If a Michigan legislative bill makes it into law, getting a reservation in a state park could get harder for some. If passed, it essentially means Michigan residents get a two-week jump on state park reservations.
“There should be perks to living in Michigan”
House Bill 5597 would allow Michigan state residents to make park reservations for sites in state park or forest campgrounds two weeks before non-residents are allowed to.
“It’s great to see so many people interested in camping in Michigan. But some of our most popular parks fill up so quickly that state residents have less than 20 minutes to get a spot before they’re gone,” said Cam Cavitt. He’s the Republican representative who’s sponsored the bill. “There should be perks to living in Michigan. People who pay taxes that contribute directly to the quality of the parks should be able to get first dibs in vacationing to those parks. Camping is supposed to be relaxing. Michigan families shouldn’t have to plan their vacations by huddling around a computer in December and praying for a nice campsite.”
Michigan presently allows reservations to be made six months in advance. Statistics show that by January 8, a third of campsites across the state were already booked for 2024. Spots at popular campsites like Cheboygan and Thompson Harbor state parks fill fastest. Hours after being made available, many of these sites are booked.
Florida gives its residents a 30-day head start
Last year, a bill similar to the one currently being considered in Michigan was proposed, passed, and signed into law in Florida. Floridians are allowed to make reservations for Florida’s state-managed campgrounds 11 months in advance. However, non-residents can only make reservations 10 months ahead. To keep campers honest, those making reservations 11 months in advance must provide their Florida driver license or identification card number.
Michigan residents get a two-week jump on park reservations if the law passes. Where is it in terms of passage? The bill has been sent to the House Natural Resources Committee, where its fate is unknown. And in Florida, where residents have a four-week jump on non-residents for campground reservations? Critics have said getting a site reservation in the Sunshine State is near-to-impossible for nonresidents.
We’d like to hear your experiences. If you’re a nonresident, have you tried to get a reservation in a Florida state park? What were your experiences? Write us at russ [at] rvtravel.com.
For more Michigan State Parks information, click here.
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I think it is fair to allow the state residents to have the option for early reservations. Their state taxes are partially paying for the parks. Some out of staters may make reservations at more than one park for the same time periods. Then pick the one most convenient one days before their trip. In either case, the refund policy should be two weeks prior to arrival date.I have seen many state parks and even private campgrounds with empty spaces because of no shows.
I am a Michigan resident, and I agree with you. I have actually agreed with any state that has allowed this. It only seems right that the residents that pay for the park system, should have first dibs. However, I think a 30 day jump is a bit extreme. Not that I have ANY desire to camp in Florida! 😉
I am a Florida resident and I do not have any problem with a “30 day jump.” In deference to the article, it has been nearly impossible to get a reservation in Florida State Parks for Florida residents during the prime camping months, namely winter. The problem is a number of snowbirds jump from park to park all winter. State Parks were never intended to be the winter residence of snowbirds; they were intended to be for the temporary enjoyment of all, but especially for the people who reside in Florida. Though more expensive, seasonal sites can be found and in my opinion, that is the best solution for non-residents who complain about Florida’s newly adopted reservation rules.
I agree. As a lifelong resident of Florida it is nearly impossible to get a reservation in the winter months. Not everyone is able to plan 6 months in advance.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I see nothing wrong if residents of a state get a head start in reserving sites in state campgrounds. If I can’t get a site because of it, then I’ll go elsewhere. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
I believe Michigan should secede from the Union. Next you may be seeing Affirmative Action in campground reservations.
I feel residents of the state should get first chance at state park campground reservations. I had a hard time getting a reservation at one Pa state park and if I drove there for a visit. It was full of out of staters camping.
They pay the taxes, they should get the breaks.
What has not been mentioned is how this 2 week advantage will hurt the travel industry. A resident traveling 100 miles to a campground will spend less money than a non-resident traveling 300 miles. By getting a 2 week advantage most of the weekends will be gobbled up by the time non-residents get their turn so most will not even try. Maybe a look at bots gobbling up reservations at popular parks needs to be looked at.
Wish they would pass the same law in Alabama then we could get a chance for a campsite before everyone from Michigan locks them up for the winter.
This is a very difficult question. I can understand residents/taxpayers getting a jump on reservations. But reservations at the most popular campgrounds, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Florida comes to mind, moved from nearly impossible to absolutely so for out of staters when Florida passed their law. I believe the state will lose out on a lot of tourist revenue due to this law.