Economy, gas prices could help boost Mich. camping

LANSING (AP) -- An improving economy, higher gas prices and the introduction of the state's Recreation Passport option for motorists may lead to a big year for camping in Michigan. Reservations at private and state campgrounds are up by as much as 18.5 percent over last year, The Detroit News reported recently. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources also said that boat slip reservations are up roughly 15 percent. "With the economy showing signs of improvement, we think people are feeling more confident about planning their vacations," said Mary Dettloff, spokeswoman for the DNR. In March, the state's seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 10.3 percent, down three percentage points over the past year. Meanwhile, higher gas prices could contribute to Michigan residents deciding to stay closer to home for their summer vacation plans. "When gas prices get higher, we know campgrounds become an increasingly popular destination," said Nancy Cain, spokeswoman for AAA Michigan. "We know we're seeing more interest among people planning their vacations further out, whether it's closer to home or longer destinations." Michigan has 98 state parks and recreation areas, along with six state forests. "It's a cheaper way to go on vacation if you stay within Michigan and don't have to fly somewhere," Tom Bemiss, a 48-year-old plant manager from Macomb County's Macomb Township. He made his first camping trip of 2011 recently at Algonac State Park near Marine City. "Nowadays, if you want to get into a decent campsite ... you can't just wait until a month before you go to book it," he said. "It'll be too late." Last year, Michigan started giving residents the option of paying $10 for the Recreation Passport in addition to their vehicle registration fee. The passport grants access to state parks and recreation areas, plus boat launches, for less money than in previous years. Rates for renting camping or RV spaces have stayed the same. Meanwhile, some private campgrounds also are seeing increasing interest. "One of the trends we're seeing is we have more people calling for seasonal sites -- for stays of one to two months -- at our campgrounds," said Tracie Fisher, executive director of the Frankenmuth-based Michigan Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds. Reservations are up, she said, but not as much as being seen by the state. Published: Thu, May 5, 2011