News Photo by Crystal Nelson Kenneth, 5, and Addy Perrier, 11, both of Traverse City, and Anthony Galloway, 11, of Alpena, chat and have a snack on Thursday in the Long Lake Park campground.

ALPENA — Campgrounds around the state have recently opened or are on the verge of doing so, and demand is high.

Campgrounds in Alpena, which opened to the public on June 6, are seeing high booking and occupancy rates, owners said. Campgrounds owned by the state open June 22, and high reservation numbers are expected at those sites, as well.

The camping season is getting off to a late start because of the COVID-19 pandemic and state-ordered shutdowns meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Despite that, campground managers said, there is no shortage of people ready to set up their tents or park their camper for some relaxing recreation.

Sunken Lake campground in Alpena County is off to a busy start to its season, Manager Greg Mote said. Thus far, the park has been busy, and he anticipates it will remain that way for the balance of the summer and fall.

Last year was a record-setting year, Mote said, as he exceeded budgeted revenue by 130%. If things continue as they are now, another record could be broken this year.

“We’re doing really well, and probably better than last year,” he said. “We opened and have pretty much been full since. I think there is a pent-up demand, and people are happy to get out of the house and have something to do. We’re filling up our calendar pretty fast.”

The same can be said about Long Lake Park and Beaver Lake Park, also in Alpena County. Beaver Lake Manager Earl Martin said seasonal campers, who usually stay all season, have already set up shop and, now, other customers are starting to fill the 57 lots at the campground.

He said he didn’t have high expectations when opening, but he feels better now.

“I expected lower numbers than what we have seen, so that was a nice surprise,” Martin said. “It has been picking up slowly, and July is really booking fast, now.”

Although the state campgrounds aren’t open, yet, there are indications occupancy rates will be high right off the bat, Ron Olson, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation chief, said.

“The demand is strong, and what we are seeing is positive,” Olson said. “There have been a ton of people using the day-use operations, probably more than we have ever seen, and we expect this year to be huge.”

Olson said people who intend to camp at state parks will be required to wear masks anytime they go indoors to one of the bathroom or shower facilities, and campers should bring their own hand sanitizer. He said practicing social distancing is also expected from guests.

“It is basically the same rules and regulations that have been talked about a million times,” he said. “We are asking everyone to do their part to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe, yet still have fun and enjoy Michigan’s parks.”

Over the last couple weeks, Mote has noticed another sign this will be a strong season for camping and the economy is bouncing back.

“I have noticed that a lot of people have bought new campers, and big ones, too,” Mote said. “They aren’t going to buy them and then not go camping. I think that is another key indicator that we’re going to be very busy.”