Many state parks are at or near capacity
CHAMPION -- With sunny skies and warm weather, it's no surprise that many U.P. residents are heading out for a weekend vacation.
Memorial Day is one of the most popular holidays to pack up the tent or gas up the RV and travel to the nearest campground. And this year, the reservations for the holiday weekend have been up.
"It's outstanding! Probably the best we've ever seen. We're going to be full and the weather is going to be great, so it should just be a really nice turnout," says Michigamme Shores owner Woody Taylor.
And Michigamme Shores isn't the only campground that's near capacity. According to the DNRE, many campgrounds across the state are reporting more than 80 percent of their sites booked. According to staff, it's not a coincidence.
"I think the weather really plays an important role in if you're going to do the outdoor activities, and it's an outstanding spring for us. I also think there's other issues like gas prices are coming down and the economy seems to be doing better," describes Van Riper Park Supervisor Doug Barry.
While many travelers spent their Friday working, others got a jumpstart on their trip.
"They actually started to come in last night. One was here this morning at seven trying to get in and actually we had a spot for them. But most of them will start to come in this afternoon," Taylor explains.
For those who have started to arrive, the Memorial Day weekend is special.
"The people! We come up here every year and all of our friends are here. I get to see people that I haven't seen all winter, and it's just a great family activity," says Amy Bond of Negaunee.
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