There’s something about the unhurried pace at campgrounds in Michigan state parks and recreation areas during the spring and fall season.

As the weather warms and school is still in session, campers will find midweek availability (and even the occasional weekend opening) at most locations. 

This is perfect for last-minute planners or anyone wanting to visit those sought-after landmarks that are typically reserved months six months in advance.

Find your perfect window with our new "flexible dates" tool. Available all season long, this feature helps you search by specific month, number of nights or weekend preference. Just look for the toggle at the top of the date drop-down menu when starting your search.

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Each year, thousands of campers choose to add just $2 to their reservation. It's a small gesture that makes a big impact across state parks.

Thanks to your generosity, here are the latest list of improvements you’ll see coming:

• Installation of Enchroma viewers at Muskegon, Rifle River, Fort Custer and Grand Haven state parks/recreation areas, thanks to your donations paired with private gifts.
• Supporting the new Brighton Recreation Area Sensory Play Area.
• A new pet station for Sugarloaf Campground in Waterloo Recreation Area.
• Continued funding for solar lighting in rustic vault restrooms.
• New campground games at Fayette Historic State Park.

And, many other projects are underway, from the natural play and learning space at Hartwick Pines State Park to the forest amplifier at Highland Recreation Area and accessible waterfowl hunting blind at Hayes State Park.

On city paths and wooded trails, with four-legged companions and friends and family, Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K participants ran, walked and rolled in support of tree-planting and forest-protection efforts.

More than 13,000 people, in Michigan and across 17 other states, took part in this April 18-26 event that honors iconic art instructor and television host Bob Ross. In 2026, five additional states joined the program that began in Michigan in 2019 as a collaboration between the DNR and Bob Ross Inc. 

Participants, who each received a Happy Little T-shirt, sticker, commemorative bib and finisher’s medal, selected their preferred state to support with their registration. The 2026 event brought in a total of $257,000 for tree-planting and forest-protection efforts, with each state receiving a portion based on their participant numbers. Event proceeds included nearly $50,000 in additional registrant donations. 

Registration for 2027 opens this fall. Stay tuned for details!

Michigan is home to 10 different turtle species, and for these shelled residents, spring is a season of high stakes.

Many species – including painted, map and snapping turtles – spend their first winter in the nest as a hatchling. When they finally emerge in April or May, they instinctively head toward the water, making them vulnerable to predators and vehicles.

If you spot a small, "rock-like" object on the road near water, wetlands or marshy areas, it’s likely a hatchling on a mission. If it's safe and legal, please help them along by gently moving the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was already heading – it knows where it’s going. Remember: Keep wildlife wild. Never take a turtle home as a pet; they belong outdoors.

Interested in getting posters showcasing the turtles of Michigan? Visit one of the DNR Customer Service Centers during normal business hours.

Three iconic routes recently earned the prestigious Pure Michigan Trail designation.

The Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town Designation Program, a partnership between the DNR and Pure Michigan, is designed to spotlight some of the state’s best trail experiences and help boost our position as the "Trails State." This year’s recipients are:

• Great Lakes Way: Stretches miles along southeast Michigan’s coastline.
• Michigan Air Line Trail: Travels through three Oakland County communities and connects to a larger cross-state route.
• Fred Meijer White Pine Trail: The state’s second-longest rail trail connects 15 towns and communities.