Excessive snow delays Michigan State Park campground openings in Upper Peninsula

The campground opening dates for two Michigan State Parks in the Upper Peninsula have been delayed this season due to excessive snow, according to a release issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Friday (April 24).

Brimley State Park’s modern campground was supposed to open Friday and Van Riper State Park’s campground had been scheduled to open Monday, May 4.

Delaying the opening date of the campgrounds allows extra time for snow to melt and sites to dry out. These parks received plenty of snow over the winter and well into spring, and there is still snow remaining on the ground and large snow drifts on some campsites. While the modern campground opening dates for these two parks were delayed, the day-use areas remain open for recreation.

For any questions contact Brimley State Park Supervisor Scott Slavin at 906-248-3422 or Van Riper State Park Supervisor Doug Barry at 906-339-4461. For camping availability and reservations at any of Michigan’s 102 state parks, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

Brimley State Park in Chippewa County provides recreational opportunities along Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. One of the oldest state parks in the Upper Peninsula, Brimley features hunting, fishing, boating, camping and hiking. The modern campground at Brimley State Park features 237 campsites with both 50-amp and 20/30-amp sites. Also available for rent is a mini-cabin.

Van Riper State Park in Marquette County is located in the scenic western U.P. on Lake Michigamme, offering activities such as hunting, hiking, fishing, swimming and snowmobiling, and also offers Wi-Fi. The campground features 147 modern sites, 40 rustic sites, a camper cabin and a rustic cabin.