Muskegon State Park and the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex are pleased to announce that after 14 years without winter camping, the park will offer 20 rustic winter campsites this year.

In 2013, park staff started using a word-of-mouth approach to test the frozen waters and encourage groups to try this venturesome winter activity. During that first year, the park offered winter camping to more than 10 camps (scouts, organizations and individuals). After that successful season, Muskegon State Park staff worked with Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Executive Director Jim Rudicil to gradually reintroduce rustic winter camping to the park.

Winter camping at the park costs $18 per night for a 30-amp site and $20 per night for a 50-amp site. Rustic winter campsites can be used for tents, trailers or motorhomes. In addition to rustic winter campsites, Muskegon State Park also offers two mini-cabins and a yurt for a modern camping experience. Walk-in reservations are available from a phone located on-site, near the Lake Michigan Campground Office. Advance reservations can be made at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

Despite the initial hesitation of some at the idea of camping in Michigan's cold and snowy months, Muskegon State Park lead worker Matt Schwemin assures visitors that it can be a worthwhile experience to brave the cold.

"Winter camping is not as absurd as many think," said Schwemin. "With the right equipment and an adventurous attitude, it can be a really fun way to shake the winter blues."

Muskegon State Park's Lake Michigan Campground is located across the street from the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, which means that there's plenty of nearby adventure for winter campers to enjoy during their stay at the park.

The Winter Sports Complex, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, hosts the only publicly accessible luge track in North America. Other recreational offerings include more than 15 kilometers of ski trails (five miles of which are lit after dark), snowshoe trails, two acres of skating rinks, a sledding hill and an ice skating trail which is lit after dark. Equipment rentals are available, and visitors can also get a hot waffle and a cup of coffee or hot cocoa to warm up after enjoying the winter fun. The complex is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex also offers a variety of events throughout the winter.

For details about winter camping at Muskegon State Park, please call 231-744-3480. For more information on events and activities at the Winter Sports Complex, call 231-744-9629 or visit www.msports.org.

Inside Michigan's Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.

A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check "YES" during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Contact: Matt Schwemin, 231-744-3480 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815