Petoskey, Michigan‘s Blissfest Music Organization this month fulfilled a dream that was a decade in the making—opening a campground on the 40-acre Bliss Township property, a report said.
The new venture results from the Blissfest organization being forced to cancel its eponymous music festival (typically held in July) twice in a row because of the COVID-19 virus.
According to Cindy McSurely, Blissfest executive director, the campground lets the company make more use of its facilities and diversify its revenue sources.
“We have this beautiful piece of property that is used for three days of the year,” she said, though she added that there is a disc golf course on the property that is open year-round.
The idea has been in the works for the last few years. McSurely stated that the group received its first approval from the county around 10 years ago.
“It was a dream of the leadership of the organization at that time and it is part of the strategic planning process,” she said. Over the years, the organization has tackled different infrastructure projects associated with opening a campground, and with the past year being quiet due to the pandemic as far as canceling the festival, two years of festival cancelations, we took that time to finish the campground.
The grounds comprise 35 rustic campsites, three small cabins, and two domes. Twenty-five of the sites are drive-in areas open to tents and recreational vehicles but without electric connections or direct running water. A third section, named “Hardwood Haven” consists of ten walk-in-only campsites that are only open to tents.
The campsite has a solar shower facility and portable restrooms along with occasional activities on the premises that are in line with the Blissfest mission.
In the course of each day, the group will host “folkschool” sessions, which might include lessons in ukulele, harmonica, or other folk art forms.
Visitors are also able to register for these activities on a single-day basis without booking camping at the campsite.
The campground is now accepting reservations. However, prospective guests have only a short period of time to make their plans for this year. The campground will be open until the end of the season. It is scheduled to close on October 24.
On its reopening next year, guests can begin booking reservations as early as January and the first openings will take place in May. The facility will be closed during the two weeks during Blissfest to allow for the setup, the event, and teardown.
Amazing, the campground plans to feature live music performances and collaborate with the community. The blend of nature and music, along with cultural activities, makes it a distinctive and immersive experience. Can’t wait to experience it!
Have you heard about Blissfest’s new campground? It’s not just a place to stay. it’s a hub for music, arts, and community vibes. Join the fun, celebrate culture, and get creative in nature!