Dear Friend,

From sandy dunes and scenic coastlines to peaceful forests and rugged trails, Michigan’s 103 state parks truly have something for everyone. Tomorrow kicks off Parks & Recreation month, a perfect time to explore Michigan’s great outdoors.

Since I took office, my administration has invested more than $780 million to improve and protect our state parks, trails, and other outdoor facilities. These record investments have helped increase accessibility, improve infrastructure, and support local recreation businesses across Michigan. This summer, Michiganders and visitors can enjoy some of the major enhancements we’ve made to our state parks. Check out the projects we’ve completed below!

We also set up the brand-new Nature Awaits program to give every 4th grader a free field trip to a state park or recreation area so that every kid can experience Michigan’s outdoors.

As you enjoy Michigan's woods, water and trails, I ask everyone to put safety first this summer. If you plan to take part in fireworks for the 4^th of July, please be extra careful and follow the safety tips below.

I hope everyone has a chance to get outside this summer, enjoy a state park, and explore Pure Michigan!

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

Enjoy New Improvements This Summer at Michigan State Parks

As we kick off another busy summer of travel and outdoor fun, I’m excited to see how our work and investments at Michigan’s state parks will improve your experience.

Here are a few of our enhancement projects that are ready to enjoy this summer:

Ludington State Park

On Lake Michigan, Ludington State Park reopened ahead of schedule for the summer after $2.6 million in park renovations including newly repaved roads, upgraded pedestrian walkways and improved parking areas. To make the park more accessible for everyone, beach wheelchairs and motorized beach track chairs are now available.

Port Crescent State Park

On Lake Huron, Port Crescent State Park is now reopened after $4.95 million in upgrades to beach facilities, news roads, and major revitalizations of the campground including modernized amenities, lakeside cabins, and GeoDomes available for rental. The campground will also have 12 new full-hookup sites and improved ADA campsites. Port Crescent State Park was recently named one of the “50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now” by Hipcamp.

Pinckney State Recreation Area

Near Southeast Michigan, Pinckney State Recreation Area’s Bruin Lake modern campground has received a modernized shower and toilet building and improvements have been made to campgrounds roads. The Silver Lake day-use area has also received updates including renovations to the beach concessions building.

Algonac State Park

On the St. Clair River near Lake St. Clair, Algonac State Park has received improvements including new roads, an expanded sanitation station, and new riverfront full hook-up camping sites. The 127 new full-hookup sites are in the park's Riverfront campground.

Michigan State Park FAQ

1. Where can I find a state park near me?

With 103 state parks in Michigan, there are parks across the state with something for everyone—from modern lodging to rustic camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, boating and so much more!

Visit for a day and enjoy fun family programs and events or stay overnight in our campgrounds to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Click on the button below to find a state park near you.

2. Do I have to pay to visit a Michigan state park?

The Recreation Passport is required for motorized vehicle to access state parks, recreation areas, state-managed boating access sites, and state forest campgrounds.

Check “YES” for the Recreation Passport when you renew your license plate through the Secretary of State for $14.

There's a $5 convenience fee when you purchase a Recreation Passport at a state park, customer service center, or an SOS office outside the time of your license plate registration.

3. Can I camp at a Michigan state park?

Yes! Camping opportunities are plentiful in our parks, and each park offers something special. Camp by the water or in the woods, in a tent, RV, yurt, cabin and more!

Explore camping options on the DNR Website’s camping and overnight lodging page.

4. How do I reserve a campsite at a Michigan state park?

State park campsites can typically be reserved six months in advance of your stay. You can make reservations for RV and camper campsites, cabins, cottages, GeoDomes, harbors, day-use shelters and more on the DNR's reservations webpage or by calling 1-800-447-2757.

Updates on campsite availability are made Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. Visit the DNR Website’s reservation webpage for more information about make a reservation.

5. When do Michigan state park campgrounds open?

State park campgrounds generally open in the spring. This document has details about opening dates and rates for campgrounds.

6. Are Michigan state parks accessible for everyone?

We have a strong focus on making Michigan's natural resources available for people of all abilities to enjoy. You will find a wide variety of accessible recreation opportunities at our state parks, campgrounds, boating access sites, state game areas, trails and more.

Many of our campgrounds have accessible features and amenities, such as modern bathroom buildings, accessible playgrounds, fishing piers, beaches and more. In addition, many of our lodging buildings have accessible features, such as wheelchair ramps or other access routes. See more details about Michigan’s accessible recreation.

Stay Safe, Protect Nature

For the best outdoor experiences, the DNR urges everyone to put safety first when enjoying Michigan's woods, water and trails.

• Helpful safety tips — for ORV, boating, beach, fire and other topics — are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducation in the Safety Information section. Please pay special attention to fire safety at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires. Also, be cautious of cold-water temperatures when visiting the Great Lakes and inland lakes. Sudden immersion can cause cold shock, making it hard to breathe and increasing the risk of drowning. Stay safe and enjoy our beautiful waters!
• The DNR also encourages anglers to review fishing safety tips and other helpful information at Michigan.gov/HowToFish.
• Boaters can help prevent the spread of invasive species by removing mud and debris from all surfaces, draining water from all bilges, wells and tanks, and drying all equipment before transporting boats over land.
• Trail users can do their part for invasive species prevention by removing dirt and debris from shoes, gear and vehicles before heading to the next location. When off-road riding, please remember to Ride Right — ride at a safe speed, ride sober and ride on the right side of the trail—and for all trail users, keep trail etiquette top of mind.
• Additionally, the DNR encourages everyone to #RecreateResponsibly. Before you head out on the trails or water, visit the DNR Recreate Responsibly webpage to learn more about how you can stay safe and protect the health and beauty of our great state.

Fireworks Safety

As we get ready for the 4^th of July holiday weekend, the Michigan State Police (MSP) and MSP Director Colonel Grady are reminding Michiganders of the dangers of fireworks.

The Michigan State Police and LARA advise:

Top Safety Tips

• When lighting fireworks, be sure to only light one at a time.
• Never ignite fireworks in a glass or metal container.
• Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additional Safety Reminders

• Make sure the fireworks are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

Additional fireworks safety and regulatory information for Michiganders can be found on the LARA website here.