06-11-2005, 08:38 PM
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June 08, 2005 - Finding suitable camping sites throughout the state this summer may be only a few mouse-clicks away, as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) unveils its new Campground Reservation System.
The new online system features interactive maps of state campgrounds. Each campground lists individual camp sites, which are color coded based on availability. Maps also show features of each campground, including electric and water utilities, restrooms and beaches.
Upon selecting a state park and dates they wish to camp, users will see an interactive, color-coded map that will indicate which sites are already reserved, which sites are available and which are partially available.
Campers were previously able to make reservations through the DNR's Web site; however, the ability to check which sites were available was not an option.
The new system will also allow campers to understand how quickly state park campgrounds fill up during popular summer months, according to DNR officials.
"The busiest time is right after school is out," said Sue Lynch of the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area's campground. "After school is out, the campground is filled up."
Lynch said it's best to make reservations six months in advance of the summer, especially for holiday weekends.
"You won't get into any state park unless you have reservations at least six months in advance," Lynch said of holiday camping. "You might get lucky and get a site a week or two before at our park, but at some of the other state parks, you won't get in at all."
The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area has a total of 174 camping sites and features two modern restroom facilities, toilets, showers and a dump station.
Other state campgrounds found in the lakes area include the Proud Lake Recreation Area, which has 130 sites, and Highland Recreation Area, which has 25 camping sites.
Camping sites range in price throughout the state. All individuals using campgrounds or day-use areas are required to purchase a $6 daily pass, or a $24 annual pass. Non-Michigan residents may also purchase passes for $8 and $29, respectively.
For more information about state campgrounds or to book a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com on the Internet, or call 800-44-PARKS.
by [url "http://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/1editorialtablebody.lasso?-token.searchtype=authorroutine&-token.lpsearchstring=Kevin%20Elliott&-nothing"]Kevin Elliott[/url]
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June 08, 2005 - Finding suitable camping sites throughout the state this summer may be only a few mouse-clicks away, as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) unveils its new Campground Reservation System.The new online system features interactive maps of state campgrounds. Each campground lists individual camp sites, which are color coded based on availability. Maps also show features of each campground, including electric and water utilities, restrooms and beaches.
Upon selecting a state park and dates they wish to camp, users will see an interactive, color-coded map that will indicate which sites are already reserved, which sites are available and which are partially available.
Campers were previously able to make reservations through the DNR's Web site; however, the ability to check which sites were available was not an option.
The new system will also allow campers to understand how quickly state park campgrounds fill up during popular summer months, according to DNR officials.
"The busiest time is right after school is out," said Sue Lynch of the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area's campground. "After school is out, the campground is filled up."
Lynch said it's best to make reservations six months in advance of the summer, especially for holiday weekends.
"You won't get into any state park unless you have reservations at least six months in advance," Lynch said of holiday camping. "You might get lucky and get a site a week or two before at our park, but at some of the other state parks, you won't get in at all."
The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area has a total of 174 camping sites and features two modern restroom facilities, toilets, showers and a dump station.
Other state campgrounds found in the lakes area include the Proud Lake Recreation Area, which has 130 sites, and Highland Recreation Area, which has 25 camping sites.
Camping sites range in price throughout the state. All individuals using campgrounds or day-use areas are required to purchase a $6 daily pass, or a $24 annual pass. Non-Michigan residents may also purchase passes for $8 and $29, respectively.
For more information about state campgrounds or to book a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com on the Internet, or call 800-44-PARKS.
by [url "http://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/1editorialtablebody.lasso?-token.searchtype=authorroutine&-token.lpsearchstring=Kevin%20Elliott&-nothing"]Kevin Elliott[/url]
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