If you’re still planning to book a camping trip this summer, get ready to face higher rates at Michigan state parks, and closures at some sites.
Many of Michigan’s 103 state parks offer campgrounds for travelers and various camping fees will see an Aug. 1 rate increase, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The rates are being adjusted to be more consistent and to have fewer rates, according to the DNR.
There will be no fee increases for rustic campsites in state parks and state forest campgrounds.
There are also 19 state parks with complete or partial 2025 season closures this season, as the DNR works on updates across the state park system.
Here’s what to know before visiting a state park in Michigan.
How many state parks are in Michigan?
Michigan features 103 state parks, the Michigan DNR says.
When will state park camping fees increase?
The Michigan DNR will increase fees for modern and semi-modern campsites and overnight lodging at state parks beginning Aug. 1, 2025, the DNR’s website says.
What will the new rates be?
Campsite rates will increase $4 to $10 per night, depending on the location and amenities.
With the increases, overnight lodging rates will range from $60 to $120 per night. Deluxe lodging will be $160 per night. Locations with 85% or higher occupancy rates will incur a 7.5% premium fee per night.
Modern lodges will undergo a phased increase, capping at $236 per night. Locations with 85% or higher occupancy rates will incur a $50 premium fee per night.
The DNR also is establishing fees for intermittent camping and equipment storage.
How can I reserve a campground site?
The DNR allows campers to choose campsites and pay online up to six months ahead of time.
Some popular campgrounds will sell out or nearly sell out sites for popular dates as soon as they open for reservations.
What state park campgrounds are closed in 2025?
The following state parks have campground closures in effect through the 2025 season, per the DNR:
Bewabic State Park in Crystal Falls: B and C loops (sites 25-129) of the modern campground are closed while a new toilet and shower building is constructed and the park roads are repaved.
Brighton Recreation Area Bishop Lake: The modern campground is closed for electrical and road upgrades, with the reopening delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, per the DNR’s website.
Clear Lake State Park in Atlanta: The modern campground will close Aug. 4 for the remainder of the 2025 season for upgrades to the water distribution system, toilet and shower building, and the sanitation station. The Tiny Elk Cabin is not impacted.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor: The modern campground’s east loop will close Aug. 1 for the remainder of the 2025 season for electrical system and campsite upgrades. The sanitation station and Lake Fanny Hooe Cabin will still be open.
Hoeft State Park in Rogers City: The modern campground will close Aug. 5 for planned renovations to the toilet and shower building, water/sewage systems, sanitation system and contact station, per an updated DNR timeline.
Ionia State Recreation Area in Ionia: The modern campground and cabins are closed through Oct. 31 for planned upgrades to the toilet and shower building, sanitation station, drain field and the park’s electrical system.
F.J. McLain State Park in Hancock: Sites 1-91 and the Driftwood Tiny House in the modern campground will close Oct. 1 for the 2025 season for a planned electrical upgrade project, per an updated DNR timeline.
Muskallonge Lake State Park in Newberry: The campground and boating access site are closed through Oct. 1 for road paving. The Lake Superior parking area and access trail are temporarily closed to build an accessible boardwalk and path to Lake Superior, with alternative parking and trail access in the day-use area.
Orchard Beach State Park in Manistee: The modern campground will close Sept. 2 for the 2025 season for a planned project to renovate the toilet and shower buildings, per an updated DNR timeline.
Otsego Lake State Park in Gaylord: The modern campground will close Aug. 4 for the remainder of the 2025 season for planned updates to the electrical and septic systems and to convert 44 campsites to full-hookup.
Petoskey State Park in Petoskey: The state park will close Sept. 3 for planned sewer system and sanitation station upgrades. Petoskey State Park is expected to reopen in mid-May 2026, the DNR says.
Pinckney Recreation Area in Gregory: The Bruin Lake modern campground and Crooked Lake rustic campground will remain closed for a portion of the 2025 season to upgrade the sanitation station, north toilet and shower building, and park roads. A reopening date has yet to be announced by the DNR.
Sleepy Hollow State Park in Laingsburg: The modern campground and shelters are closed until Oct. 31 for a planned project to replace the toilet and shower building, pave campground roads and update the beach building.
Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park in Traverse City: The modern campground is closed through the 2026 season for a project. Changes will include a newly designed entrance to ease traffic, accessible campground contact station, relocated park headquarters building, removal of the pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 to be replaced with an ADA-compliant, at-grade pedestrian crossing, and an expanded and relocated sanitation station, per the DNR.
Twin Lakes State Park in Toivola: The modern campground and mini cabin are closed for the 2025 season for planned work, including a new toilet shower building and upgraded sewer system.
Van Buren State Park in South Haven Township: The park, including campground and day-use areas, will close Sept. 2 for a lagoon rehabilitation and beach access improvement project. Reopening is expected in spring/early summer 2026, the DNR says.
How can you visit state parks at a discount?
The Michigan Activity Pass provides discounted access to more than four dozen state parks across Michigan.
To grab your pass, visit the MAP website, search by your library and select your desired state park. If there are passes available, you can then pick the date and reserve your pass.
The pass typically offers a one-day free visit to the participating state parks. Other park fees may still apply.
The Detroit Free Press contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan camping reservations? What to know about DNR fee increases