Snow Delays Some Campground Openings In The U.P.

The campground opening dates for two state parks in the Upper Peninsula have been delayed this season due to excessive snow, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said today.

Brimley State Park’s modern campground opened over the weekend and Van Riper State Park’s campground is scheduled to open Monday, May 4.Delaying the opening date of the campgrounds allows extra time for snow to melt and sites to dry out. These parks received plenty of snow over the winter and well into spring, and there is still snow remaining on the ground and large snow drifts on some campsites. While the modern campground opening dates for these two parks were delayed, the day-use areas remain open for recreation.

For any questions please contact Brimley State Park Supervisor Scott Slavin at 906-248-3422 or Van Riper State Park Supervisor Doug Barry at 906-339-4461. For camping availability and reservations at any of Michigan’s 102 state parks, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

Brimley State Park (Chippewa County) provides recreational opportunities along Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay. One of the oldest state parks in the Upper Peninsula, Brimley features hunting, fishing, boating, camping and hiking. The modern campground at Brimley State Park features 237 campsites with both 50-amp and 20/30-amp sites. Also available for rent is a mini-cabin.

Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) is located in the scenic western U.P. on Lake Michigamme, offering activities such as hunting, hiking, fishing, swimming and snowmobiling, and also offers Wi-Fi. The campground features 147 modern sites, 40 rustic sites, a camper cabin and a rustic cabin. Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visitwww.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.

A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check “YES” during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.