OutdoorHub Staff 07.20.26
Smoke in Michigan is changing summer plans. Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it will fully refund camping and lodging reservations that campers cancel due to wildfire smoke.
Here is what happened. Forest fire smoke has spread across the state. The air quality has deteriorated in many areas. This has made spending time outside less pleasant and in some cases unsafe. That’s why the DNR is exempting people from the cancellation fee.
Typically, if you cancel a state park campsite, you lose some of your money. The DNR charges a fee to cover the booking and rebooking work. This time that fee is being waived. This means you will get all your money back.
Who does it affect?
This counts for anyone with a reservation at a Michigan state park or state forest campground. It also includes accommodations such as cabins and lodges operated by the DNR. If the smoke is tempting you to cancel, you can do so without losing cash.
Special attention should be paid to families with small children. Smoke is hard on small lungs. So are older adults and people with asthma or heart problems. If the air looks hazy or smells like a campfire wherever you go, it’s a sign to check the air quality.
what should you do
First check the air quality before going out. AirNow is a great tool. It shows the Air Quality Index or AQI for your area. When the numbers climb into the orange, red, or purple range, outdoor activity becomes risky.
Second, if you wish to cancel, contact the DNR reservation system. You can call or go online. Ask about smoke refunds so the fee is waived.
Third, if you still want to camp, have a backup plan. Smoke can move quickly. Clear morning may turn hazy by afternoon. Pack an N95 mask if needed. Keep an eye on the forecast.
Wildfire smoke has become a big part of summer in recent years. Fires in Canada and western states can spread haze for hundreds of miles. That smoke doesn’t care about state boundaries.
The good news is that the DNR is not letting campers pay the cost. If your trip goes awry, you can get your money back and try again another weekend.
OutdoorHub Staff
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