BRANCH COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – While Michigan State Parks are open this Memorial Day weekend, state and private campgrounds are empty because of the COVID-19 pandemic and an executive order from Governor Whitmer.
State of Michigan campgrounds are closed until at least June 21. While Michigan campgrounds are closed, campgrounds in nearby Indiana and Ohio are open.
That includes campgrounds at Pokagon State Park just over the Michigan-Indiana state line which reopened on Friday.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced on Wednesday camping can resume in the Hoosier State as part of the reopening process.
Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey blasted Whitmer’s decision on Friday to keep Michigan campgrounds closed saying it’s “based on zero science and 100 percent abuse of power. There is no logic behind it.”
Michigan Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds Executive Director Greg Katt is just as frustrated not only with the closings but with Whitmer’s apparent lack of communication.
He told the website www.woodallscm.com that there is no reopening date yet for private parks and the association has gotten little communication from Whitmer.
Katt added private campgrounds should not be lumped in with state park campgrounds since they are totally different types of operations.
Whitmer said last Friday that while people being outside was a good thing, she feared people would not stay away from each other if they were using the same facilities.
