State park campgrounds will be opening up for lodging just in time for summer.
Campgrounds will open on June 22 after Governor Gretchen Whitmer lifted stay-home orders earlier this week.
Chief of Parks and Recreation for the Michigan DNR Ron Olson said camping is key for state parks.
“It's one of the primary sources to fund the state parks system,” Olson said. “In a given year we have about 1.1-1.2 million camp nights a year.”
State campgrounds remained open through the stay-home order because they were deemed essential for outdoor activities, but camping was not allowed.
“We took a big hit,” Olson said. “There were a number of people that canceled (previous reservations) and got a refund, which left us with over $4 million in refunds.”
Although campgrounds are allowed to open June 22, not all will be opening. Some will remain closed because of needed construction on restroom and shower buildings, electrical system upgrades, campground improvements and emergency repairs.
Campgrounds with extended closure dates include:
Burt Lake State Park modern campground: at least July 17
Interlochen State Park campground (South B loop): at least Aug. 7
Indian Lake State Park modern campground: at least July 17
Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park modern campground: at least July 31
Lakeport State Park south campground (sites 301-356) and group-use campground: at least Aug. 7
Sleepy Hollow State Park north campground (sites 1-100): at least Oct. 31
Port Austin State Harbor: closed to new reservations for 2020 season
Wilson State Park modern campground: at least July 31
Olson said people are still expected to socially distance while camping. Visitors are expected to wear masks inside of facilities and bring hygiene equipment, such as gloves or hand sanitizer.
For the avid campers that enjoy the rustic side of camping, state forest campgrounds will open on June 10.