Numbers are up from last year already
NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- High gas prices aren't stopping people from enjoying their holiday.
Hundreds of campers headed north, but are there as many as the parks would like to see?
We’ve got the answer.
Of course you've heard it before; Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Campgrounds in the area tell me this weekend was very weather dependant, but, it's beautiful out, and here at Petoskey State Park, they expect to be more than 75 percent full.
"We’re attempting to light a fire, it's not working out very good," laughed Teddy.
Jacob, Teddy and their friend had a tough time getting the campfire going, but it didn't matter. At the next site over, their parents had a good burner, and were even working on their tan.
"This is about perfect camping weather," explained Kris Snyder, while wearing a sweatshirt.
The Snyder’s and three other families made the short trip from East Jordan to Petoskey for the weekend.
“We like to not go too far for our first camping trip of the year in case we forget anything, it's a good break in," said Snyder.
Friday afternoon, the campground was quiet, but this weekend, 155 of the 180 sites are booked. Reservations at the park are up three percent this year.
"it's still a cheap form of entertainment, a lot of people who may have went out of state are going to stay in state and pick up those slots," explained Petoskey State Park Parks and Recreation Director Dennis McDermott.
"The weather is looking better so the phone is ringing, we have a lot of reservations, so we're happy to be busy," said Georganne Hornacek at the KOA Kampground in Gaylord.
Gaylord's KOA has booked half of their slots so far. A 36-foot fifth-wheel will be the Doyle’s home this weekend and five additional campers filled with family friends are on the way up.
"I’m still a die-hard, I like to get up north, I’ll spend a couple extra dollars and go where I’m going to have a good time," explained Doug Doyle.
Traverse City State Park plans to be busy this weekend. In fact, reservations are already up 20 percent from last year.
"It’s encouraging people aren't backing out because of the price of fuel," said park employee Allen Ammons.
The people I talked to said that they expect this weekend to be a good one, and despite the high gas prices and the economy not being so hot, they're going to stick around and camp.
