Michigan DNR: Camping season success could hinge on gas prices
Online reservations suggest it could be a great season for Michigan’s state parks, but gas prices edging upward could prompt cash-strapped campers to cancel their trips.
“State park usage will be heavily influenced by two factors: gas prices and the weather,” said Mary Dettloff, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Gas price will be the big wild card.”
The Michigan DNR operates two state parks partially in Washtenaw County: Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea and Pinckney State Recreation Area.
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Across the state, reservations for campsites are up 17 percent over the same time last year, which is a good sign, said Dettloff. But as gas prices continue to rise, cancellations are pouring in, she said.
In Washtenaw County, Waterloo Recreation Area, 16345 McClure Road in Chelsea is 20,000 acres and the largest park in the lower peninsula. Pinckney State Recreation Area 8555 Silver Head Road in Pinckney, is over 11,000 acres
Both offer modern and rustic camping options, miles of hiking trails, swimming and fishing.
At Waterloo, reservations are up 1.5 percent over this time last year, and at Pinckney’s state park, they’re down 1 percent.
The DNR expects about 4 million campers a year. In better economic times, 5 million campers streamed to the state recreation areas.
Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the kickoff to the state’s camping season, Dettloff said.
Campers hoping for a more rustic experience can head to any of 133 state forests, the majority of which are north of Clare. But they better keep an eye on the news before they do. The Michigan DNR has proposed closing 23 state forests due to budget cuts, Dettloff said. The closures would go into effect May 19, pending approval by the state Natural Resources Commission.
State forests are not staffed and have few amenities, unlike state parks.
The DNR is working with local units of governments in those areas to work out lease arrangements. "If we can't work out those sort of arrangements, we will be decommissioning them," Dettloff said. The forests will be closed to camping and the DNR will remove fire rings, picnic tables and cap wells and toilets.
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Juliana Keeping covers general assignment and health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter
Comments
jns131
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
What really sucks is every time we plan a major camping trip the gas prices spike. 2 years ago it was a trip to Canada. Gas prices where near 4 bucks a gallon. Last year? Lower then expected. With a jeep? I can't wait to spend the money on gas rather then a nice souvenir. At least the campsites and tour stuff is paid in full. O well. At least this summer after our major trip west we will stay home and enjoy our new backyard. Now I am off to spend $4.09 on gas to fill up. I really blame DC for this mess.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:03 a.m.
Folks, if you can make the trip up north with the kids, do it. Those communities will welcome your presence and appreciate your business. And if you have kids, well those memories of driving north and the ensuing vacations are some of the best I have from my childhod. Somehow, driving to Dexter just doesn't give you that bonding time or sight seeing in the car, or the chance to cross over the 45th parellel.
jns131
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
UP gas is little more pricey then it is in the lower part. We spent 2 weeks in the horn of the UP and loved it. Yes, camping up there is totally breathe taking. Spending 10 hours and 2 tanks of gas on the price now? Well, you decide.
Atticus F.
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
Can't wait to camp! I probably won't be going to Cadillac or Ludington this year. But I will be heading to the Dexter/Chelsea area.
thehawk
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
If we didn't go camping, we'd have no vacation at all. To the lake!