Still looking for something to do for the Fourth of July weekend, but can't afford to spend a whole lot of money or travel too far from home? Then "GO-Get Outdoors" at your Michigan state parks and recreation areas and take advantage of some of the events and money saving programs being offered this summer.

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that there are still a few state park campgrounds with campsites available for the Fourth of July weekend.

"Although reservations are usually made six months in advance, there are still campsites available at some of our state parks and recreation areas for this holiday weekend," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "We also have plenty of events being held for the 4th of July, so check out the Get Outdoors Calendar to find out what's happening at a state park or recreation area near you."

To determine which state parks or recreation areas still have campsites available, visit www.midnrreservations.com.

Money Saving Ideas

If you are a first time camper, see what Gander Mountain and various state parks and recreation areas are offering to individuals and families under the "First Time Campers" program this year, for only $20 for a two nights stay. For the Fourth of July weekend, opportunities are still available in the western Upper Peninsula and southern Michigan.

Do you want to store your camper or boat between visits and save fuel? Back by popular demand, the "Gas Saving Camper Storage Program" is being offered again this year at approximately 32 state park locations. You can store your camper or boat for up to 14 days if you have a reservation to return within that time.

Just looking to get outdoors for a day or two and relax in the sun, maybe with a good book? Then visit your local library to see what the Library of Michigan, Macy's, The Hammock Company and your Michigan state parks are offering to library card-holders under the "Park and Read" program. This program offers library cardholders a one-day free pass into any Michigan state park or recreation area in lieu of a resident daily motor vehicle permit. That's a one-time savings of $6.

Information about these money saving programs can be found on the Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under Recreation, Camping & Boating.

Events

If you're just looking for something fun to do, check out the Get Outdoors Calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors to see what events are taking place at state parks or recreation areas near you. For the Fourth of July weekend and the month of July, we have everything from fireworks, bike and lighted boat parades, cookouts, classic car and antique tractor shows, a hot air balloon festival, triathlons, old fashion days, Christmas in July, a poker paddle, civil war enactments, and numerous presentations on birds of prey, creatures of ice, endangered species, freighters of the Great Lakes, wood shaving, and Petoskey stone polishing. The calendar is updated as events are planned.

Alternative Camping Ideas

For a more non-traditional approach to camping, there are some state parks and recreation areas that also offer cabins, mini-cabins, lodges, yurts and even teepees that are available to rent all year. Also, don't forget to check out some of the state harbors if you are a boater to determine where slips are available to reserve this summer.

Reservations for harbor slips, campsites, cabins, mini-cabins, teepees, and yurts can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by contacting the reservation call center at 800-447-2757.

The DNR also manages 133 state forest campgrounds throughout the northern Lower Peninsula and the UP. These campgrounds are more rustic than state parks, and are geared toward those who simply want to pitch a tent. These campgrounds are not in the state park reservation system, and campsites in them are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, go to www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails.

For more information about a specific state park or recreation area, camping opportunities, events or accessibility, visit the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under the Recreation, Camping & Boating section, or contact the Lansing Office at (517) 373-9900 (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired).

Motor Vehicle Permits for the 2009 season are available to purchase at any state park or recreation area, or on the DNR's Web site through the Michigan e-Store. Cost is $24 for a resident annual motor vehicle entrance permit, or $6 for a resident daily permit. A nonresident annual permit is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8. Resident annual senior discount permits are $6 and can only be purchased in person at a state park or recreation area, and will require a valid driver's license and vehicle registration. Boating access site permits are also available at $24 for an annual permit and $6 for a daily permit. Permits are not required for state forest campgrounds.

Join the DNR in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Michigan State Parks (1919-2009) this year. Events are being posted at www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors, and 90th anniversary memorabilia can be purchased online at www.michigan.gov/dnr through the Michigan e-Store.