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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 26, 2015
Contact: Jason Fleming, 517-284-6098
Michigan state parks celebrate 1 million camp nights for 2015
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources marked an attendance milestone for state parks Thursday by celebrating the 1 millionth camp night of the 2015 camping season.
Cameron Wells of New Hudson, Michigan, made the 1 millionth camp night reservation at the Proud Lake Recreation Area campground in Oakland County, where he was camping with his mother, Linda Wells. DNR staff members surprised Linda at the campsite with balloons, noisemakers and a Pure Michigan prize package for the Wellses, including five nights of camping at Proud Lake and Pure Michigan merchandise. Watch a video of the celebration at https://youtu.be/LNHdgsYseIw.
“This is a good surprise. I love surprises,” said Linda Wells. “And I love camping – everybody should camp.”
Michigan’s state parks last reached 1 million camp nights in 2012.
“Hitting this milestone for the second time in four years points to an enthusiasm for the outdoors and an appreciation of everything our state parks have to offer,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. “Vacationers looking for destinations with unmatched scenic beauty, year-round outdoor recreation opportunities and programs exploring our natural resources – at an affordable price – can find all that and more at state parks across Michigan.”
Michigan state parks have reported a strong surge in campground visitors this year, with nearly a 9-percent increase in reservations over the 2014 season.
In addition to campgrounds, many of Michigan’s state parks now offer camper cabins, year-round occupancy yurts, cottages and lodges. To check camping and lodging availability and make reservations, visit www.midnrreservations.com.
A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check "YES" during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
/Editors, please note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
1 millionth camper: DNR staff members and Smokey Bear congratulate Linda Wells (holding balloons) at her Proud Lake Recreation Area campsite. Wells and her son Cameron received a prize package for being the campers to make the 1 millionth state park camp night reservation of 2015./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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