Governor Snyder Declares August 'Michigan Camping & RV Month'

 For generations, Michigan has welcomed campers and RVers to its natural woodlands, freshwater shorelines and beaches, in two distinct peninsulas – nestled in the middle of the Great Lakes Region.

In honor of such tradition, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, along with several legislators, has declared August as “Michigan Camping & Recreation Vehicle Month.”

Obviously, this is a purely ceremonial, and harmless, event. I typically think of such things as politicians simply courting votes, and aren't there better things they should be doing?

I still feel the same way about this, but not as much. And that's undoubtedly because this particular proclamation I see as an official endorsement of camping is a key contributor to the state’s $17 billion tourism industry. The declaration supports the economic and recreational contributions that the camping industry contributes to Michigan’s overall tourism.

Both Michiganders and visitors alike take advantage of the state’s array of sun, freshwater coastline, 19 million acres of woodlands, soft breezes and fresh air, where the temperate climate allows for great camping and outdoor recreation–making it the ultimate Pure Michigan experience!

Michigan has more than 950 licensed private recreation vehicle parks and campgrounds, with more than 111,000 licensed campsites. The state has more than 160 county or government operated campgrounds with over 14,700 sites–from rustic to full-service. Michigan also boasts over 300,000 licensed recreation vehicles, including motorhomes and travel trailers. In 2010, Michigan ranked third in the nation in new recreation vehicle sales.

Camping and RVing encourages visitors and locals alike to partake in activities such as boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, paddling, pedaling, golfing, geocaching, nature watching, photography, and other outdoor activities, which also highlight Michigan’s great outdoor parks and recreation areas.

Michigan is home to 98 state parks and recreation areas–as well as 133 state forest campgrounds–under the auspices of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and seven forests/parks/lakeshores in Michigan under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. Collectively, Michigan offers 15,000 sites on state and federal lands designated for camping.

Michigan’s two non-profit camping organizations: ARVC Michigan – the Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds of Michigan and MARVAC – the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles & Campgrounds equally promote and support private campground and RV parks throughout the state.

Tracie Fisher, Executive Director of ARVC Michigan, said everyone who had a hand in making this proclamation possible had a strong desire to work for a common goal: the recognition of RVing and camping as an important resource and a key component helping to drive the Pure Michigan tourism engine.

"The state has been hit hard economically but that doesn't mean we have to give up our time outside or our time together. Camping vacations are affordable and provide huge benefits in stress relief and increased connections between families and friends," Fisher said. "I'm hoping multitudes of people take advantage of this Michigan Camping and Recreation Vehicle Month."

Bill Sheffer, Executive Director of MARVAC, said more and more RVers and campers from outside the state are discovering all that Michigan has to offer.

"These people have seen or heard the Pure Michigan commercials, so they're coming here to see what Michigan is all about," Sheffer said. "They're coming here, and they're pleasantly surprised at all Michigan has to offer. We have the beaches and the lakes and the nice campgrounds are an exceptional variety, everything from bare bones primitive camping in state forest recreation areas to the nicest luxury RV resorts you can imagine."

"There are a host of options throughout the state with amenities for all interests," Fisher agreed. "You can find family and pet friendly parks, places for fishing, pools and beaches, or places for over 55.  Take your tent, trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome or rent a cabin. There's a place in Michigan that has exactly what you need."

All state lands are managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, while the national parks and lakeshores are managed by the National Park Service and/or the U.S. Forest Service. All campgrounds – including the companion recreational activities – are among the tourism destinations promoted by Travel Michigan and its award-winning Pure Michigan campaign.