established near the city of La Crosse, Kody recommends going to Pettibone Boat Club, which he says offers a view of the bridge and the river. The manager also suggests patrons go to The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor and The Crow.

Culture

The manager of Pettibone RV Park & Campground, Kody Petasky, remarks that he and the owner's goal is to help visitors feel welcome and valued during their stay. "We want people to enjoy their stay so that they have positive things to say about Pettibone RV Park & Campground," Kody explains. In an effort to provide this experience, the owner offers a free night to those who stay at the campground for six nights. Furthermore, Kody says that if guests express any complaints, the staff tries to address these concerns in a timely manner. "We try to make accommodations if there is a mistake with a reservation, whether or not it's on our end," Kody adds. As the check-in desk is found inside the bar, the owner and manager are frequently given opportunities to interact with their visitors, which Kody says they enjoy. 

Kody reports that Pettibone RV Park & Campground is known primarily for its unique location in a rural setting while still being close to the more urban portion of La Crosse. Previous visitors have commented on how it feels private even though the city is in close proximity. Many former guests who have left reviews about their experience at the campground have made remarks about the owner's and staff's hospitality. One person said, "I messed up the rocks around the firepit and asked the maintenance crew for a rake to straighten it out, and they gladly straightened it out for me." Another previous visitor commented, "Mark, the owner, is super nice and helpful."

For those who want to host their wedding at Pettibone RV Park & Campground, the property can serve as the scene for such occasions. The park has a banquet hall that can accommodate a maximum of 300 occupants. A dance floor, podiums, a stage, and an audio system are all available in the banquet hall for event hosts. Aside from weddings, the owner periodically holds live bands who perform in the bar or outside on the front patio, weather permitting. 

Pettibone RV Park & Campground operates seasonally from May until the end of October, depending on the weather and flooding conditions. When all of the ice melts in the spring, there is a chance that flooding may occur and delay the campground's time of opening. Kody says that the busiest season of operation most commonly takes place during June and July around the Fourth of July. Couples who are traveling for the weekend mainly constitute the demographic of those who stay at the campground, though the establishment also sees several families and older couples. Nearly half of the business' patrons are repeat guests, according to Kody.

A few policies are implemented at Pettibone RV Park & Campground, which the owner and manager encourage their guests to adhere to over the course of their stay. Guests should be aware that there is a two-week cancellation policy that requires a $50.00 fee if the reservation is canceled two weeks prior. Quiet hours are also enforced from 10:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., with the aim of creating a peaceful atmosphere during the night. Regarding pets, patrons are welcome to bring their dogs, provided that they are kept on a leash at all times and are cleaned up after. Lastly, smoking is only permitted outside of any public buildings.

History

Bud Pretasky was the original owner of Pettibone RV Park & Campground, who started the RV park business roughly 35 years ago. Ownership of the establishment was then passed down into the hands of Mark Pretasky, Bud's son, and he has owned the campground for the past 25 years. The name of the property derives from the individual who discovered the general area along the Mississippi River, which Kody Pretasky—the manager of Pettibone RV Park & Campground—explains is the reason that several places near La Crosse have "Pettibone" in their names. Kody has served as the campground's manager for about five years. As the manager, Kody has found that his favorite part about his job is meeting everyone who stays at the campground. "Everyone has a story, and it's nice to hear all of them," he expresses.

Pettibone RV Park & Campground has undergone a number of changes throughout its history. Mark has expanded the campground, utilizing the extra space that remained after its establishment. The shower and bathhouse were also redone, and Kody explains that they recently remodeled the property. As far as future plans go, Kody says that the main goal is to "keep the park nice and presentable."