Grayling Visitors Bureau

With the summer camping season in full swing, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds campers that it is important to follow the state’s land use regulations governing camping on state land. “The DNRE wants camping to be a fun and safe activity for everyone,” said DNRE Forest Recreation Planner Brenda Curtis. “Following the state land rules and land use orders allows campers to have the best experience possible, while also protecting our environment and natural resources for future generations to enjoy.”

State land rules and land use orders that campers should be aware of include the following:

Campers at a state park, state recreation area, public access site, or at state forest and state game area designated campgrounds may only camp at a designated campsite. Campers must register and pay a campsite fee for each night they occupy the campsite. Reservations and payment for state park and recreation area camping can be made online at http://www.midnrreservations.com/. Campsites in state forest and game area campgrounds are on a first come, first served basis, with payment made upon arrival.

Occupancy at a campsite is limited to four unrelated individuals, or a single family of eight. Campsites with families are limited to a maximum of four adults.

Dispersed camping is allowed on state forest land year-round, and within state game areas from Sept. 11 to May 14, if the property is not posted closed to camping. Dispersed campsites on state forest land must be more than one mile from any designated state forest campground. A camp registration card, available for no charge, must be displayed at the dispersed camping site. The registration cards can be obtained at any DNRE Operations Service Center.

Dispersed campers may establish up to four campsites in one area. If more than 20 individuals are dispersed camping together, a DNRE event permit is required. Additionally, if there are five or more campsites, or more than 32 campers in an area, a temporary campground permit is required from the local county health department, a copy of which must be provided when applying for the DNRE event permit.

A campsite may not be occupied for more than 15 consecutive nights.
Campers who wish to continue camping after 15 consecutive nights must move their camp more than one-half mile from the previous campsite.

Campsites may not be left unoccupied for more than 24 hours. At least one member of the camping party must remain at the site during nighttime hours, or the campsite will be considered abandoned.

A complete list of the state land rules and land use orders is available online at www.michigan.gov/dnre. Copies are also available at any DNRE Operations Service Center. Campers are encouraged to be familiar with these regulations before camping to avoid any violations, which carry a civil fine of up to $500. For more information, contact Brenda Curtis at 517-373-6260.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.

Contacts: Brenda Curtis 517-373-6260 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014