Staying overnight in a state park used to entail putting up a tent or towing an RV. But times have changed. Those activities are still available to visitors, but the options available at Michigan's state parks have evolved along with the changing needs and preferences of tourists.

Accommodations like mini cabins, camper cabins, and yurts have been available at some Michigan state parks for many years, providing visitors who do not have access to their own camping equipment or RV with the opportunity to book a place to stay while visiting.

Due to the ongoing evolution of travel trends, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now expanding the number of accommodations available.

It appears that some travelers are seeking more comforts than traditional camping can provide, as evidenced by the increasing popularity of platforms such as Airbnb, which allows people to book a stay in someone's home, and of "glamping," which is glamorous camping that includes more luxuries.

According to Chuck Allen, an analyst with the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division who is a member of the division's Innovations Team, which is spearheading efforts to improve state park lodging, many state parks and recreation areas now offer new and unique overnight lodging options, some of which include amenities found in homes.

« These locales are modernizing and exploring lodging options for the next generation of travelers, such as tiny houses, public-private partnerships, and revitalizing aging infrastructure to provide a more modern experience.

On May 20, 2021, the “tiny house,” located at the Waterloo Recreation Area in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties, will open its doors. A social movement advocating for smaller, simpler, and more energy-efficient living spaces has sprung up around tiny houses, which are typically less than 400 square feet and often built on trailers. Many television shows, such as HGTV's "Tiny Luxury," have focused on the tiny house movement and its benefits.

Guests who would not have otherwise visited Sugarloaf Campground because they did not have camping equipment have now taken advantage of the tiny house program. According to Jim O'Brien, unit manager at Waterloo Recreation Area, it is a great way for people to try camping before making a significant investment.

Each of the state parks, including Clear Lake State Park in Montmorency County, McLain State Park in Houghton County, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties, and Sterling State Park in Monroe County, will open their new tiny houses in the spring of 2018.

To provide a wider range of camping experiences, the DNR has formed partnerships with private companies.

Twenty new safari tents have been installed at Highland Recreation Area in Oakland County and Sleeper State Park in Huron County as a result of a partnership with Tentrr. Visitors will be able to camp in style thanks to the partnership.

According to Allen, “Tentrr has invested more than $180,000 to establish new infrastructure while also drawing attention to the beauty of these less-visited destinations."

Located in rustic areas outside the park campground, the sites feature a spacious safari-style canvas-walled tent set on a raised wooden platform and outfitted with a comfortable bed for a restful night's sleep. The sites can accommodate up to six people and are located outside of the campground. Adirondack chairs for lounging, a fire pit with grill, and an outdoor picnic table with pantry storage are also available..

According to Allen, the two geodesic dome tents at Port Crescent, which have been built to reshape and expand the definition of the state park experience, have been a highlight of the partnership with RRM.

The two environmentally friendly geodesic domes at Port Crescent provide a comfortable setting, complete with spruce paneling, skylights, and windows that look out onto Lake Huron and the surrounding countryside.

According to Allen, the renovation will not be a piecemeal process but will involve a complete overhaul of the interior geodesic dome, exterior, and surroundings in order to appeal to the next generation of tourists.“To match the splendor of our natural resources, our lodging experiences must be equally magnificent.”

A professional designer is assisting in the process of redesigning state park accommodations.

There are two new mini cabins at the Ionia Recreation Area in Ionia County that have been completely redesigned with input from professional interior/exterior designer Day Designs of Traverse City.

These mini cabins, which are located in the modern campground and back up to the woods, can each accommodate three people comfortably, with additional space for up to five people using the bunk cots that have been provided. Their new, covered front porches are equipped with a kitchenette, an inviting hearth area made of beautiful reclaimed wood that includes a fireplace and electric stove, a ceiling fan, electrical outlets with USB ports, and a bar table with stools. There is a canoe available for use at the cabins, which is conveniently located nearby.

Traverse City State Park in Grand Traverse County, Brimley State Park in Chippewa County, and Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston County will all see reimagining projects continue in 2021.

The new lodging options include many amenities, but there are also new options for those who prefer a more minimalist geodesic dome tent camping experience that is still unique to the area.

Hammock only sites are now available at Port Crescent State Park, which are located in the park's modern campground and along the lakefront. An electrical power pedestal, a fire ring and four posts and hooks for hammocks are provided at each of the campsites. At the park, you can now rent hammocks for a fee.

During the reservation process, campers made generous donations to cover the cost of these hammock sites.

Michigan. gov/DNRLodging provides additional information on the variety of lodging options available in Michigan's state parks. Reservations can be made on the website MiDNRReservations. com..

Additionally, the DNR is attempting to provide meaningful experiences for visitors to state parks, in addition to providing accommodations that meet their needs geodesic dome tent.

Providing safe, fun, and unique lodging opportunities is essential, and the DNR Parks and Recreation Division's Resource Development Specialist Maia Turek, another member of the division's Innovations Team, explained how the division is striving to tell a story with each one of these lodging options.« As we look to the future, we are developing night sky viewing lodges for our dark sky parks, providing native gardening ideas through the landscaping surrounding our reimagined cabins and bunk houses, or simply raising awareness of the plant and animal species found in a particular area through artwork.

It is critical to achieving our mission and enabling our visitors to serve as advocates and storytellers for their public lands that they are provided with such opportunities.

State park vacations will continue to offer new and interesting options for travelers in the months and years ahead – and no tent or RV is necessary to enjoy them.