First Time Camper Program great deal
Read more: Local, State Parks, Camping, Tents, Cabins, R.V.'S
ISHPEMING -- If this early spring weather has you pining for the outdoors, camping is an inexpensive option this summer. Wait until you hear what's being offered...getting away from it all, enjoying the scenic beauty of nature, while cooking over an open fire for a few days. Several state parks across Michigan are encouraging inexperienced campers to give it a try.
This is the second year for the First Time Camper Program, which is offering a remarkable deal: two nights on a campsite, a motor vehicle permit, gear from Gander Mountain, including a tent, camp stove, lantern, fishing poles, camp chairs, hotdogs, s'mores, all for only twenty bucks.
"We'll set you up," said the Supervisor of Van Riper State Park, Doug Barry. "We'll have a Park Ranger to help you set up your tent and get everything ready for you; and all this would be at a discounted rate."
So far, 15 state parks in Michigan are participating, and they hope to expand the program each year.
"Three parks in the U.P. already have the program, and that's Baraga State Park, Bewabic State park, and Wells State Park," Barry said.
Cabins are also an option at state parks. They offer bunk beds, electric heaters, but no bathrooms. And if you don't want to sleep on the ground or risk bad weather, RV stores rent campers or RVs for the weekend, week, or longer.
"It's your portable home away from home," said Hilltop R.V. Sales Manager, Gary Perala. "Then there's the convenience of having your own sheets, your own blankets, and then the third thing is you can try it before you buy it."
Fold-down campers offer a little more luxury, like a sink and refrigerator. A pull-behind camper offers a little more, with a microwave, bathroom, and air conditioning.
One camping tip: book ahead because camping in the Upper Peninsula is popular.
