LANSING, Mich. — The Department of Natural Resources updated their expected opening dates and modifications for outdoor recreation sites under the revised executive order.
The DNR says their amenities will reopen in phases.
This will start on June 10th with state forest campgrounds and DNR operated harbors. They say reservations between May 15th and June 9th will be canceled.
The DNR says June 22nd campgrounds, overnight lodging and shelters are expected to open up. All reservations between May 15th and June 22nd are canceled.
The DNR says reimbursement options are available or customers can call 800-447-2757 to change their reservation.
They say dispersed camping on state land is not allowed until May 15th.
Additionally, the DNR says they will add conveniences, like piers and reopening bathrooms, to boating access sites that stayed open during the stay at home order.
Trash, handwashing stations and bathrooms will be closed until at least June 3rd.
Silver Lake State Park ORV Area in Oceana County is set to open June 3rd to start the season.
“We know millions of residents are eager to return to state parks and recreation areas, and we will be here to serve them and make their visits as enjoyable as possible, but we have to open the right way and be certain that facilities and sites are clean, safe and ready to accommodate everyone,” Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division said.
People will not need recreation passports to enter state parks and recreation areas, state forest campgrounds and state-managed boating access sites until two weeks after the en dof the stay at home order to minimize face-to-face contact and to eliminate the exchange of money.
Olson says he and his staff are eager to welcome back campers, but need the extra time to prepare for the season.
For a list of current closures and modifications, you can head to the DNR's response page.
