MICHIGAN, USA — Although West Michigan just had its first snow of the season, it's already time to start thinking about summer plans.
Reservations with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for campsites, lodging and harbor slips are open six months in advance, meaning some May spots are already open to reserve.
When it gets to be December and January, the June and July spots will begin to open up.
Reservations can be made online here, and spots are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
According to the Chief of Parks and Recreation for the DNR, Ron Olson, reservations should be made right away to guarantee you get a spot in the areas you love.
"Ludington and Grand Haven and places like that get booked up right away," Olson said. "And so if people are really eager to go to some of the more popular parks they should plan on getting on online right away, as soon as the window opens, so that they can have a chance."
He said if the more popular areas like Grand Haven and Ludington fill up before you get the chance to book them, you can put your name on a waiting list in case a reservation is canceled.
Olson also encouraged making reservations at sites around the initial desired area.
"We urge people to look at opportunities near in the region, where you can still go and do the things you want," Olson said. "May not be perfect, but at least it gives you an option. And there are plenty of great places."
When making a reservation, Olson said it's important to look at which sites are modern, semi-modern, rustic, etc. to ensure you're reserving for the experience you want.
If you make your reservation and end up having to cancel it, it's important to do so as soon as possible. The closer it gets to the reservation, the less of a refund you'll receive.
The cancellation policy can be found here.
Olson said anyone having trouble making a reservation should contact the DNR's call center. The Parks and Recreation phone number is (517) 284-7275 (517-284-PARK).
The call center is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.