MICHIGAMME -- The official opening weekend of camping season quickly approaches. Thousands of campground reservations have been made across the state this year already.
Two local campgrounds in Michigamme, state-owned Van Riper State Park campground and privately-owned Michigamme Shores campground, have been preparing their camp areas for summer traffic. They want everything to look its best in order to please the camping patrons.
"As you know, the spring was not the best spring we've had when compared to last year, which was one of the best springs ever. But, we're on track and reservations look great, so we're looking forward to having a good time," said Woody Taylor, owner of Michigamme Shores campground.
"We did really well last year and I think part of the reason was because of our new Wi-Fi. Some of the people like to stay in touch with family members. This year, the reservations are doing quite well and I'm hoping for another good year." said Doug Barry, Van Riper camp supervisor.
The warm, cozy campfires, the cool breezes from Lake Michigamme, and the promise of fun times with family and friends beneath the tree shade...these are what local campground officials want campgoers to enjoy. It's why they've worked so hard to ensure that their campsites are in tip-top shape. However, even with beautiful campgrounds, there's some concern about the cold weather keeping campers away.
But, officials remain optimistic regardless of the weather pattern. The leaves are raked, the lawns are mowed. All these campgrounds are missing are campers. And hopefully, the warm summer weather will help to change that.
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