More Michigan July 4th Weekend Campers Expected This Year Than in 2014

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is expecting more people to stay at Michigan state parks for the July 4 holiday weekend this year than did in 2014.

Weekend occupancy was projected at 92.7 percent for the holiday weekend as of June 30, compared to 88.6 percent at the same time in 2014. 

State parks offer a variety of lodging options including campsites, rustic cabins, yurts, teepees and modern lodges.

Several state parks are already at capacity for the weekend, while others still have room.

“This year seems to be an extremely good year for camping,” said Jeremy Spell, unit manager at Aloha State Park on Mullett Lake in Cheboygan County. “We typically don’t book to capacity this fast for the holiday weekend.”

At Van Riper State Park in Marquette County, staff said lodging typically fills up on July 4 each year.

“Visitation has been up this year four percent,” said Doug Barry, unit supervisor at Van Riper State Park. “So, we’re expecting a good year, which is surprising given the weather. The start of this year has been cool and wet.”

The DNR also offers camping at state forest campgrounds which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Michigan has 102 state parks.