New reservation system makes booking state park/harbor sites easier
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 11/14/2013 01:38 PM EST
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 14, 2013
Contact: Christa Sturtevant-Good, 231-861-2703 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
DNR’s new Central Reservation System makes it easier
to reserve a harbor slip, campsite or lodging at state parks
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) new Central Reservation System (CRS) for state parks and harbors is now open for reservations of all types at www.midnrreservations.com. This more customer-friendly version of the website allows reservations up to one year in advance for lodging and six months in advance for camping and harbors.
Campers are encouraged to plan ahead to get the first pick of campsites for some early spring camping, or – if outdoor camping in the spring sounds too cold – reserve a cabin, yurt or other lodging option. Now is also the time to start planning for the Memorial Day holiday weekend; Memorial Day is on May 26, 2014.
The new system features pictures of the campsites and lodging at each location, and more views will continue to be added. Campers can select sites based on camping equipment, stay dates, accessibility and electrical amperage, and view sites on a map, in a list or on a calendar. Campers who know where they want to stay can go straight to that favorite location and select sites from there.
The CRS is also now mobile-friendly, making it easier than ever to make a reservation from a phone or tablet by visiting www.midnrreservations.com/Mobile/. The mobile site is perfect for reserving a site on the go, booking a last-minute stay, and for those who are familiar with the sites and don’t need a picture.
Even if dates can’t yet be reserved for a future camping trip, campers are encouraged to visit the website, create a customer profile and explore the new system. By getting familiar and setting up a username and password in advance, customers can save time later and have a better chance of getting their first choice of a campsite.
The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or (annual passes only) through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/NOTE TO EDITORS: Available for download below is a screen shot of the DNR's new central reservation system website.
Suggested caption: This fall, the Department of Natural Resources transitioned to a new, improved central reservation system (CRS), making it easier for campers and boaters to explore the availability and amenities of state park campsites and harbor slips - and then book their favorite ones. The new user-friendly CRS site is online at www.midnrreservations.com.