Fireworks-Free Fourth of July Camping Offered

Fireworks-Free Fourth of July Camping Offered
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Quieter camping options for veterans, others at several state parks
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It's not too early to reserve your favorite campground spot.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency again have collaborated to offer Fireworks-Free Fourth of July alternative camping options for veterans and other visitors seeking a quieter holiday this season. Several Michigan state parks and recreation areas will participate July 1-4.

For the third year in a row, the DNR and the MVAA have worked together to offer alternative camping options for those veterans and other visitors, including pet owners, looking for...

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...a calmer Fourth of July. These participating campgrounds are located farther away from traditional community firework displays. 

“We are pleased to help honor our veterans by offering alternative camping options for veterans, or anyone, who wants a quieter experience in Michigan's great outdoors,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. "It's early enough that campsite reservations are still available in all of these parks."

Camping reservations can be made up to six months in advance, which means that the window to reserve these campsites is already here. To check camping availability and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

“We are proud to partner with the DNR to offer those veterans seeking quieter Fourth of July alternative options,” Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director James Robert Redford said. "Post-traumatic stress injury, also known as post-traumatic stress disorder, can occur after a person has been through a traumatic event. For some, fireworks and other loud, unexpected noises can trigger intense feelings of stress, fear or anger, and Fireworks-Free Fourth provides an alternative when celebrating our nation’s freedom.”

The following parks will host *Fireworks-Free Fourth of July, July 1-4:
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• Bewabic State Park (Iron County)
• Brighton Recreation Area-Bishop Lake Campground (Livingston County)
• Cheboygan State Park (Cheboygan County)
• Craig Lake State Park (Baraga County)
• Hayes State Park (Lenawee County)
• Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County)
• Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County)
• Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County)
• Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County)
• Tippy Dam Recreation Area (Manistee County)
• Wells State Park (Menominee County)

*Fireworks-Free Fourth of July parks are located far from community displays; however, the DNR cannot guarantee that fireworks will not be set off near the state parks. Aerial fireworks such as Roman candles and bottle rockets are not allowed in Michigan state parks at any time, but small, low-impact fireworks such as fountain fireworks, sparklers and ground spinners are allowed.