Committee approves 2026 camping fee increases to align with state parks; revenue to aid Pioneer bathhouse project

The Muskegon County Community Development and Strategic Planning Committee voted Aug. 14 to approve proposed 2026 overnight camping fee increases for county parks to move rates closer to nearby state parks.

Bob Lukens, Community Development Director, explained the proposal would set 2026 rates at $45 per night at Blue Lake and Pioneer Park (for 20–30 amp service) and $52 per night at Minor Park, representing a $7-per-night increase. Lukens said the change is intended to bring county rates more in line with nearby state parks and that the increase would not take effect until next year’s reservations. "This is requesting the fee increase out at our parks, to make us more in line with the state parks," Lukens said.

Lukens told commissioners revenue from the change will help address cost increases for a long-awaited bathhouse project at Pioneer Park. He said the county has a $300,000 DNR trust fund award and COVID-era funding and reserve funds will be combined to cover the revised project cost after design work trimmed the original design price. "The original cost for the design came in at $1,600,000 we were able to value engineer that down to $1,150,000," Lukens said.

Commissioners and a commissioner attending a parks and recreation committee meeting noted campers were not broadly opposed to higher rates but emphasized the need for improved park upkeep and service. Questions included whether fee revenue stays at the individual park (staff said it goes into the general parks fund) and whether road or parking areas at Pioneer need resurfacing; Lukens said resurfacing is on the county’s list.

The committee approved the fee changes by voice vote. Staff said the fee schedule would be implemented for reservations starting with the new year and that the county will continue work on the Pioneer bathhouse project.