Starting August 1, 2025, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began its first statewide camping fee increase in three years.
What parks are affected?
The fee hike applies across all DNR-managed state parks that offer modern and semi-modern campsites. If you enjoy full-hookup sites with 50-amp electrical service or modern amenities like showers and flush toilets, you’ll see the new pricing in every corner of Michigan. Rustic campsites without hookups will not change this season.
How much are fees increasing?
Modern and semi-modern campsites will increase by $4 to $10 per night. After the adjustment, nightly rates will range from $26 to $45 (depending on location and available amenities.)
Overnight lodging (cabins and park lodges) will shift to a simplified tiered structure of $60 to $120 per night. Deluxe options will be priced at $160 per night.
Modern lodges (fully furnished units with baths) will see phased increases over the next two years, capping out at $236 per night by 2027.
Why the increase?
The DNR cites several factors for the camping fee adjustment. First, operational costs are rising. Utilities, staffing, and equipment replacement costs have surged over recent years.
Secondly, 97% of park funding comes from user fees and royalties. Camping revenue alone represents nearly half of that total. The increase in fees will provide much needed funding for park sustainability.
In order to arrive at the newly imposed fees, the DNR utilized Consumer Price Index data and a demand/pricing lodging model to arrive at fair market rates.
Beyond camping fees
In addition to nightly site rates, the DNR plans to roll out intermittent camping fees for vehicle and equipment storage.
Plans are also underway to adjust facility rental fees at venues like Belle Isle Park, the Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center.
Booking and reservations impact
Sites can be booked up to six months in advance. Any reservation, including those made as early as February, will reflect the new rates for stays on or after August 1.
Drop-in camping will also use updated fees beginning this week. If you secured a summer reservation early, double-check your confirmation for rate changes.
Tips for RVers
Here are some tips to help you plan (and save):
• Plan mid-week stays: Demand-pricing premiums (7.5% added cost) may apply to high-occupancy weekends.
• Consider semi-modern sites: They’re cheaper than full-hookup sites yet still offer electricity or restroom access.
• Bundle stays: Some parks cap consecutive nights at 15. Plan trips with breaks to avoid these penalties.
• Check park closures: Several popular parks (e.g., Allegan State Game Area, Cheboygan State Park) have campsites or loops closed for upgrades through fall.
While no one loves higher fees, these adjustments help preserve the natural beauty and services RVers rely on. By factoring in the $4–$10 nightly increase and planning around peak pricing, you can continue exploring Michigan’s vistas with minimal sticker-shock.
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RVT1221b
Full hook ups in Michigan state parks? 99.999% of MSP sites are electric only. Luckily, the sites are crowded, dirty, impossible to reserve, and expensive!
Thank you for the news, Gail! Private campgrounds probably welcome these changes, as they lessen (eliminate?) the possibility that the state-park campgrounds undercut the commercial campgrounds for sites with similar ammenities and utilities. The state park campgrounds becoming more financially self-sufficient is a great idea. Have a great day and safe travels!
I probably won’t go there anytime soon. Oregon just raised the state park and campground fees last year and again this year! I think it takes effect in October. I don’t camp in state parks but very rarely because of the greed. I just renewed my day pass for two years to save money.