Campground Fees Rise This Year At Michigan State Parks

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Fees at state-operated campgrounds in Michigan are going up this year to cover higher costs and pay for maintenance projects.

Parks and recreation chief Ron Olson of the Department of Natural Resources says the amount of the increase at a particular site depends on its popularity.

At those where occupancy rates average 82 percent or more, the fee will rise $4 per night. Campgrounds that are in lesser demand will have increases of $1 or $2 nightly.

Olson says the last time prices were raised was in 2006 for the most sought-after parks and 2008 for the less crowded ones.

Camping fees are state parks' primary revenue source. They're separate from the Recreation Passport, which costs $11 and grants entry to park grounds.