College in the wild

Opportunities to connect with nature at local campsites

Graphic by: Hannah way I Production Assistant

There isn’t much to do if you stay in Big Rapids for the summer but there is no shortage of campsites to explore.
The beginning of May kicks off the opening of many Michigan campsites including those in Mecosta County and the surrounding area.
Many of these campsites offer an inexpensive experience in nature.

For those who don’t have access to a tent, one campsite on the list offers a cabin for as little as $35 during weekdays. For those who are considering taking a camping trip, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking a campsite and pitching a tent.

One of the most important things to know before booking a campsite is their policy on firewood. Due to the emerald ash borer, an insect
responsible for killing millions of trees, many campsites will not allow guests to bring their own firewood, especially sites run by local or
state government such as state parks. Many campsites with this policy also do not allow for campers to collect wood from the forest and require guests to purchase firewood. This can be an unexpected expense if policies aren’t checked before booking.

Another thing to be conscientious of is the amenities that a campsite offers. Typically, campsites that are listed as primitive or rustic do not have access to electricity or water. Knowing what amenities are available before booking can help prevent a lack of water, which will be needed to put out fires in addition to drinking and washing, or a lack of electrical outlets to charge phones or other devices.