Bring Plan, Right Equipment For Camping Trip

Michigan’s abundance of state parks, forests and campgrounds offer families a chance to embark on a fun, budget-friendly summer vacation without traveling far from home.

Ten percent of all Michigan travelers are campers enjoying the state’s 1,200 campgrounds, comprising 80,000 campsites, according to the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, or MARVAC.

While tent camping will always be an option for staying outdoors, the use of RVs has become a popular method of camping for many local families. Michigan residents purchased more than 10,000 new RVs last year–a 15 percent sales increase from 2009, according to MARVAC. More than 300,000 RVs were registered in Michigan in 2010, a nearly 3 percent jump from the previous year.

MARVAC says that RV vacations can be up to 60 percent less expensive than a trip taken by car, airplane or cruise ship, even with rising fuel prices.

Chesterfield store offers camping gear tips

Regardless of a family’s preferred method of camping, a successful trip starts with getting the right supplies.

in Chesterfield Township offers a large selection of camping gear and equipment for all types of campers.

Ryan Faber, a lodge associate at the store, said he’s noticed more people coming in to buy camping gear compared to last year.

“A lot of people are coming in for sleeping bags,” Faber said. “Canopies have been just flying" off the shelves.

“Other big things people come to stock up on are pie irons, s'mores, Dutch ovens and freeze-dried food.”

A tip for buying the right sleeping bag for summer camping is to find one with a rating of about 50 degrees, which works best in the summer season.

Faber said the rule when buying a tent is to take the number of people who need to be accommodated and add room for one more.

“It says it’s for four people, but that’s shoulder to shoulder,” he explained. “It’s also a good idea to get a tent pad.”

Dick’s Sporting Goods also sells supplies like first-aid kits, coolers, fire starters, matches, tent lights, tent fans and mosquito repellent.

Tips for a successful camping trip

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers a variety of tips to help families experience a safe and successful camping trip:

• Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast, get directions and make a checklist for packing food, clothes and supplies.
• Stay safe: Whether tent camping or RVing, make sure food is put away so animals aren’t drawn to your camp. Also, bring extra matches for campfires and hide a few logs to keep them dry in case it rains. Pack a first-aid kit.
• Making Campfires: When picking the perfect spot for a campfire, choose a location with easy access to water and sheltered from wind. Keeping the fire small makes cooking easier and prevents pots from blackening. The DNR also suggests getting firewood from a local source rather than moving it from home to prevent the advancement of exotic insects, which are a threat to Michigan’s forests.

Michigan’s Campgrounds

Michigan’s state forest campgrounds provide more than 3,000 campsites and are each located on a river or lake with access to fishing and boating, according to Pure Michigan, the state’s official travel and tourism site. Several state campgrounds offer recreational pathways, hiking, biking, hunting, picnicking, cross-county skiing and berry picking.

Black Creek State Forest Campground, located in Midland County, offers boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife observation.

Algonac State Park in Marine City offers several activities for campers including hunting, hiking, picnicking and archery. The park borders the St. Clair River, providing opportunities for fishing.

Learn more about planning a trip to one of Michigan’s campgrounds: Pure Michigan (Michigan’s official travel and tourism site), Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Association of Parks and Campgrounds.