TRAVERSE CITY — Campgrounds across the state are expected to be at full capacity this weekend, with families trying to squeeze in one more long weekend of camping before the unofficial end to summer.
Courtney Cavanaugh and her family came up to Traverse City from Kalamazoo. She said there aren’t as many campgrounds downstate, and they want to make the most of their three-day Labor Day weekend.
“We’ve already been in the pool. We’ve been to the beach. We’ve been on the playgrounds. We’ve done all of the things. We’re here ‘til Sunday. So they have quite a few things up here,” said Cavanaugh.
Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort is open year-round but said they’re busiest during the summer. General manager Mike Rankens said this weekend brings people from all over.
“We get a lot of...people in Northern Michigan. It’s a close, easy campground to access. But then we do get a lot of people from downstate and other states,” said Rankens.
Cavanaugh said it’s her first visit to the campground, but so far she loves what they have to offer.
“No responsibilities. It’s freedom. The kids can play, you can relax as a parent. Just having that time and being out in nature,” she said.
Other campers like Samantha Balch from East Jordan and her extended family come here every year.
“Typically my parents go. My sister-in-law goes now. My aunt’s been going with us, so we always get a big group together and we go,” said Balch.
She said even though school has already started for her kids, they wanted to get in one last trip.
“You can just be here and be with the family and just kind of do your own thing. There’s no time rush. There’s no schedule. You’re just relax,” said Balch.