The best time to camp is coming.

[Oct.1]

I just looked at the DNR State Park web page and just over 98% of the State Park campsites are full Labor Day weekend. I’m surprised so many campgrounds close down after Labor Day. This is one of the best times to go camping. It’s a little cooler; the leaves will be turning soon and its great sleeping weather.
Nothing better than being out in the woods camping in the fall. A warm campsite fire burning in the early morning. Coffees on, bacons burning, eggs are cooking in an iron skillet, a light frost on the ground, Suns getting ready to come up and its hunting season.
IT just don’t get any better.

[dieguy]

Oct. 1

I called on about 15 of those state parks for labor day weekend, none of them ha d any openings for reservations, they tell me they hold a certian percentage of campsites for a first come first serve basis. Well i proceeded to ask the lady if i should show up at 4 am on friday she said no, try two to three days before and stay oveer the weekend. apparently people get there days earlier to hold a site. Do youknow if the dnr has a seperate listings of campgrounds available for the hunting season or do you have to weed through the whole list?

[Rupestris]

Oct1
You are right about the best time to camp. When I camp at the State parks I try to get in at least two weekend camps before Memorial Day and two in after the Labor day holiday. In most cases you can drive in and pick your site with no need for reservations. The park rangers/DNR will come to your site to collect. THey usually have wood in the back of the truck so you don't have to leave the site if you don't want to. The fishing seems to be better, the parks seem quieter and less crowded, and the fire is a much more welcome element than it is in August when the temps at night reach the lower 80’s for a low.
As for the holidays, I have relatives that reserve a site every year at the same park while they’re there. I’d bet that a better part of the campsites are reserved up to a year in advance.
Rupe

[Oct.1]

dieguy,
Try this link. Hope it works.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/1,1607,7-153-10371_10402-29126--M_2002_4,00.html

[POLARBEAR]

:D i am so ready to go now. i cant wait. salmon, partridge, woodcock, deer, steelhead. oh man!.

the northern lights. it is going to be a great fall. have fun and be safe. polarbear:)

[rangerman]

One of the best parts of fall camping is that it gets dark sooner so you can enjoy the camp fire for a longer time without having to stay up half the night.

Sort of feel like an idiot making a camp fire at 8pm in July.

[Shoeman]

Fall has to be the best season in Michigan. I wish October were 3 months long.

All the "Berry Pickers" went home and it leaves the woods to the enthusiasts.
Personally, I camp all winter. Nothing like a pot of stew after a morning hunt or a day on the river.

There are a few campgrounds that cater to the late season camper. Check this site for year round camping

http://www.michcampgrounds.com/cgi-bin/arvcmi_listing.cgi?TYPE=ALLYEAR&ZONE=9

[Shoeman]

Ooops, srry

Good thing I didn't add the usage of electric heaters, instead of using one's internal propane tank....... LOL

CoL (Cat of Leisure)

[Oct.1]

Just got back from Labor Day weekend. WOW what a mess. Never saw so many boats on a small lake in my life. The campground was so full of fire pits and smoke I didn’t need to build my own fire. I could just sit back and choke from everyone else’s. Next outing is late September. Going up to middle of nowhere. I’ll be doing that again in early October than in mid November. I’ve done this in a tent, popup, and pickup camper. This year I’ll be taking a travel trailer. Best dang deer camp I’ve been at. Sure beats the old holey cabin down in the cedar swamp with the outside two-hole. I can set out under the stars at night with a warm campfire or when the weather gets nasty come inside, set the thermostat and nock the chill off. I remember a day when I said a house on wheels isn’t camping. Well now that I’ve been there, it sure is nice to come in, kick off the boots, put on a pot of stew, open the sofa bed, cuddle up to a good women and watch T.V.
Getting old ain't bad, nope ain't bad at all.