Gun Lake Campground in Yankee Springs Recreation Area is now open for reservations following a $5.5 million renovation project.
The upgrades, completed after the campground was closed for the 2024 season, are part of a broader effort to improve Michigan state parks using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The renovation at Yankee Springs Recreation Area addressed a range of infrastructure needs. Updates included repairing the Hall Lake Dam, replacing fishing piers in Gun Lake’s day-use area, and renovating restroom and concession facilities at Murphy’s Point.
Flooding issues at the Gun Lake campground were addressed through improvements to the stormwater system, and the electrical system was modernized alongside upgrades to roads, sanitary lift stations, and sewer lines.
A component of the project was the construction of a new campground office to replace the previous structure, which was destroyed by fire two years ago.
Reservations for the 2025 camping season are now available on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ reservation platform.
The funding for these improvements is part of $273 million allocated to Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources for 202 park projects.
Approved by the state legislature and signed into law in 2022 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, these funds have provided a substantial boost to the department’s budget. However, the DNR faces a 2026 deadline to have all projects either underway or completed.
Spanning more than 5,000 acres, Yankee Springs Recreation Area is known for its diverse terrain and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, and fishing.
It is home to landmarks such as the Devil’s Soup Bowl, Graves Hill Overlook, and the Pines. The park’s history dates back to 1835, when it was established as part of a stagecoach route between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
The newly renovated Gun Lake Campground is set to reopen in April, offering modern facilities and a refreshed experience for visitors.
