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Two of the most often asked questions on "Right Now Web" for parks to answer are:

1. What does "partially available" mean when I'm making a reservation? Answer: You have requested certain dates. Partially available means that the site you are looking at is available for at least one night but not all of the nights in the request. 
2. What does "site type" mean? Answer: When we looked at the campsites we measured the sites and that measurement determined the size of the camping equipment for that site. We also looked at whether the site would was for a tent only. For example, the site might be on a hillside. Each year the park supervisors resubmit the park inventory. Before resubmitting they are asked to reevaluate the "site types" and to make adjustments to the inventory for sites that may have changed. Site Types:

     Type 1 Tent

     Type 2 Maximum length 20'

     Type 3 Maximum length 25'

     Type 4 Maximum length 30'

     Type 5 Maximum length 35'

     Type 6 Maximum length 40'

     Type 7 Maximum length 45'

     Type 8 Maximum length 50'

     (Although site types are listed at harbors, the harbor master will usually assign your slip.)

And now some of your comments…..

My Favorite Parks , the Reservation System and Dogs

I do get much out of your newsletter. Of particular interest was the Q&A section concerning the Reservation System. I can relate to many of the seemingly frustrated individuals who try to get through to the Call Center at precisely 8:00 AM in order to get that special campsite, and then being disappointed when someone else beat me to it. The same is true about the Internet. I can tell you that the comment about the use of the atomic clock by your people at the Call Center cannot be true. I used to think that the use of the atomic clock that I have was my secret weapon in getting through at the precise time, but not so lately. Most of the time the Call Center was still closed at 8:00AM and was not open until 8:01AM or later. I figure that that was done by the staff to give everyone a chance to get through at one time or another, a moving target, so to speak.

We have camped in Michigan State Parks since 1974, and we started out in Ludington. Since that time, we have gotten into the toughest park to get into in Michigan every single year, and our children who now are grown and have rigs of their own join us there. Being retired, my wife and I spend at least forty nights in the Michigan State Parks, and since we enjoy nature, that's the only places we camp.

Getting back to the reservation system, a person cannot expect to get that special campsite, or any campsite they, want every time, especially in the summer at parks such as Ludington that are in high demand. I always have a second choice. If I don't get through on the phone, I jump on the computer; if I can't get the campsite I want, I'll try for another; if I can't get into a park like Ludington, I'll either try another park or another date. It takes patience at times, but it's worth it. I feel that a person that gets through to the Call Center at precisely 8:00AM will get that campsite before the person on the computer does.

Summing it all up, I can't think of any way that the current system should be changed, it's still the best so far; it's much better than the old way. I have nothing but good things to say about the staff, they are doing a terrific job. I have successfully made all my reservations for this year, and we are looking forward to going camping.  Ludington has been a real challenge though. Last year we had a not-so-great campsite, and we didn't get the date we wanted, but we were happy to get in.

I must also comment on the article about Tobico Marsh. Every morning I walk the dogs out there, and it is a great place to go -- especially this time of year when all the wildlife is active. However, in regard to the two observation towers that are out there. It was a great idea to build them so people could go up and view wildlife and scenery.  That was many years ago. Now, when all the trees leaf out, the view from those towers is greatly obstructed by the trees that grew up since the towers were built. It would be a great idea if someone would trim those trees so that we can once more enjoy the view.

Herbert, Bay City

I also have a few comments about dogs in the campgrounds, and while I'm at it, and you have the time, I'd like to comment on that as well.

In the 34 years that I have been camping, I can recall only a few instances where dogs and their owners have been a problem. Yes, I can understand that if there is an especially obnoxious dog, barking all the time, the people that are around that campsite will start to fume about it.  If they're like me, they may be too timid to confront the owner, and they vent their frustration through comments on the survey form. Campers who don't take the responsibility of looking after their pets and obeying the rules are most likely ones we call "Slob Campers." A campground host told me one time that there are two types of people in a campground. Those who love camping and nature, and those who are there for a cheap vacation. How true. I have seen families arrive at their campsite, dump the kids and the dogs out, set up camp, start a fire, and the sit around the fire drinking beer while their kids race around the campground on their bikes, screaming their lungs out, and their dogs are adding to the ruckus. To tell the truth, we have encountered more families that don't control their children than those that don't control their dogs.

To make each campground a pet free area would be like cutting down a whole forest in order to eliminate one diseased tree. Have any of the people in Lansing ever been through a full campground and noticed now many people camp with their dogs?  Within the last few years I have noticed a definite increase in the number of families that bring their dogs, and for the most part all are under control and well behaved. I feel that rather than punishing all for the transgressions of a few would be unfair to all dog owners. Rather wouldn't it be better to attack the problem at its source? Why not encourage all campers to report those who cause problems with their dogs? I recall one instance where there was a barking dog in the lot across from us. None of us got much sleep that night. My son, who with his wife was in a tent next to us, talked to the individual at fault and did not get any satisfaction, so he and several other campers reported the situation to the campground office, and we all slept better the next night.  If these people do not assume the responsibility of following the rules regarding pets, then, perhaps, if they were reprimanded or expelled, the situation would be corrected. It certainly makes more sense to me than a total ban of pets in the campgrounds. Besides, I think you will probably lose a lot of business, because most people I know that go camping also have dogs. I have not always had a dog, but I have a Golden Retriever now that the kids are married and moved out, and I would not go camping without him.

Herbert, Bay City

My Favorite Park

My family had a wonderful time camping at Wilderness State Park last summer. We live in Indiana and we like to vacation in Michigan. We have made many trips to northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula before, but this was our first time camping there. It was a fun and relaxing vacation for us. Wilderness was a great place to spend time with the family. It was so easy to get to the hiking trails or beaches for our choice of outdoor activities. Plus, Wilderness is close to all of the other attractions around the Straits making it easy to go on a day trip. We can't wait to go camping at Wilderness again this year. 

Brandi, Winona Lake, IN

My Favorite Park

We try to go to Wilderness every year. I try to get one particular lot on the water. It becomes a real hassle as I find everyone must want that lot. It would be kind of neat if repeat campers could have first choice of lots. This part of Michigan has all the best history this state can give. Every year something new can be found of historical nature. I would like to see the restrooms on the beach campground improved. The restrooms in the pines are a lot easier to use and allow a place to keep clothes during a shower so the clothes do not get wet. I do wish that campers with dogs would respect other campers. They leave the dogs alone all day while the poor animal whines and barks. I know the rules but no one enforces.

We will be at Wilderness in August and at Van Buren in June. My grandfather, Edwin L. Morse, was superintendent of Grand Haven State Park for about 17 or 18 years and Holland State Park for 5 years before he retired about 1945. We used to stay with him a lot during the summer. In the winter he used to go to the various work areas where they made carved signs and new picnic tables and repaired anything that needed repairing.

Chuck, Ada

My Favorite Park

I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you which Michigan State Park is my favorite and why. ... Hartwick Pines is our family's absolute favorite. It is mostly because of the extensive and historic hiking trails. The visitor center is unrivaled. We always go to the logging museum and see something new that we don't remember seeing before. The biking/hiking trails adjacent to the campground area are challenging and a favorite as well. The lakes, the roomy camping sites, the paved camper pads ... this is simply a campground that has it all. We have made it a point to return each year since our first time (we try to make it a point to try one new campground each year)!  Another favorite is Rifle River State Rec. Area for many of the same reasons. No logging museum, but we can bring our kayaks and enjoy the river instead. 

Annette, Millington

My Favorite Park

Fayette Historic Townsite is my favorite park. It is one of the richest collections of cultural and natural heritage that the state owns. Please do everything you can to preserve, interpret and protect it.

Ted, Lambertville

My Favorite State Park

My favorite state park is Hayes State Park. I truly enjoy this area. The beach access to Wamplers Lake is really great. It is a great lake for boating and swimming. The very nice facilities at the beach make the day pleasant. The somewhat secluded Round Lake makes for a great fishing adventure with my four kids (ages 13, 11, 8 and 6).  We all fish as a family and enjoy the tranquility associated with Round Lake. After a day on the water at Wamplers Lake, an evening fishing on Round Lake is just what the doctor ordered.

Jeff, Toledo OH

My Favorite Park

My favorite, bar none, is the Big Spring at Thompson off US 2 in the Upper Peninsula. Most people don't seem to know about it and I've never seen it busy. What a delightful place to visit. I just love to recommend it to everyone who will listen.

Jim, Lowell

My Favorite Park

My favorite place is definitely Hayes State Park Campground. I am 51 years old and camped there with my family in the 1960s. I have so many fond memories there. My parents still camp there, and now take my family, which includes my grandson, there, and it's always a great time. Yes, four generations camping together at our favorite park. You can't get much better than that! Although the park looks considerably different today, there's much that is has remained the same, and we enjoy exploring the many trails and paths up and down the hills and through the wooded areas. The staff there has always been among the best and does a fantastic job maintaining the park.  

Kim, Monroe

My Favorite Park

One of our favorite annual vacations is a camping trip to Wilderness State Park. The campsites are affordable, clean, and spacious and near or right on Lake Michigan with biking and hiking trails aplenty.  We use it as a "staging point" for daily trips to Mackinaw City for shopping,Mackinac Island for bike riding, fudge and the ferry ride over and back. Also,Tahquamenon Falls and Sault Ste. Marie are within a couple hours from the park as well which leaves most of the day to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. Sunsets at the park are quite spectacular as are the lights on the Big Mac Bridge at night. We make it an annual destination and one the entire family is excited about year after year.

Thomas, Lansing

My Favorite Place

My husband and I love to camp and our favorite state park is Sleeper State Park in Caseville. It's close to home which is very important now with gas/diesel fuel prices being so high. The park is absolutely beautiful with all the trees and the hiking trails and it is always very clean. A short walk over M-25 and you are on the sandy shores of Lake Huron. The swimming is excellent and the water is shallow for a long way out so it is perfect for the younger kids. The sunsets are absolutely the best!  My husband keeps telling me that the sunrises are beautiful, too, but since I am not a morning person I've never seen one. We both love Halloween so it has become a tradition for us to camp during one of the Halloween weekends in October at Sleeper. I have not seen any park that has a Halloween weekend that is better than Sleeper's. The park office is always perfectly decorated for Halloween, the headless horseman two years ago was the best and they have outdone themselves on the activities for kids and adults. Good job Sleeper State Park employees! We love Sleeper State Park!

John and Laurie, Snover

My Favorite Park

We have been coming to camp in Michigan since our honeymoon in 1973. I feel a real attraction to Michigan, and would love to retire there when the time comes. We do not think there is a more beautiful spot in all of Michigan than Orchard Beach. My wife and I have been camping in Michigan for over 25 years. We have brought our children here numerous times and now bring our grandchildren. In the evening we always gather on the bluff or at the beach to watch the sunset. My best to you and your beautiful state. We will see you in August (Interlochen this year).

Gary, Loveland OH

My Favorite Park

Our favorite campground is the Otsego Lake campground. It has a sprawling beach and pavilion area for many to enjoy, great people and rangers, nice size campsites a nice lake and boat launch. Although we normally travel to a variety of campgrounds, we usually make it to Otsego Lake at least once a year. The Gaylord area is great for 4-wheeling and boating, has a downtown for shopping and necessities, a movie theatre, car races and golf courses, etc., has easy access from 75 and is in a central location. In most cases you are only 45 minutes from many other places like Traverse, Higgins, Mackinac and Indian River. 

The best part about Otsego is no matter the weather for the day, somehow, there always manages to be a beautiful sunset with lavender and orange to end a perfect day. 

Les and Donna, Romeo

My Favorite Park

My family has been going to Harrisville State Park for over 40 years now. We fell in love with it and, after that, couldn't see any other park as our destination. Now our children take their families there and we still continue to go in our retirement years. We have watched the changes in the park and remember how it used to be. The only thing we aren't happy about is the condition of the beach. It is not nearly as nice now as it was years ago and whether that is the fault of the park or just Lake Huron we aren't sure, but we still love the gorgeous view and for us there is no place we would rather be. 

Robert and Mary Jane, Diamondale

My Favorite Park

The Bay City State Recreation Area is one of Michigan's hidden gems. Not only does it have a very wooded campground complete with cabin rentals, it has miles of hiking trails. The path starts in front of the campground and takes the explorer around by the ponds then across to the nature center, and keeps meandering out to the marsh where there are two towers to climb and enjoy the views of Saginaw Bay. In the winter months, the trails are excellent for cross-country skiing where the only sound comes from the swish of the skis against the snow. For me, the best part of the Bay City State Recreation Area; it's only five miles from my home.

Nancy, Bay City