Looking forward to this summer? Camping reservations can be booked up to six months in advance, and that means some sites through Labor Day are already being snapped up.

To make a camping reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 800-44-PARKS (800-447-2757).

Don't be a fish out of water this season! Make sure your boat registration is up to date. All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State. Registrations expire March 31 in the third year of issuance. 

Boaters can register their watercraft online, by mail or in person. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/boating.

Located on Detroit's riverfront, the Outdoor Adventure Center gives visitors in the heart of the city a taste of Michigan's great outdoors. 

This 40,000-square-foot historic building plays host to hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators that help visitors experience the outdoors by touching a waterfall, stepping into a fishing boat, reeling in a big fish, riding a snowmobile and much more. The OAC is open five days and offers a variety of special programs and events. 

Did you know you can hike or bike your way between Belle Isle Park in Detroit and Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula? Michigan's Iron Belle Trail, the longest designated state trail in the nation, offers a 1,273-mile hiking and a 791-mile bicycling route. The interactive trail map can help you plan your next Michigan trail adventure!

The trail is more than 60 percent complete and funding is still being secured to complete the trail. Later this month, the DNR will announce 18 communities that will receive $350,000 in funding to continue the development of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. Stay tuned! 

Help us improve the visitor experience at Michigan state parks. The DNR is evaluating the idea of implementing “green” showers, which are powered by an alternative energy source such as solar, wind or burning cherry pits - for example - at several rustic camping destinations. We want to know what you think! 

There are a few different ways to accomplish this goal and we want your input to make sure we move forward in a way that best serves our visitors and their needs. Take this online survey and help us determine the value of this proposed amenity.

Park-goers will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the night sky during International Dark Sky Week April 22-28. 

A number of Michigan state parks will stay open late for self-guided stargazing and views of the night sky. Visitors should call ahead for individual park hours, and then bring a blanket, sit back and take in the sights. 

This one-of-a-kind Waterloo G & G Gravel Road Race on Saturday, March 18 will wind riders through the park's 20,000 acres of dirt road. Ten-mile, 50K and 100K course are available. A portion of the proceeds benefit Waterloo Recreation Area. 

Interested in volunteering? Course marshals will get a behind-the-scenes look at this event!

The best way to get ready for a summer of fun and frolics is to visit a MARVAC camper & RV show. Visitors are encouraged to visit the DNR exhibit and say hello!

See a number of makes, models and sizes in person at three upcoming shows: 

• 40th Annual Flint Camper & RV Show March 16-19
• Port Huron Camper & RV Show March 23-26
• 25th Annual Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show March 24-26 (Traverse City)