MI State Park Reservations Opening Soon for 4th of July Camping
Michigan State Park campsite reservations for the Fourth of July are opening soon. Now, you can book your camping spot up to six months in advance. So, if you want to camp on July 4th, start booking on January 4, 2024. If your trip starts a few days before, book six months ahead of that date.
Tent camping has had this six-month window for a while, but now it includes other options like yurts and cottages. There are various choices to pick from. The unique lodging choices include geodesic domes, quaint cottages, safari-style tents, tiny houses, and more.
According to insights from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, reservation data over the past few years indicates that the majority of campers make their reservations about six months in advance. The DNR also notes that the shortened reservation window addresses challenges faced by those unable to plan trips a year ahead.
Recreations Passports for Michigan state parks.
If you’re camping in a state park, note that the price of a Recreation Passport is going up by $1 in 2024, making it $14 for the year. This passport not only gets you into campgrounds but also allows entry to state parks for day use and lets you use boat launches.
You can buy these passports when you renew your car registration or at state parks. Keep in mind, if you buy it at a park instead of during registration renewal, there’s an extra $5 fee (except for Belle Isle Park). Additionally, there is no extra fees for mopeds.
It’s worth emphasizing that although some residents may have already received renewal notices reflecting the old fee, the new rate will take effect on January 1, 2024, for all in-person and online transactions.
Purchasing a resident Recreation Passport separately online is not an option. The passport is valid for a year or until your license plate registration expires. If obtained during your license plate registration renewal, your license plate tab will bear the letter “P.” However, if acquired at a different time, you will receive a sticker that needs to be permanently affixed to the lower passenger-side windshield.