Michigan’s Pure Camping Experience: A Traditional Way to Celebrate U.S.of Americas’ Birthday

(MIO, Mich) – Michigan campers have the choice of two weekends in which to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday this year and private campgrounds around the state are reporting a fair amount of availability to accommodate those looking for a fun, affordable, family-focused vacation.

According to AAA Michigan, some 1.2 million Michiganians will travel during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period – which is shorter this year than in previous years, because the holiday falls on a Wednesday.

“Interestingly, we’re finding that Americans aren’t willing to give up their traditional Fourth of July celebrations with friends and family, and many are choosing to take a few more days off work to do so,” says Claire Lockley, vice president of Travel for The Auto Club Group.

Among the holiday events of interest to families is the 71st Annual Manistee National Forest Festival, June 29-July 4 in Manistee. The R & J Resort Campground in nearby Brethren is reporting open sites at its campground located in the Manistee Forest. “I have openings for everything here at my park cottages, cabins and campsites,” says Vicky Turner, who operates the facility with her husband Riley. Manistee County is also home to Twin Oaks Campground in Wellston, which has openings for cabins, tent and RV sites.

The Fourth of July Celebration in Grayling, on the Au Sable River, features kid-friendly activities including a fishing contest and games, free watermelon and music and entertainment, with fireworks at dusk. Sno-Trac Village near Grayling has both RV and tent sites available throughout the holiday week.

The Manistique Lakes resort area of Curtis in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stakes claim to the title “Biggest Little Town Parade in Michigan” and makes a day of it with a chicken BBQ and evening fireworks on July 1. Clementz’s Northcountry Campground in Newberry, just 30 minutes away, has a handful of sites and one cabin available.

If you’re heading to the Historic Charlton Park in Hastings for their 25th annual Old Fashioned 4th of July, Whispering Waters Campground has openings and also offers kayaks, tubes and canoes at the only “alcohol free” livery in Michigan.

For a list of other Fourth of July events throughout the state, visit Travel Michigan’s website at www.Michigan.org

ARVC represents 250 member campgrounds with more than 32,000 sites available throughout the state. Whether pitching a tent, parking an RV or reserving a rustic or modern cabin, Michigan campgrounds offer a great way to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with families. Campers in Michigan enjoy the great outdoors while fishing or canoeing on the countless lakes, rivers and streams or hiking, biking and riding on the miles of trails that wind throughout the state. There’s definitely no shortage of activities, no matter where the campground is located.

The 2007 Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC – Michigan, is available at various locations statewide, including all Welcome Centers. A PDF version is also available for viewing online at www.michcampgrounds.com The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation. Campgrounds that now offer wireless internet access onsite are also identified.

June 30, 2007   Posted in: United States NorthEast