Michigan State Parks and Gander Mountain are offering an unbelievable deal to first-time campers: for just $20, newbie’s will nab two nights at one of the many participating state park campgrounds in Michigan—the walk-to-the-bay Traverse City State Park and beautiful Baraga State Park in the Upper Peninsula among them—plus a free welcome kit filled with details on what to pack, what to expect, and what to wear.
To boot, after check-in at the site, DNR staff will walk campers through the process of setting up camp: This will include information on putting up a tent, starting a campfire, and cooking on a camp stove.
No camp stove? No worries. Gander Mountain and the DNR have you covered there too, lending your group all the gear you’ll need—from tent to fishing poles—to ensure your first time overnight in the great outdoors is nothing short of wonderful. (Note: While you won’t be able to keep the gear you use, Gander Mountain will offer great discounts on all the equipment you’re trying out. Click here to see the list of gear Gander Mountain will lend you.)
How to Sign Up
Give a call to one of the participating campgrounds on the following page.