MICHIGAN, USA — With the 4th of July right around the corner, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is preparing for a busy week and weekend at state parks. So far this year, campsites in state parks are about 94% occupied and the DNR said they only expect that number to increase.
"Of the available sites, we're still doing pretty good with almost over 94% and we think that number might get closer to 95%," said Ron Olson, Chief of Parks and Recreation with the DNR.
As many people in West Michigan flock to the outdoors, the DNR expects there to be nearly 35 million people at state parks this year.
"Our tenants went up from 28 million to over 35 million during that period, from 2019 to 2021 and it's leveled off now, but we're still staying strong," said Olson.
The DNR expects that the most popular parks along Lake Michigan will be Ludington, Grand Haven and Holland State Parks. The U.S. National Weather Service reports a nearly 20-degree water temperature drop since Sunday. Because of this, Olson said the water could be a bit colder than you may expect.
"At Warren Dunes, it got up to 72 and then two days later it was back in low 60s. So the lake can vary tremendously with the weather patterns, but the lake water tends to be a little on the cool side," said Olson.
If you do plan to visit a state park, fireworks are not allowed. The DNR reminds everyone to keep an eye out for the flag systems on the beaches to make sure it's safe to swim.
"Along the beaches when the wind comes up and things like that. We have the green, yellow and red flags that fly now. At Grand Haven were experimenting with swim smart. It's supposed to be a time, you know, when you're outdoors and things like that, to enjoy the stars, if you can see them, and all that kind of stuff, but, but we just ask people to be responsible," said Olson.
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